Roof Maintenance Checklist

Most leaks start small: a cracked vent boot, a clogged gutter, a lifted shingle. Spend an hour each season on this checklist and you'll catch them early. Your ticks are saved on this device.

Last reviewed September 2026

1.Look over the roof from the ground with binoculars for missing, cracked or curled shingles after winter.
2.Clean gutters and downspouts and check they drain away from the house.
3.Check the attic for water stains, damp insulation or daylight through the roof boards.
4.Inspect flashing around the chimney, vents and skylights for lifted metal or cracked sealant.

Found something? Use the roof leak finder to work out the cause and cost.

Roof maintenance questions

How often should a roof be inspected?

Look it over yourself from the ground each spring and fall and after major storms. A professional inspection every few years, or when buying a home, catches problems that are hard to see.

What roof maintenance can I do myself?

Cleaning gutters, trimming branches, checking the attic for stains and scanning the roof from the ground with binoculars are all safe DIY tasks. Leave work on steep or high roofs to a roofer.

How much does roof maintenance cost?

Many tasks are free if you do them yourself. Professional gutter cleaning typically costs $120–$230 per visit, and minor repairs found during an inspection often cost a few hundred dollars.