Rosie on the House: Simple ways to keep an eye on your roof

The key is knowing what to look for and recognizing when it's time to call in an expert.

Start with a ground-level inspection 

One of the easiest things homeowners can do is take a walk around their property every few months and look up. If mature trees surround your home, keeping an eye on debris is especially important.

Tree debris may be visible in the valleys. If the roof is flat and surrounded by many trees, this could be a problem if no one has cleaned it. It is important to note that a flat roof drains through a scupper system. When the scuppers fill with debris, the roof can back up, causing the water to pool and possibly cause leaks. Leaves, twigs and other debris can trap moisture and prevent proper drainage, especially on flat or low-slope roofs. Over time, that buildup can contribute to premature wear if left unattended.

After a storm, it's also worth taking another look from the ground. Strong winds can loosen or shift roofing materials, even if there are no obvious issues inside the home.

Look for blown-off roof tiles and/or shingles. Sometimes tiles can flip up, and you should be able to spot that from the ground.

If something doesn't look quite right, resist the temptation to investigate up close. A professional inspection is the safest next step.

Know where problems hide 

Many roofing issues don't begin in the middle of the roof — they often develop around the areas where vents, pipes, skylights and other features pass through the roofing system.

Roof penetrations are the most problematic areas.

While these details may not be easy to inspect from the ground, it's helpful to understand that these locations typically require extra attention during routine maintenance and professional inspections. Another common question is how often roofs should be checked. The answer depends partly on your surroundings.

Anytime of the year is good for inspections, and again, if there are a lot of trees, then more inspections might be needed.

Seasonal weather, falling branches and accumulated debris can all impact a roof's condition, making regular visual checks a smart habit.

Why professional roof inspections are important

Perhaps the most valuable piece of advice is also the simplest: leave roof inspections to the professionals. Expert roofers know how to spot subtle signs of wear that homeowners may miss, and they can safely access areas that aren't visible from the ground. As a reminder, homeowners should avoid climbing onto the roof themselves.

By performing visual inspections from the ground, especially after storms, keeping an eye out for debris and damaged roofing materials, and scheduling professional inspections, homeowners can help extend the life of their roof while avoiding unnecessary safety risks.

A little preventative maintenance can go a long way toward protecting one of your home's most important investments. Learn more at pinnacleroofingaz.com or rosieonthehouse.com.

Rosie Tip: If you discover a leak in the ceiling and it has created a drywall bubble, put a 5-gallon bucket under it and make a hole in the drywall for water to run through so that the drywall won’t collapse. With a light fixture or fan, same thing: put a bucket under it, but you don’t obviously have to make any holes around those. The next course of action is to call a qualified roofer.