Fall Roof Checklist

The start of a new season is a great time to take care of roof maintenance. We recommend having your roof inspected twice a year, once in spring and once in fall. In Arizona, fall timing is especially useful: your roof has just come through months of extreme heat and a monsoon season that officially runs from June 15 to September 30.

Damage from those months is not always obvious. If it is not addressed in the fall, winter rains can find their way through, leaving you with more costly repairs. Before the cooler, wetter months arrive, work through this checklist.

Trim trees that hang over or near your roof. Large branches pose a real risk: if they break during wind, they can crack tiles, damage shingles and even puncture the roof deck. Branches that rub against the roof wear down the surface over time. Leaves and twigs also collect in gutters and valleys, causing blockages that hold moisture against the roof. For large trees, hire a tree professional.

The condition of the attic has a big effect on your roof. With a flashlight, and stepping only on framing:

• Make sure insulation is not covering the vents in the eaves (soffit vents). Clear vents allow airflow that helps release heat and moisture.
• Look for water stains, damp insulation or daylight through the roof deck.
• Check for signs of rodents, such as droppings or chewed materials. If you find them, call a pest control company.

Alongside the roofing material itself, flashing is one of the most important parts of your roof. Flashing seals the joints where the roof meets walls, chimneys, skylights, vents and valleys, keeping water out of those gaps. Summer heat can cause flashing to warp, and monsoon winds can loosen it. From the ground with binoculars, look for flashing that is bent, lifted, rusted or separated. Learn more in roof flashing repair signs.

Clear gutters help move water off your roof. Monsoon dust and debris often leave gutters, downspouts and flat-roof drains partly blocked. When water cannot escape, it can back up under roofing or pond on flat roofs. Remove leaves, twigs, dirt and debris so water flows freely. If cleaning gutters requires climbing onto the roof, leave it to a professional.

Asphalt shingles are popular for their durability, value and simple maintenance, but heat and storms eventually take a toll. Look for missing, curled or cracked shingles. On tile roofs, look for broken or slipped tiles. Either way, have damaged pieces replaced promptly, because each gap exposes the underlayment beneath to sun and rain and can lead to more expensive repairs.

If part of your home has a flat roof, check for worn coating, exposed foam, cracks or areas where water ponded during monsoon rains. Fall is a good time to schedule repairs or a recoat before winter.

Some things are best left to a professional. A roofer can examine every part of the roof safely and point out areas of concern, along with options to correct them. A professional fall inspection typically covers the roof surface, underlayment where visible, flashing, penetrations such as pipes, vents and solar mounts, drainage and coatings. You get a clear picture of what the summer did to your roof and a plan for any repairs before winter weather sets in. Please stay off your roof yourself, particularly if it is tile, which cracks easily underfoot.

Payne Roofing takes every roof we service seriously. Our experienced roofers will check every corner and crevice to make sure your roof is ready for fall and winter, and we will explain anything we find. Call 480-988-9250 or learn more about our roof inspections.