Roof Inspection & Maintenance in Southern NH
In New England, a roof isn’t décor—it’s a weather system. Freeze–thaw, nor’easters, hail, and summer heat expose every weak detail. Routine inspection and maintenance are the difference between a quick tune-up now and deck rot, ice-dam leaks, and mold later. Industry bodies and manufacturers are clear: roofs need periodic inspections and checks after severe weather.
How Often Should You Inspect?
- Twice per year is the common standard—spring (after snow/ice) and fall (before winter)—plus after major wind, hail, or heavy rain events. NRCA urges inspections following severe weather; Owens Corning advises inspections after seasonal or unusual weather.
- Home sale / purchase / remodel: add a dedicated roofing inspection so decisions aren’t based on a generalist’s quick look.
What a Professional Roof Inspection Covers
Exterior & Roof Plane
- Shingles: missing, lifted/creased, cracked, or granular loss; nail pops; ridge/hip wear.
- Flashings: chimneys (step/counter), sidewalls, head/pan flashings, pipe boots, skylights.
- Valleys & penetrations: correct overlaps, fasteners, sealants, and underlayment exposure.
- Edges & drainage: drip edge, gutters, downspouts, and debris accumulation.
- Ventilation components: ridge, off-ridge, and soffit vents functioning and unobstructed.
Attic & Structure
- Moisture signatures: dark stains, mold, rusty fasteners, wet insulation, sheathing distortion.
- Ventilation balance: intake + exhaust working as a system; condensation risks noted.
- Insulation & air-sealing opportunities: to reduce ice-dam risk and moisture loads.
Winter Survival: Ice Dams, Explained (and Prevented)
Ice dams form when heat escapes from the living space, melts roof snow, and the meltwater refreezes at cold eaves—forcing water upslope under shingles. The durable fix is air-seal the ceiling plane first, then add insulation, and ensure balanced attic ventilation for durability—not just minimum code venting. Clean gutters help flow but are not the cure on their own.
Your Seasonal Maintenance Blueprint (Built for NH/MA Border Towns)
Fall (Pre-Winter)
- Clear gutters/downspouts, verify secure hangers and proper slope.
- Trim back limbs near roof planes; remove roof debris (hire pros for safe removal).
- Audit eave/valley flashings and ridge/soffit vents; correct blockages.
Winter (Observation Mode)
- From the ground, watch for ice at eaves, thick icicles, or interior stains after thaws—each a diagnostic clue for air-sealing/ventilation work.
Spring (Post-Thaw)
- Check for shingle creases/loss after wind; re-inspect flashings and penetrations.
- Review attic for condensation history (mold, rust spots, wet insulation).
Summer (Storm-Ready)
- Secure loose accessories, confirm ridge/roof vents are rated and resilient; keep roof and gutters debris-free ahead of thunderstorm/hurricane remnants. IBHS recommends proactive prep and beyond-code details for better storm performance.
What’s Safe to DIY vs. What to Leave to Pros
Smart DIY (from ground or ladder-at-eave only, if competent):
- Visual scan with binoculars; photograph issues.
- Clean gutters and downspouts; confirm water exits freely.
- Light debris removal (hire a pro if roof access or safety is questionable).
Pro-Only:
- Work at height on steep/complex roofs; full-deck leak tracing.
- Flashing repairs (chimney/sidewall/skylight), valley rebuilds.
- Attic air-sealing at chases, can lights, and top plates; ventilation re-balancing.
What Does a Roof Inspection Cost ?
- Typical range: $125–$363 (national), average around $240; some inspectors price by roof size/pitch or method (drone/infrared), extending from $75 up to ~$999. Angi and HomeAdvisor show similar ranges for 2025.
Why it pays: catching small flashing failures, uplifted shingles, or attic moisture early prevents sheathing rot and interior damage that cost far more than the visit.
When Maintenance Isn’t Enough
Choose tune-ups when the roof is otherwise healthy and problems are localized. Consider replacement when you see: widespread curling/granule loss, chronic leaks over multiple seasons, persistent ice-dam history, or a roof already near end-of-life where new issues keep appearing. (If you’re on the fence, we document both options.)
Why Southern NH Homeowners Choose Revive Roofing & Siding
- System-first inspections: we photograph the symptoms and the causes (ventilation, flashing, drainage).
- Manufacturer-aligned methods: repair and maintenance that honor shingle/underlayment specs for durability.
- Storm-smart planning: IBHS-informed recommendations that harden homes against New England wind and hail.
- Local to Nashua, Manchester, Bedford, Merrimack, Londonderry, Hudson, Derry, Salem, Concord and nearby MA border towns.
Contact & Next Steps (No obligation)
Website: reviveroofingandsidingllc.com
Email: reviveroofingandsidingnh@gmail.com
Phone: (603) 560-5309
