Kansas storm season starts in March and does not really let up until July. A roof that goes into that window with a lifted ridge cap or a cracked pipe boot is a roof that comes out of it with water damage. This checklist takes about twenty minutes and requires nothing more than binoculars and a flashlight.
From the ground
- Scan each slope for missing, lifted, or visibly darker shingles
- Check the ridge line for a straight, unbroken profile with no sag
- Look at the rubber boots around plumbing vents for cracking or splitting
- Check the metal flashing where the roof meets a wall or chimney
- Look for granule accumulation at the bottom of every downspout
- Confirm gutters are straight, attached, and clear of debris
From the attic
Go up on a bright day with the lights off. Daylight through the deck is a hole. Dark staining, damp insulation, or a musty smell means water has already been getting in. While you are there, confirm the soffit vents are not blocked by insulation — poor ventilation is the quiet cause of a lot of premature roof failures in this climate.
Around the property
- Trim any branch overhanging the roof — wind turns them into abrasive tools
- Confirm downspout extensions discharge at least three feet from the foundation
- Clear debris out of valleys and behind chimneys where it holds moisture
- Check that any satellite dish or solar mount is still properly sealed
When to call a professional
If anything on the checklist looks wrong, or if your roof is over fifteen years old and has never been professionally inspected, get eyes on it before the season starts. We inspect free across the Wichita area, we photograph what we find, and we do not manufacture damage to sell a roof.
Book a pre-season inspection and go into spring knowing exactly what condition your roof is in.