Fall Roof Check: 6 Things to Look For Before Winter

Fall is a good time to look at your roof. The weather is mild, the leaves have not buried the gutters yet, and a small problem found now costs far less than the same problem found after a winter of freezing and thawing. You do not need to climb up to get most of the answers.

1. Scan the shingles from the ground

Walk the perimeter of the house with a pair of binoculars. Look for shingles that are cracked, curling at the edges, or missing altogether. Also look for bare patches where the surface has worn away, since those areas no longer shed water the way they should.

2. Check the gutters for shingle grit

A little grit in the gutters is normal on a newer roof. Heavy amounts of it, especially at the bottom of downspouts, can be a sign the shingles are shedding the granules that protect them from sun and weather.

3. Look closely at flashing

Flashing is the metal that seals the joints around chimneys, vents, skylights, and where a roof meets a wall. It is one of the most common places for leaks to start. Look for gaps, rust, lifted edges, or sealant that has cracked and pulled away.

4. Notice sags, low spots, and heavy moss

• A roofline that dips or looks uneven can point to a structural or decking problem.
• Dark streaks are often surface staining, but thick moss holds moisture against the shingles.
• Branches touching the roof can scrape shingles and drop debris that traps water.

5. Check the attic on a dry day

Bring a flashlight and look at the underside of the roof deck. Dark stains, damp insulation, a musty smell, or pinpoints of daylight are all worth noting. Stains that look old may be from past leaks, so mark the spot and check it again after the next heavy rain.

6. Write down what you find

Take photos and note the date. If something turns out to be storm damage later, a record of the roof's condition before winter makes conversations with your insurance company and your contractor much easier.

Not sure what you are looking at?

Gerkin Construction inspects roofs for homeowners throughout Bedford, Mitchell, Paoli, and nearby communities. We will look at what is there, show you photos, and tell you plainly whether it needs attention now, later, or not at all.