Roofing experts recommend at least two roof inspections per year. Although the simplest solution is to hire roofing professionals to inspect the roof on your behalf, self-inspection is more beneficial, except in cases of extreme damage. Self-inspection helps you to save money while gaining an intimate understanding of your roofing.

Develop a roof maintenance checklist

If you decide to inspect and maintain your roofing, it's advisable to create a list for the inspections. The checklist ensures that you do not ignore or overlook some elements. A complete checklist also acts as a proof of regular maintenance in case you submit a warranty or insurance claim.

The most important things to include in your checklist are the following elements.

1. Internal signs of roof problems

Examine the interior parts of the building for any mould drips and leaks, peeling paints, mildew, water stains and other signs of water damage. If you find any, you will be sure that your roof is leaking. If you stay in areas with high snow load, carry out an annual inspection on beams and trusses for any rust, rot, cracking and any other sign of structural stress.

2. Roof surface

Does the roof show any signs of weathering or damage? If your roof is flat, make a note of any tears or holes, deep cracks and blistering on abrasions. Also, take it as a red sign if your flat roof collects standing water at one point.

And if you have a gravel top roof, inspect it to confirm if the gravel layer is uniform. For the metal roofs, looking for any damaged panels and check for correction. Take note of any moss or fungus growing on the surface.

Finally, for any roof, look for any accumulated debris or dirt. The dirt clogs drain and cause the roofing surface to decay prematurely. Fallen tree leaves or limbs can also damage your roof elements.

3. Old repairs

In most cases, the previous repairs tend to be the first to fail. If your roof has any old repair spots, list them separately on your checklist and inspect them. 

Final word

A checklist helps you to prioritise issues. It also helps you to know what you can handle on your own and what you should involve a professional. Apart from the twice-per-year checkups, inspect your roof in the wake of severe hurricanes, hailstorms, tornadoes or strong winds. Ensure the pipes do not have cracks, don't sag and do not dig into the roof membrane. When your roofing is beyond repair, change it immediately to prevent future issues.