Guides / Outside the house
Roof, gutters and drainage
Water is the single biggest cause of damage to houses, and the roof and gutters are the first line of defense. You do not need to climb up to do most of this. Binoculars from the yard and a look in the attic tell you a lot.
What to check
- Shingles from the ground
- Use binoculars to look for missing, curled or cracked shingles and bare spots. Granules collecting in gutters or at the bottom of downspouts can mean an aging roof.
- Flashing
- Check around chimneys, skylights, vent pipes and where roof meets wall. Lifted or rusted flashing is a common leak source.
- Attic after rain
- Look at the underside of the roof deck with a flashlight after a heavy rain for stains, drips or damp insulation.
- Gutters
- Clear gutters at least twice a year, more often under trees. Water should run toward the downspouts, not pool or overflow.
- Downspouts
- Each downspout should carry water several feet from the foundation, using an extension or splash block.
- Ice dams
- In cold climates, icicles and ice ridges at the roof edge can mean heat is escaping into the attic. Note where they form.
When to do it
Gutters in late spring and late fall. Roof check from the ground each spring and after hail or high winds.
Call a licensed professional for
- Any work that requires walking on the roof, especially steep or wet roofs
- Active leaks, sagging roof lines, or widespread damaged shingles
- Hail or wind damage you may need to document for an insurance claim
This guide is general information for US homeowners. Codes, climates and houses vary. It is not a substitute for an inspection or advice from a licensed contractor, and in an emergency call 911.