DIY checks, 6 min read
Safe DIY roof checks from the ground and the attic
You can learn a lot about your roof without ever climbing onto it. These checks help you spot problems early and know when it is time to call a roofer.
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The short answer
Homeowners can safely check a roof from the ground with binoculars and from the attic with a flashlight, looking for missing or broken tile, lifted shingles, damaged flashing, daylight, water stains and wet insulation. Do not walk on a tile roof and avoid climbing onto any roof, especially in Arizona heat. If you find stains, leaks or damage, call a licensed roofer.
Why stay off the roof
Falls from ladders and roofs cause serious injuries every year. Roofing crews use training and safety equipment for a reason. On top of the fall risk, Arizona roofs add a few hazards of their own.
- Tile breaks. Concrete and clay tile cracks when stepped on in the wrong spot, and a broken tile can lead to a leak.
- Heat. Roof surfaces in summer can get hot enough to burn skin, and heat exhaustion can set in quickly.
- Slick surfaces. Loose granules, dust, dew and monsoon rain make roofs slippery.
- Hidden damage. A weak or rotted deck may not hold your weight.
Plan your check
Pick a dry, calm day. In summer, do outdoor checks early in the morning when the light is good and temperatures are lower. Twice a year is a good habit, once before monsoon season starts on June 15 and once in the fall, plus a quick look after any big storm.
Bring binoculars or a phone with a good zoom, a notepad and a flashlight for the attic. Take photos each time so you can compare from year to year and show a roofer exactly what you saw.
What to look for from the ground
Walk all the way around the house and look at each roof slope. Step back far enough to see the upper areas, and check from across the street if you have a two-story home.
- Missing, cracked or slipped tiles, especially along ridges, hips and edges.
- Shingles that are missing, curling, creased or lifted, or patches of darker color where granules have worn away.
- Granules collecting in gutters or at downspout outlets.
- Bent, loose or missing flashing around chimneys, walls, vents and skylights.
- Damaged or missing roof vents and pipe boots.
- Sagging areas or a ridge line that is not straight.
- Peeling fascia paint or stained soffits, which can signal water at the roof edge.
- Birds, pigeons or debris under solar panels.
Check the attic with a flashlight
The attic shows you the underside of the roof, which is often where leaks show up first. In summer, Arizona attics can get dangerously hot, so go in the early morning or wait for a cooler month. Tell someone you are going up, and limit your time.
Step only on joists or a floored walkway. The drywall between joists will not hold you, and a misstep can put a foot through the ceiling. Watch for nails sticking through the roof deck overhead, and wear a mask, gloves and long sleeves around insulation.
- Water stains, dark spots or streaks on the underside of the roof deck and rafters.
- Wet, matted or discolored insulation.
- Daylight coming through the deck, other than at designed vents.
- Signs of pests, such as droppings or chewed insulation.
- Soffit vents blocked by insulation.
- Damp areas around plumbing vents, exhaust fans and chimneys.
What ceiling stains can tell you
A ceiling stain is often the first sign a roof is leaking, but it does not always sit directly under the problem. Water can travel along rafters, the underlayment or the top of drywall before it shows up. A stain near an exterior wall may point to flashing or an edge problem, while a stain near a bathroom may be plumbing or an exhaust fan instead of the roof.
Watch whether the stain grows after rain. A stain that only appears after storms usually means a roof leak. A stain that grows when it has not rained may be plumbing, an AC drain line or condensation. Take a photo and mark the edge of the stain with pencil so you can tell if it spreads.
Safe gutter and drain checks
If you have gutters or a flat roof with scuppers, clear drainage matters before monsoon season. If you use a ladder, set it on firm, level ground, extend it at least 3 feet above the edge you are working at and keep three points of contact. Have someone hold the ladder.
Never lean a ladder against a gutter that is loose, and do not step from the ladder onto a tile roof. If you cannot reach something safely from the ladder, leave it for a pro.
What not to do
- Do not walk on tile roofs; even a careful step can crack tiles.
- Do not go on any roof during or right after a storm, or in high heat.
- Do not pressure wash a roof; it can strip shingle granules, damage coatings and force water under tile.
- Do not seal over a leak with caulk or roofing cement from the top; this often traps water and hides the real source.
- Do not cut open blisters on flat or foam roofs.
- Do not work near overhead power lines or solar wiring.
When to call a pro
Call a licensed roofer if you see active leaks, ceiling stains, wet insulation, missing or broken tile, damaged flashing, exposed foam on a flat roof or anything you are unsure about. A professional roof inspection covers areas you cannot see from the ground, including underlayment and flashing under the tile. For repairs, see repairs and maintenance.
Call us at 602-548-3770, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm. If we don't answer, leave a message and we'll return your call within 24 hours. Every roof is different; our Roofing Cost Guide explains what affects the cost of repairs and replacement.
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Frequently asked questions
Still have a question? Call the office at 602-548-3770, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm.
How often should I check my roof myself?
Twice a year is a good routine, once before monsoon season and once in the fall. Also take a quick look from the ground after any major storm.
Can I walk on my tile roof if I am careful?
We recommend you do not. Concrete and clay tile can crack even under careful steps, and a cracked tile can let water reach the underlayment. Roofers know where to step and still sometimes need to replace tile.
Is it safe to go in my attic in summer?
Arizona attics can get extremely hot in summer, which can lead to heat exhaustion quickly. Go early in the morning or wait for cooler months, limit your time and tell someone you are up there.
What does daylight in my attic mean?
Light at designed vents is normal. Light coming through the roof deck itself can mean a hole or gap that water could also get through, and it should be checked by a roofer.
How do I know if a ceiling stain is from the roof?
If it appears or grows after rain, a roof leak is likely. If it changes when it has not rained, plumbing, an AC drain line or condensation may be the cause. A roofer can trace the source from the attic and roof.
What do binoculars help me see?
Binoculars let you spot broken or slipped tile, lifted shingles, damaged flashing and worn vents from the safety of the ground. Taking photos through a phone zoom works too and gives you a record.
Should I use roof sealant to fix a small leak?
We do not recommend it. Sealant on top of the roof often traps water or sends it somewhere else, and it makes the real problem harder to find. It is better to have the source found and repaired properly.
What should I tell a roofer when I call?
Describe where the stain or damage is, when you first noticed it and whether it changes after rain. Photos from the ground and attic are very helpful.
Let's take a look at your roof.
Call the office at 602-548-3770 to schedule an estimate, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm. If we don't answer, leave a message and we'll return your call within 24 hours.