Roof Inspection Checklist and Tips from the Roofing Company Dublin Homeowners Trust

Spring in Dublin is finally here, and after the long, cold winter, most of us are ready to enjoy some sunshine and get back to our routines. But before you jump into gardening or outdoor projects, it’s a good idea to take a look at your roof. Even if it looks fine from the ground, winter can leave behind damage you might not notice right away, which is why having a solid roof inspection checklist is so helpful this time of year .

This post will walk you through five simple things to check that can help catch small issues early, save money, and give you peace of mind before spring storms roll in .

1. Visual Roof Inspection Checklist for Homeowners

You don’t need to climb up there yourself (and honestly, we don’t recommend it), but it’s smart to do a visual once-over after winter. A paid of binoculars can help, or even just standing back in your yard and really looking at things.

What to look for:

• Shingles that look curled, cracked, or missing
• Dark streaks or off discoloration
• Flashing (that metal stuff around vents or chimneys) that’s bent or out of place
• Anything that may look off

Also, if you can safely get into your attic, check for signs of moisture like damp insulation, stains on the wood, and light coming through where it shouldn’t.

Add these points to your roof inspection checklist so you remember what to look for next time around. If anything seems off, call a pro to take a closer look.

2. Clean Out Those Gutters (We Know, We Know)

Nobody loves gutter cleaning, but it’s one of those small jobs that saves you from big headaches later. When gutters get clogged with leaves and gun, water doesn’t drain properly. It can back up under your shingles or overflow onto your siding and foundation.

A few tips:

• Use gloves, a scoop, and a bucket
• Rinse everything with a hose to make sure water is flowing freely
• Check that downspouts are pointing away from your home (ideally 4 to 6 feet)

Gutters are often overlooked on a roof inspection checklist, but they’re a key piece of keeping your home dry and damage-free.

If you’re tired of doing this every spring, consider gutter guards. They’re not perfect, but they help.

3. Include Siding and Exterior in your Roofing Maintenance Checklist

Spring is a good time to give the rest of your home’s exterior a once-over too, especially the siding. It’s easy to miss small damage that happened during the winter storms, and catching it early can prevent water and mold issues later.

Things to look for:

• Cracks, dents, or warped panels
• Mold, mildew, or weird streaks
• Places where siding is loose or pulling away

It’s not always about looks. Your siding plays a big role in keeping your home dry and energy efficient. If you spot something questionable, snap a photo so you can get a second opinion later.

4. Feel a Draft? Your Windows and Doors Might be Talking to You

If you’re noticing cold air sneaking in around your windows and doors, or if your energy bill was higher than usual this winter, spring is a great time to check for drafts and consider sealing things up.

Try this simple test:

• Light a candle or stick of incense and move it slowly around the edges of your windows and doors. If the smoke flickers or pulls in one direction, you’ve found a leak.

Other signs:

• Condensation between windowpanes
• Peeling caulk or loose weather stripping
• That one room that’s always colder or warmer than the rest

Upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors can help keep your house more comfortable and cut down on your bills, but even a little caulking can go a long way.

5. Look up. What Are Your Trees Doing?

We love the mature trees around Dublin neighborhoods, but branches hanging too close to your roof can cause trouble. They can scratch up shingles or, worse, break and fall during a spring storm.

What to check:

• Branches hanging over or resting on your roof
• Dead limbs that look like they wouldn’t survive a windy day
• Leaves or sticks piled up in gutters or roof valleys

Trim things back a few feet from your roof if you can or call in a tree pro if it’s too much to do safely, Better safe than sorry.

These steps may not seem like part of a traditional roof inspection checklist, but they go a long way in protecting your roof year-round.