Roof Leaks Checklist
Reading Time: 4 mins
Last Updated: February 27, 2026 Published: January 27, 2026
Filed under: Durability, Metal Roofing Benefits
No matter where you live, the weather never stops challenging your roof. We’ve assembled this list of common places where roof leaks and other problems start. Fortunately, you can check all of these spots safely without getting on the roof.
Before you make your rounds, here are a few ideas to keep in mind:
Heading up into your attic with a good flashlight is still one of the best preventative measures you can take. Often, roof leaks are visible in the attic long before they appear inside. If you see water stains or mold/mildew spots on the ceiling, check the attic as well.
The average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is 17 years, but this varies by climate. Other roofing materials, like tile, slate, and wood, have longer lifespans. However, any roof will need a little extra attention as it approaches the end of its lifespan.
Now, to dive into the specific spots you should check to maintain your roof’s health and longevity. We recommend checking this list off every six months or so.
- Damaged Shingles – If you see areas of missing, cracked, or curled shingles on your roof, there’s a good chance that other sections are also showing their age.
- Ridges and Hips – Similar to the larger areas of your roof, look for ridge (peak) and hip (corner) shingles that are deteriorating. https://classicmetalroofingsystems.com/roof-geometry/
- Roof Sags – A sagging roof between the rafters can mean framing problems or structural settling. Roofs can also sag from a decaying deck when moisture builds up.
- Moss, Mold, and Algae – Due to the increasing amount of limestone filler, composition shingles are more prone to streaks and stains than in the past. Known as “roof algae,” these dark streaks detract from a roof’s beauty, impact the value of your home, and shorten your roof’s life expectancy.
- Eaves and Gutters – Review the eaves of your home, looking for signs of wood rot on the roof deck, rafter tails, fascia, or soffit materials. Clogged or poorly flowing gutters increase this risk as water and debris build up.
- Valleys –Valleys funnel a great deal of water from multiple roof slopes. Looking at the underside, especially the downhill ends, from the attic can reveal areas of water infiltration and rot.
- Skylights – Even the best skylights have 20-year warranties and often fail before the roof does. From inside your home, pay close attention to cloudy glass and ceiling stains. The latter will usually indicate failed sealant or flashing around the skylight. From the outside, look for metal that has pulled away and sealants that are cracked or shrunken.
- Chimneys – Chimney leaks often result from cracked or missing masonry on the sides or the chimney cap. Leaks coming down the face of your fireplace are a result of failing masonry, while leaks on the ceiling around a fireplace are usually roof or flashing-related.
- Wall Flashings – Ideally, roof flashings are installed behind the cladding on exterior walls. Watch for debris that may have built up against the wall, blocking proper water flow. Look for shingles that are curled or discolored, which may indicate water damage.
- Pipe Penetrations – Typically, pipes protruding from a roof are sealed with a rubber boot. Unless these boots are protected from the sun, they will crack and split over time.
- Exhaust Vents – We often find areas of dark shingles around roof exhaust vents. As moisture exits the vent, it condenses on the roof. Because these areas stay damp, shingles can degrade rapidly.
Now that you’ve gone through the most common places for roof leaks, you can rest assured knowing that you’ve equipped yourself to prevent any disasters and communicate with a contractor if anything does go wrong. Going through this checklist every six months keeps you ahead of the game and minimizes unexpected expenses.
Unlike asphalt and other common roofing materials, a metal roof can be installed year-round…no matter the climate. We’re happy to talk with you about finding a permanent roofing solution!
If you need any help with solutions or finding a local contractor, give us a call or contact us today.
Tags: durability, roof replacement
