🔎 DIY Roof Inspection Checklist

For Fredericton, New Brunswick Homeowners

Spot issues early. Save on repairs. Protect your home year-round.

Fredericton’s weather—from snowy winters and freezing rain to humid summers—can wear down your roof faster than you might think. Performing a seasonal visual inspection helps you catch early warning signs and prevent costly damage. Below is a simple, safe checklist you can follow yourself, without needing to climb onto the roof.

🏡 Exterior Roof Inspection (From the Ground or with Binoculars)

Walk around your home and look up at the roof. Here's what to watch for:

• Shingles: Look for cracked, curled, missing, or loose shingles. If you see patchy areas or lifted edges, they may need replacing.
• Roof Surface: Check for areas that look uneven or sagging. These can indicate structural issues under the surface.
• Flashing: Around chimneys, vents, and skylights, check for loose, rusted, or missing metal flashing.
• Ridge Cap: This is the strip that runs along the peak of your roof. Check for wear or cracks.
• Eaves and Soffits: Look underneath the edges of your roof for moisture stains, peeling paint, or signs of rot.
• Gutters and Downspouts: Make sure gutters aren’t sagging or overflowing. Check that downspouts are clear and directing water away from your home.
• Moss, Algae, or Black Streaks: These can indicate trapped moisture and may shorten the life of your shingles.
• Ice Dam Damage: In spring, look for buckled shingles or warped gutters—signs that ice dams may have formed over the winter.

🪵 Attic and Interior Inspection

Head into your attic or crawlspace when it’s bright outside and inspect:

• Insulation: If insulation feels wet or looks compressed, you may have a roof leak or ventilation issue.
• Wood Rafters or Sheathing: Look for discoloration, mold, mildew, or wood rot.
• Ceiling and Walls Below: Inside your home, look for water stains, bubbling paint, or peeling drywall—especially after storms or during snowmelt.
• Daylight: If you see light streaming through the roof boards or around vents, there may be holes or gaps.
• Ventilation: Make sure soffit and ridge vents are unobstructed to allow airflow and reduce moisture buildup.
• Smells: A musty or damp odour in your attic could mean water is seeping in unnoticed.

🪜 Optional Ladder Inspection (Edge-Only and Only If Safe)

If you're comfortable using a ladder and the conditions are dry:

• Inspect shingle surfaces up close for bald spots or loose granules.
• Check that flashing is sealed tight with no exposed nails or old caulking.
• Look around skylights for cracks or pooling water.
• Examine the chimney cap for cracks or crumbling mortar.

Fredericton Safety Note: Ice and high winds make ladder use risky in the fall and winter. Never go onto the roof itself—if you suspect damage, it's safer to contact a roofing professional.

📝 Keep a Record

It’s a great idea to write down the date of your inspection and any issues you notice. That way, you can track changes over time and schedule timely repairs.

🆘 When to Call a Local Roofer

Contact a professional roofing contractor in Fredericton if you notice:

• Active leaks inside your home
• Recurring shingle damage or missing shingles
• Roof sagging or structural issues
• Ice dam formation or water backups in winter
• Any signs of mold, rot, or widespread wear
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🏠 Local Help When You Need It

We proudly serve Fredericton homeowners across all neighbourhoods—from Nashwaaksis to Skyline Acres, Devon, and New Maryland. Whether you're preparing for spring rains, fall windstorms, or winter snow loads, our team is ready to help with inspections, repairs, or full roof replacements.

📞 Call us today or book a free quote to protect your roof and your peace of mind.