Roofs do not usually fail all at once; they fail at a dried-out boot, a clogged valley, or a lifted shingle that nobody noticed. A little seasonal attention catches those for a fraction of what the eventual leak costs. Here is a checklist for Nebraska homes, built around our spring storm season and hard winters.
Spring (after the freeze-thaw and first storms)
- Check pipe boots and rubber gaskets, the first thing to crack in our sun.
- Clear winter debris from valleys and gutters so water drains.
- Look for wind-lifted or missing shingles after spring storms.
- After any hail, get a free inspection before the claim window closes.
Fall (before winter sets in)
- Clean gutters and downspouts so meltwater has somewhere to go.
- Check attic ventilation and insulation to prevent ice dams.
- Reseal exposed fasteners and inspect flashing at chimneys and walls.
- Trim branches that overhang and abrade the roof.
What to watch for year-round
Granules in the gutters, stains on the ceiling, and daylight in the attic are all early warnings. Most of these trace back to the failure points in our guide on common roof leaks.
When to call a pro
Anything that requires getting on the roof is worth leaving to us. Our roof inspection covers this whole checklist and documents the roof's condition, and your gutters are part of the same water system worth keeping clear. Going into winter, our ice dam prevention guide is worth a read.