Your Essential Summer Roof Inspection Checklist
Here in Central Texas, summer doesn’t just arrive; it makes a grand, sweltering entrance. The season brings long days of intense sun, triple-digit temperatures, and the ever-present threat of powerful thunderstorms rolling in with little warning. While we’re busy finding ways to stay cool indoors, our roofs are taking the full force of this seasonal onslaught.
This is precisely why a summer roof inspection is not just a good idea—it’s a critical piece of home maintenance. The combination of thermal shock (the stress on materials from cycling between extreme heat and cooler night temperatures) and storm season can expose hidden vulnerabilities. At Graduate Contracting, we believe in proactive care to prevent small issues from turning into major, costly emergencies.
Use this essential checklist to perform your own assessment. It will help you spot potential trouble and know exactly when to call in a professional to ensure your home is protected all season long.
The View from the Ground (Your Safe DIY Check)
You can learn a lot about your roof's health without ever leaving the ground. Grab a pair of binoculars and, on a clear day, walk around the perimeter of your home to look for these key indicators.
- ☐ Check for Curling or Cracked Shingles: Look at the slopes that get the most direct sun. Are the edges of the shingles turning upwards (curling) or do you see distinct cracks? Intense UV exposure and heat can bake the life out of asphalt shingles, making them brittle and inflexible. This is a clear sign of aging and heat damage.
- ☐ Scan for Missing Shingles: Pay close attention to the ridges and edges of the roof. Recent spring or early summer storms with high winds can easily tear off shingles that have been weakened by age or heat. Every missing shingle is a potential entry point for water.
- ☐ Look for Granules in Your Gutters: Check the downspout outlets for an accumulation of black, sand-like granules. These granules are the primary protective layer for your shingles. When they wash away, the shingle is exposed and will deteriorate rapidly. A few granules are normal, but a large accumulation is a warning sign.
- ☐ Examine Flashing and Vents: Look at the areas around your chimney, pipes, and any roof vents. Do you see any visible gaps, rust spots on the metal flashing, or sealant that looks cracked and dry? These penetration points are the most common sources of leaks.
- ☐ Note Any Streaking or Discoloration: Dark streaks on your roof are typically caused by algae (Gloeocapsa magma). While primarily cosmetic, heavy growth can trap moisture and indicates your shingles are retaining heat and water, a sign of older, less effective materials.
Inside Your Home (The Attic Inspection)
Your attic provides a direct look at the underside of your roof deck and is the first place a leak will show itself.
- ☐ Look for Daylight: On a bright day, go into your attic and turn off the lights. Look up at the roof deck. Do you see any pinpricks of light coming through? Even the smallest hole is an invitation for water during the next downpour.
- ☐ Check for Water Stains or Streaks: Scan the underside of the plywood roof deck and the rafters for any dark stains, streaks, or signs of moisture. Pay special attention to the areas around vents and chimneys.
- ☐ Examine the Insulation: Look for areas where the insulation appears damp, matted down, or discolored. This is a telltale sign of a slow, persistent leak that needs immediate attention.
- ☐ Note Musty Odors or Signs of Mold: A persistent musty smell or visible mold/mildew growth is a clear indicator of a moisture problem, likely stemming from a leak or poor attic ventilation.
The Professional Check-Up (When to Call Graduate Contracting)
If your checks from the ground or in the attic reveal any of the issues above, it’s time to call for a professional, hands-on inspection. Our trained experts will safely get on your roof to perform a detailed assessment that you can't do from the ground.
- ☐ A Hands-On Shingle and Flashing Test: We will physically inspect the integrity of shingles and test the seals around all flashing.
- ☐ A Check of All Penetrations: We’ll examine every vent, pipe, and seam for compromised seals or damage.
- ☐ A Gutter and Drainage System Review: We’ll ensure your gutters are clear and directing water away from your foundation effectively.
- ☐ A Comprehensive Condition Report: We provide you with a detailed report of our findings, complete with photos and clear recommendations, giving you the power to make an informed decision.
Don't let a small, sun-baked crack turn into a major summer storm catastrophe. Being proactive is the key to protecting your home and your peace of mind.
