Why Regular Roof Inspections Matter

Most homeowners never look at their roof until there's a leak. By then, a $200 repair has become a $2,000 problem. Regular inspections catch small issues before they become expensive disasters.

Recommended Inspection Schedule:

• Twice per year: Spring (after winter damage) and fall (before winter)
• After major storms: High winds, hail, heavy snow
• Before buying/selling: Know what you're getting or what you need to disclose

Safety First: When to Stay Off the Roof

DO NOT climb on your roof if:

• Roof pitch is steeper than 6:12 (6 inches of rise per 12 inches of run)
• Roof is wet, icy, or covered in moss
• You're uncomfortable with heights
• You don't have proper footwear (soft-soled shoes with good grip)
• You're alone (always have someone nearby in case of emergency)

Alternative: Ground-Level and Attic Inspections

You can identify 70-80% of roof problems from the ground and attic. Use binoculars to inspect from the ground. Check the attic for water stains, daylight penetration, and moisture.

What to Inspect: The Complete Checklist

1. Shingles (Asphalt Roofs)

Look For:

• Missing Shingles: Obvious gaps where shingles have blown off
• Curling: Shingle edges lifting up (sign of aging or poor ventilation)
• Cracking: Visible cracks in shingle surface (thermal cycling damage)
• Granule Loss: Bare spots where ceramic granules have worn away
• Blistering: Bubbles or raised areas (manufacturing defect or moisture)
• Algae/Moss Growth: Black streaks (algae) or green growth (moss)

What's Normal vs. Concerning:

• Normal: A few granules in gutters after installation or storms
• Concerning: Bare spots visible from ground, heavy granule accumulation in gutters

2. Flashing (Critical Leak Points)

Inspect These Areas Carefully:

• Chimney Flashing: Look for gaps, rust, or missing counter flashing
• Valley Flashing: Check for rust, holes, or debris accumulation
• Pipe Boot Flashing: Inspect rubber boots for cracks (common failure point)
• Skylight Flashing: Look for gaps, cracks, or water stains on interior ceiling below
• Drip Edge: Check for rust, damage, or separation from fascia

Red Flags:

• Caulk used instead of proper flashing (caulk fails in 3-5 years)
• Rust holes in metal flashing
• Gaps between flashing and roof/wall surfaces
• Missing or damaged counter flashing on chimneys

3. Gutters and Downspouts

Check For:

• Debris Accumulation: Leaves, needles, granules
• Sagging: Gutters pulling away from fascia
• Rust or Holes: Especially at seams and corners
• Downspout Blockages: Run water through to test
• Fascia Rot: Behind gutters (indicates overflow or improper drip edge)

Granule Test:

Heavy granule accumulation in gutters indicates accelerated shingle wear. A handful is normal; multiple handfuls suggest your roof is nearing end of life.

4. Ventilation

From Outside:

• Ridge Vents: Check for blockages, damage, or missing caps
• Soffit Vents: Ensure they're not painted over or blocked
• Gable Vents: Look for damage or blockages

From Attic:

• Daylight Test: You should see daylight through soffit vents
• Insulation Check: Ensure insulation isn't blocking soffit vents
• Moisture Signs: Look for condensation, mold, or frost on rafters

5. Attic Interior (Critical for Early Detection)

Inspect For:

• Water Stains: Dark spots on roof deck or rafters
• Daylight Penetration: Light visible through roof deck (indicates holes)
• Mold/Mildew: Musty smell, black spots on wood
• Sagging Deck: Indicates structural damage or rot
• Wet Insulation: Compressed, discolored, or damp insulation

Fraser Valley Specific:

In our wet climate, attic moisture is common. The key is whether it's drying out. Check after a dry spell — if moisture persists, you have a ventilation or leak problem.

6. Structural Elements

From Ground:

• Sagging Ridge Line: Indicates structural failure
• Uneven Roof Planes: Suggests settling or rot
• Damaged Fascia/Soffit: Rot, holes, or animal damage

From Attic:

• Rafter Condition: Check for cracks, rot, or sagging
• Deck Condition: Look for soft spots, rot, or delamination

Fraser Valley Specific Inspection Points

Moss Growth (Agassiz, North-Facing Roofs)

• Moss retains moisture and accelerates shingle deterioration
• Check for moss lifting shingle edges
• Inspect for root penetration under shingles

Ice Dam Damage (Hope, Harrison Hot Springs)

• Look for water stains on eaves (interior ceiling)
• Check for damaged or missing shingles at eaves
• Inspect for ice & water shield visibility (should extend 3-6 feet from eaves)

Wind Damage (Hope, Exposed Chilliwack)

• Missing or lifted shingles
• Damaged ridge caps
• Torn or separated flashing

How to Document Your Inspection

Photo Documentation:

• Take photos of problem areas with date stamps
• Include wide shots for context and close-ups for detail
• Create a folder organized by inspection date

Inspection Log:

Keep a simple log:

• Date of inspection
• Weather conditions
• Issues found
• Actions taken (repairs, professional consultation)

Why This Matters:

Documentation helps you track deterioration over time and provides evidence for warranty claims or insurance.

When to Call a Professional

Immediate Professional Inspection Needed:

• Active leaks (water entering home)
• Structural sagging or damage
• Missing large sections of shingles
• Damaged flashing around chimneys or skylights
• Extensive moss growth
• Roof age 15+ years (even if no visible problems)

Professional Inspection Recommended:

• After major storms (wind, hail, heavy snow)
• Before buying or selling a home
• If you're uncomfortable inspecting yourself
• If you find problems but aren't sure of severity

The Bottom Line

A 30-minute inspection twice per year can save you thousands of dollars. Most roof problems start small and grow slowly. Catch them early, and you're looking at a $200-500 repair. Ignore them, and you're facing a $5,000-15,000 replacement.

At RJ Roofing Bros, we offer free inspections. But we also encourage homeowners to inspect their own roofs regularly. An informed customer is our best customer.

Need a professional inspection? Call (604) 997-1292 and we'll come out for free.