Roof Repair Checklist

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Diagnose

Identify the roof problem

Is it a leak, missing shingles, sagging, gutter damage, or ice dam? Pinpointing the symptom determines your next step.

Check for visible damage from the ground

Use binoculars to scan for missing, curling, or buckled shingles, damaged flashing, and sagging ridgelines without climbing up.

Inspect the attic for leaks

Look for daylight through the roof deck, water stains, damp insulation, and mold. The attic tells you more than the roof surface.

Check your roof age and materials

Asphalt shingles last 20-30 years, metal 40-70, tile 50-100. Knowing your roof age helps you decide between repair and replacement.

Document damage with photos

Photograph all damage from multiple angles. Date-stamped photos are essential for insurance claims and contractor quotes.

Shingles

Replace missing or blown-off shingles

Missing shingles expose the underlayment and deck to water. A single missing shingle can cause hundreds in water damage within weeks.

Fix curling or buckling shingles

Curling edges and buckling indicate age, poor ventilation, or improper installation. Seal down curling tabs with roofing cement.

Address cracked or split shingles

Cracked shingles let water seep underneath. Apply roofing sealant under the crack and press flat, or replace the shingle entirely.

Check for granule loss

Granules in gutters mean your shingles are deteriorating. Minor loss is normal on new roofs; heavy loss on older roofs signals replacement time.

Inspect and repair ridge cap shingles

Ridge caps take the most wind and sun abuse. Cracked or missing ridge caps let water into the highest point of your roof.

Flashing

Inspect chimney flashing

Chimney flashing fails more than any other roof component. Check for gaps, rust, cracked sealant, and separation from the chimney or roof.

Check vent pipe boots

Rubber boots around plumbing vents crack after 10-15 years. A cracked boot is one of the most common hidden leak sources.

Inspect valley flashing

Valleys channel the most water and are high-risk leak areas. Check for rust, holes, lifted edges, and debris buildup.

Reseal around skylights

Skylights leak at the flashing-to-frame junction. Check for cracked sealant, lifted flashing, and condensation between panes.

Check drip edge and eave flashing

Drip edge directs water into gutters instead of behind them. Missing or bent drip edge causes fascia rot and soffit damage.

Gutters

Clean gutters and downspouts

Clogged gutters cause water to back up under shingles and overflow against the foundation. Clean twice a year minimum.

Fix sagging or detached gutters

Gutters sag when hangers fail or fascia rots. Rehang with new brackets every 2 feet for proper slope and drainage.

Repair gutter leaks and holes

Leaky seams and small holes drip water against the foundation. Seal with gutter sealant or patch with metal and roofing cement.

Extend downspouts away from foundation

Downspouts should discharge water at least 4-6 feet from the foundation. Add extensions or splash blocks to prevent basement leaks.

Consider gutter guards

Gutter guards reduce cleaning frequency and prevent clogs. Screen, mesh, and reverse-curve styles each have trade-offs.

Interior

Trace a ceiling leak to its source

Water travels along rafters and sheathing before dripping down. The ceiling stain is rarely directly below the actual roof leak.

Check for mold and mildew in the attic

Dark stains on sheathing, musty smell, and fuzzy growth indicate moisture problems. Mold means water is getting in or ventilation is inadequate.

Inspect for water-damaged ceilings and walls

Peeling paint, bubbling drywall, and brown stains indicate active or past leaks. Press the area — soft spots mean ongoing moisture.

Check insulation condition

Wet or compressed insulation loses R-value and breeds mold. Replace damaged insulation after fixing the leak source.

Structure

Check for sagging roof deck

A roof that dips or sags between rafters indicates water damage to the sheathing or structural issues with the rafters themselves.

Inspect soffit and ridge vents

Blocked vents trap heat and moisture, accelerating shingle deterioration and causing ice dams. Ensure airflow from soffit to ridge.

Check fascia and soffit boards

Rotting fascia and soffits indicate chronic water exposure from failed gutters or ice dams. Replace damaged wood before it spreads.

Address ice dam prevention

Ice dams form when attic heat melts snow that refreezes at the eaves. Proper insulation, ventilation, and ice-and-water shield prevent them.

Call a Pro

Know when to call a roofer

Steep slopes, structural damage, large areas of missing shingles, and anything involving the roof deck require professional work.

Get multiple roofing quotes

Get 3 quotes minimum. Roofers charge $3-7 per square foot for repairs. Ask about warranties, materials, and cleanup.

Decide: repair or replace the roof

If more than 30% of the roof is damaged or it is past 80% of its expected lifespan, replacement usually makes more financial sense.

File an insurance claim if applicable

Storm damage, fallen trees, and hail are typically covered. Document everything, file promptly, and get an independent estimate.

Prevent future roof problems

Annual inspections, clean gutters, trim overhanging branches, and prompt repairs extend roof life by 5-10 years.

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