Check your shingle roof twice a year, in spring and fall, and again after any heavy wind. Look at the shingle surface, clear the gutters, and confirm the attic can breathe. Small problems found early are far easier to fix than water damage found late.

Dalton Roofing Inc, a family-owned company based in Fort Pierce, works on shingle roofing across the Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County. This schedule is built for homes in Port St. Lucie, Stuart and nearby towns, where sun, humidity and storms all take a turn.

What should be checked each season?

Each spring and fall, walk the yard and look up at the roof from the ground. You do not need to climb on it. A pair of binoculars helps.

  • Missing, curled or cracked shingles. Any bare spot lets water reach the layer below.
  • Shingle edges and ridges. Look for lifted tabs along the edges and the peak.
  • Flashing. Metal around chimneys, vents and walls should sit flat and tight.
  • Sealant at vents and pipes. Cracked or dried-out sealant is a common leak starting point.
  • Debris. Branches, leaves and palm fronds hold moisture against the roof.
  • Ceilings inside. Look for new stains or peeling paint, especially after rain.
  • Soffits and roof edges. Soft or discolored wood can point to a water problem above.

Write down the date and what you saw. A simple note makes it easy to tell whether something is new or has been slowly getting worse.

What do the gutters show?

Gutters tell you what your shingles are doing. Clear them each season so water drains away from the roof edge and fascia instead of backing up.

While you are there, look at what has collected. A lot of loose granules from the shingle surface can mean the shingles are wearing. We cover that in more detail in our post on how long a roof lasts in Florida. Also check that downspouts are clear and run well away from the house.

Why does attic ventilation matter?

Attic ventilation matters because a hot, damp attic wears a roof from below. Dalton notes that inadequate ventilation traps heat and moisture against the decking and shingles, and Florida summers make that worse.

You can check this from inside the attic on a safe, easy-to-reach spot. Look for musty smells, damp insulation, dark stains on the wood or daylight at the roof vents that look blocked. Make sure soffit vents are not covered by insulation or paint. If anything looks off, ask a roofer to look at the vent setup. Do not guess at adding vents on your own.

What about algae streaks?

Dark streaks on shingles are usually algae and are often more of a looks issue than a leak. They show up more in humid weather and on shaded slopes.

Still, treat them as a reason to look closer. Check that the shingles under the streaks are not lifting or losing granules. Do not use a pressure washer on shingles, since it can strip the surface. If you want the streaks gone, ask a roofer what method suits your roof. Our related post on black streaks on a shingle roof in Fort Pierce goes deeper.

What should you do after heavy wind?

After a windy storm, do a quick ground-level look the same day it is safe to be outside. Check for shingles in the yard, bare patches on the roof and any limbs on top.

Do not climb up in wet or windy conditions. Take photos from the ground, note any ceiling stains inside, and call for help if you see damage. For active leaks during a storm, Dalton offers 24/7 storm and emergency response.

When do you call for an inspection?

Call for an inspection when you find missing shingles, flashing that has pulled loose, interior stains, or anything on this list you cannot explain. You can also call when you simply want a professional opinion on the schedule above.

Dalton provides a free roof inspection with a written summary and no obligation. If repairs are needed, estimates are written and itemized after the inspection. English and Spanish are both spoken (se habla espanol), and you can see the roof inspection page to learn what to expect.

Call Dalton Roofing Inc at (561) 662-6622 to schedule your free roof inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I clean my gutters myself?

Many homeowners do, as long as they use a stable ladder and have someone nearby. If your roof is steep, high or wet, skip it and ask a pro. Never lean a ladder against a gutter that could bend.

Is it safe to walk on a shingle roof to inspect it?

Walking on shingles can damage them and is risky, especially when wet. Look from the ground with binoculars, take photos, and let a roofer go up. A free inspection from Dalton covers that part.

Do I need to wait for a leak to call a roofer?

No. Missing shingles, loose flashing and attic dampness are all good reasons to call before water shows up inside. Catching a problem early usually keeps the repair smaller.

Does Dalton work on other roof types too?

Yes. Dalton handles shingle, tile, metal and flat roofs, and does both residential and commercial roofing, along with repairs and replacements.