Spotted a warning sign on your checklist? Contact Graduate Contracting today to schedule a professional, no-obligation roof inspection and ensure your home is ready for whatever summer brings.
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Your roof is the ultimate protector of your home, silently taking a beating from the intense Texas sun, heavy rains, and seasonal storms. But just like any other part of your home, it has a finite lifespan. Letting it go too long without a replacement can turn a planned project into an emergency crisis, complete with leaks, water damage, and costly interior repairs. But how do you know when it's time? For most homeowners, the roof is out of sight and out of mind—until there's a problem. At Graduate Contracting, we believe in empowering you with the knowledge to make smart, proactive decisions about your home. This guide will help you evaluate your roof's age and recognize the critical signs that it’s time to start planning for a replacement . Look for the Telltale Signs of Aging You don’t need to be a roofing expert to spot some of the most common indicators that your roof is nearing the end of its service life. Grab a pair of binoculars or use your smartphone's zoom lens from a safe spot on the ground to look for these warning signs, especially on the south-facing slopes that get the most sun exposure. For Asphalt Shingle Roofs Curling or Clawing Shingles : As shingles age and lose their flexibility, the edges will begin to curl upwards or the tabs will start to lift in the middle, creating a "clawing" effect. This makes them highly susceptible to being torn off by wind. Widespread Granule Loss : Look in your gutters for an excessive amount of black, sand-like granules. These granules are the shingle's primary shield against UV rays. When they're gone, the shingle's underlying asphalt layer is exposed to the sun, causing it to become brittle and crack. Cracked or Missing Shingles : Obvious cracks or entire shingles that have been blown off are clear signs of a failing roof. One or two missing shingles might be a simple repair, but widespread issues indicate systemic failure. "Bald" Spots : Patches where the granules have completely worn away will look smooth or dark and are a serious red flag. Staining or Algae Growth (Gloeocapsa Magma) : While the dark streaks caused by algae are primarily a cosmetic issue, they can indicate moisture retention and are often seen on older, less reflective shingles. Consider the Lifespan of Your Roofing Material The age of your roof is a crucial piece of the puzzle. If you don’t have the installation records from a previous owner, a professional inspection can provide a close estimate. Here are the typical lifespans for common roofing materials in the demanding Central Texas climate: 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles : These are the most basic option and typically last 15-20 years. In Texas, the shorter end of that range is more realistic. Architectural/Laminate Shingles : A significant step up in durability and aesthetics, these shingles generally last 25-30 years, with some premium versions lasting even longer. Metal Roofs (Standing Seam) : Known for their exceptional longevity, a quality metal roof can last 40-70 years or more, offering superior resistance to wind and hail. Tile Roofs (Clay/Concrete) : Tile is another long-lasting material, often enduring for 50+ years. However, the underlayment beneath the tiles is what typically fails first and will likely need replacement after 20-30 years. Know When to Call a Professional While your own visual inspection can tell you a lot, it can't replace the trained eye of an expert. You should call for a professional roof assessment if: Your roof is approaching the 20-year mark. This is a critical milestone for most asphalt shingle roofs. You notice any of the visual warning signs mentioned above. Your neighbors are all getting new roofs. Homes in a subdivision are often built around the same time, so this can be a strong clue that your roof is also reaching the end of its life. You've experienced a significant hailstorm. Even if you don't see immediate damage, hail can drastically shorten your roof's lifespan and the damage may not be visible from the ground. The Graduate Contracting Assessment: Certainty and Peace of Mind At Graduate Contracting, our roof age and condition assessments are thorough and transparent. Our experts will get on the roof for a hands-on inspection, checking for subtle signs of wear and tear, assessing the condition of your flashing and ventilation, and providing you with a detailed report of our findings. We’ll give you an honest, data-backed opinion on your roof’s remaining life and help you understand your options. Whether you have a few years left and can get by with minor repairs, or it’s time to start budgeting for a replacement, our goal is to provide you with the information you need to protect your home effectively. Don't wait for a leak to tell you it's time. Be proactive. Contact Graduate Contracting today to schedule a comprehensive and professional roof assessment.