How often should you inspect your roof for damage?

Skipping it eventually leads to water damage or an expensive repair.

Staying on schedule matters beyond the repair bill: a consistent maintenance record is one of the factors in a home's Roots Home Health Score, and well-kept homes typically sell faster and closer to asking price.

How to do it

The roof is the house's first defense, and small failures (lifted shingles, cracked flashing) leak into the attic long before a ceiling stain appears. A twice-yearly look, plus after big storms, catches them cheaply.

1. From the ground with binoculars, scan for missing, cracked, curled, or lifted shingles.
2. Look closely at flashing around chimneys, vents, and valleys, where most leaks start.
3. Check the gutters for shingle granules, which signal aging shingles wearing out.
4. In the attic, look for daylight, water stains, or damp insulation on the underside of the roof.

Alternatives & optional extras

• Stay off the roof; inspect from the ground and the attic, and send a roofer up for anything that needs a closer look.
• Always inspect after hail, high winds, or a heavy storm, when fresh damage is most likely.

Time: 30 minutes · Typical cost: Free to inspect

If you skip it

Lifted shingles and cracked flashing leak into the attic and structure long before a ceiling stain shows, turning a cheap fix into a rot-and-mold repair.

Related systems to keep on schedule

• Gutters & downspouts — start with: clean gutters and downspouts, every 6 months
• Chimney / fireplace — start with: schedule chimney sweep and inspection, once a year, ideally in September
• Garage door — start with: test garage door auto-reverse and safety eyes, every 6 months
• Siding / exterior — start with: inspect siding, trim, and exterior caulk, once a year, ideally in May