Spring roofing checklist for Northern Virginia homeowners

List 1: from the yard

• Cracked, warped or missing shinglesNRCA names these first among the things a twice-a-year look can find. Binoculars help from the lawn.
• Curling or lifted edgesNRCA's fall and spring check is "for cracked or curling shingles". Note which slope shows them.
• The roof edges and cornersNRCA: "Most wind damage begins on the edges of roof systems." Look along the eaves, rakes and ridge first.
• Flashing at chimney, walls and vent pipesNRCA lists "deteriorated flashings" and loose seams as findable signs. Look for gaps, lifted metal or a cracked seal.
• Debris that blew onto the roofNRCA's wind guidance says to check what blew onto or across the roof, not only the roofing itself.
• Branches touching or hanging over the roofARMA lists keeping trees trimmed and branches and debris off the roof surface as routine maintenance.

List 2: gutters and downspouts

• Leaves and debris in the guttersBoth NRCA and ARMA name gutter cleaning as the maintenance a homeowner can do.
• Loose granules at the downspout outletNRCA lists "excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts". IBHS describes granules as coated rocks that protect the shingle's fiberglass from UV rays.
• Clogged drains and downspoutsNRCA notes windblown debris tends to collect and clog them, which causes problems later if it is not removed.
• Gutters that sag or sit above the slope lineARMA's ice dam bulletin says the outer edge of the gutters should be lower than the roof's slope line so snow and ice can slide clear.

List 3: attic and ceilings

• Cracked paint or discolored ceiling boardNRCA's indoor signs of damaged roof areas: cracked paint, discolored plasterboard, peeling wallpaper.
• Eave vents and baffles not blockedARMA: ventilate the attic and install baffles near the eaves so air can move without obstruction.
• Insulation that still separates attic from houseARMA says keeping the attic cold by insulating it from the warm interior reduces snow melt, the start of ice dams.
• Marks from the last freeze and thawARMA: ice dams form from repeated thawing and freezing, and water forced under roofing can damage ceilings, walls and insulation. Stains along an exterior wall after winter are worth photographing.

List 4: paperwork and records

• Shingle color name and install yearARMA says both help a contractor match shingles, and leftover shingles saved from the original install match best.
• Whether the repair needs a permitAsk your local permit office before work starts. Fairfax County's wording is printed below.
• Any association or zoning ruleARMA advises checking with the local building and zoning department and the homeowner's association before treating shingles.
• Dated photosTake photos of anything you marked, with the date and the side of the house, so a spring record exists to compare with the fall visit.

• Isolated shingle, flashing or fastener problems: roof repair, and the maintenance section of that page.
• Findings spread over several slopes: roof replacement and our materials overview.
• A low-slope or flat section over a porch or addition: flat roof guide.
• Ice dam history this past winter: our ice dam article.
• Not sure which office covers your address: service areas and the Fairfax page.

• NRCA, Roofing Guidelines resources and maintenance FAQ
• NRCA, Roof Repair After a Snowstorm (PDF)
• NRCA, Roof Repair After Strong Winds (PDF)
• ARMA, Asphalt Shingle Roofs are Repairable
• ARMA, Algae Discoloration of Roofs
• ARMA, Coatings or Rejuvenators on Asphalt Shingles
• ARMA, Protecting Against Damage From Ice Dams
• IBHS, Roof 101
• Fairfax County Land Development Services, when a permit is required