DIY Roof Maintenance: What You Can & Can’t Do

When to Call a Professional vs. Doing It Yourself

Taking care of your roof is essential for protecting your home from the elements. While DIY roof care can help you spot minor issues and prevent damage, some tasks require professional expertise to ensure safety and long-term durability.

At Twin Bridge Roofing and Construction, we encourage homeowners to stay proactive with home roof maintenance while knowing when it’s time to call in the experts. Here’s a guide to what you can and shouldn’t do when maintaining your roof.

✅ DIY Roof Maintenance: What You CAN Do

While climbing onto your roof is risky, there are several maintenance tasks you can safely handle from the ground or a sturdy ladder.

1. Perform Visual Roof Inspections

How Often? At least twice a year (spring & fall) and after major storms.

✔️ Check for missing, cracked, or curling shingles
✔️ Look for loose or damaged flashing around chimneys and vents
✔️ Inspect gutters for granules, which could indicate shingle wear
✔️ Look for dark spots or algae growth that may signal moisture issues

📌 Tip: Use binoculars to safely inspect your roof from the ground.

2. Clean Your Gutters & Downspouts

Clogged gutters cause water overflow, leading to roof leaks, siding damage, and foundation issues.

✔️ Remove leaves, dirt, and debris from gutters
✔️ Flush downspouts with water to check for clogs
✔️ Ensure downspouts extend at least 3 feet away from your home

📌 Tip: Install gutter guards to reduce debris buildup and make cleaning easier.

3. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches

Overhanging branches can scrape and damage shingles, especially during storms.

✔️ Trim branches at least 6 feet away from your roof
✔️ Remove fallen leaves that collect on the roof and in gutters
✔️ Watch for signs of moss or mold growth from excess shade

📌 Tip: For high or heavy branches, call a tree trimming professional to avoid injury.

4. Check for Signs of Interior Leaks

A leak may not always be visible from the outside, so inspect your attic and ceilings for signs of damage.

✔️ Look for water stains, damp spots, or peeling paint
✔️ Check attic insulation for moisture or mold growth
✔️ Monitor for musty odors that could signal hidden leaks

📌 Tip: If you notice water stains inside your home, schedule a professional inspection ASAP.

🚫 Roof Maintenance Tasks You Should Leave to the Pros

While DIY roof inspections and minor maintenance can be helpful, some tasks are too dangerous or complex to handle yourself.

1. Walking on the Roof

Walking on your roof can cause shingle damage, personal injury, and structural issues.

❌ Slipping hazards, especially on steep or wet surfaces
❌ Risk of falling through weakened areas
❌ Shingle damage from improper weight distribution

📌 Call a Professional If: You need a close-up inspection or repairs—experts use proper safety gear and techniques.

2. Repairing or Replacing Shingles

While a missing shingle may seem like an easy fix, improper installation can lead to leaks and further damage.

❌ Risk of incorrect nail placement, causing water infiltration
❌ Matching new shingles to old ones can be tricky
❌ Underlying damage may not be visible without a full inspection

📌 Call a Professional If: You notice missing or damaged shingles—roofing experts ensure proper installation and sealing.

3. Fixing Flashing or Roof Penetrations

Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights prevents leaks. If it becomes loose or damaged, repairs require precision sealing.

❌ DIY flashing fixes often fail, leading to persistent leaks
❌ Incorrect sealing can cause water intrusion and mold growth
❌ Improper handling can damage roofing materials

📌 Call a Professional If: You see rusted, cracked, or loose flashing—experts use the right materials to weatherproof your roof.

4. Handling Major Roof Leaks or Storm Damage

After a hailstorm, windstorm, or heavy rainfall, your roof may sustain hidden damage that only a professional can fully assess.

❌ DIY repairs may miss underlying structural issues
❌ Climbing on a storm-damaged roof is highly dangerous
❌ Incorrect fixes can void warranty or insurance claims

📌 Call a Professional If: You suspect storm damage—Twin Bridge Roofing and Construction provides free inspections and insurance claim assistance.

When to Call Twin Bridge Roofing and Construction

While DIY home roof maintenance is useful for small tasks, many roofing issues require professional expertise. At Twin Bridge Roofing and Construction, we provide:

🏠 Comprehensive roof inspections
🔧 Expert repairs & maintenance
⛈️ Storm damage assessments
💰 Affordable financing options

📞 Call us at (563) 655-4902
🌐 Visit us at www.roofqc.com

Know your limits! If you spot a roofing issue, don’t wait—schedule a free inspection today!