Spring Roof Inspection Checklist.

The Central Valley's winter delivers months of rain, wind, and the occasional hail event. By March, most homeowners are ready to move on. But your roof absorbed every drop. A focused spring inspection catches small problems while they are still small.

This checklist covers what to look for, where to look, and when to call a professional. It takes about 30 minutes from the ground and attic. No ladder climbing required for most of it.

Start from the Ground.

Walk the edge of your house and look up. You do not need to be on the roof for this part. You are looking for visible changes since fall.

• Missing or displaced shingles. Wind and rain loosen shingles over time. Even one missing tab exposes the underlayment to UV and water.
• Shingle debris in the yard or gutters. Granule loss is normal in small amounts. Piles of granules in your gutters mean the shingles are degrading faster than expected.
• Sagging or uneven roofline. A straight roofline that now has a dip indicates possible structural damage from moisture intrusion.
• Staining on exterior walls. Dark streaks below the roofline often point to failed flashing or gutter overflow.

Check Your Gutters and Downspouts.

Gutters are the first line of defense after the roof itself. A full winter of leaves, debris, and standing water takes a toll. Clogged gutters cause water to back up under the roof edge — the number-one cause of fascia rot in the Central Valley.

• Clear all debris. Leaves, seed pods from valley oaks, and dirt accumulate fast between November and March.
• Run water through each downspout. If water backs up or drains slowly, there is a blockage. Left unchecked, this pushes water toward your foundation.
• Check for separation or sagging. Gutter hangers weaken over time, especially after carrying the weight of wet debris all winter.

If your gutters are damaged or past their useful life, we offer seamless gutter installation and gutter repair services.

Inspect the Attic.

The attic tells you what the roof surface cannot. Grab a flashlight and check these areas:

• Water stains on rafters or decking. Fresh stains (darker color, possibly damp) indicate active leaks that need immediate attention.
• Daylight through the roof boards. If you can see light, water is getting in. Period.
• Mold or mildew smell. Persistent moisture after rain season creates conditions for mold growth. This is both a health and structural concern.
• Insulation condition. Wet or compressed insulation loses its R-value. This means higher energy bills when the triple-digit summer heat arrives.

Look at the Flashing.

Flashing is the metal that seals joints around chimneys, vents, skylights, and where the roof meets a wall. It is the most leak-prone area on any roof. Winter expansion and contraction cycles can pull flashing away from the surface, creating gaps that let water in during the next rain.

From the ground with binoculars, check for gaps, rust, or lifted edges. If you see any of these, schedule an expert inspection. Flashing repairs done early cost a fraction of what water damage repairs cost later.

When to Call a Professional.

Some things are hard to assess from the ground. If you notice any of the following, an expert inspection is the right next step:

• Many areas of concern (not just one isolated shingle)
• Active water stains or dripping in the attic
• Your roof is over 15 years old and has never been inspected
• Neighbors on your street have recently replaced their roofs
• You experienced a specific storm event with hail or high wind

Econo Roofing provides free roof estimates across the Central Valley. Our inspectors walk the roof, check the attic, and give you a written estimate. No cost, no obligation. Learn more about what happens during a roof inspection.

If your roof sustained storm damage over the winter, our storm damage and insurance team can document the damage and help you file a claim before carrier deadlines pass. We hold certifications from all three major manufacturers, which means any repairs are backed by the strongest warranties available.

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