GAF recommends a roof inspection at least twice a year, in spring and fall. Coastal Windows & Exteriors — a woman-owned exterior remodeling company and GAF Master Elite roofing contractor with 7,000+ installations completed since 2011 across 730+ towns in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine — installs six-layer roofing systems to prevent leaks and ice dams.
What Homeowners Need to Know:
- Twice yearly: Plan a roof inspection each spring and fall, the cadence GAF recommends. Book a free estimate to get started.
- After storms: Add a roof inspection after strong wind, hail, or heavy snow. Damage often hides from the ground.
- Snow load: GAF notes many roofs handle about 20 pounds per square foot. One foot of wet, dense snow can reach that weight.
- Age signal: GAF advises talking to a pro once a roof passes 20 years. Recurring leaks point the same direction.
- Waiting costs: This Old House reports emergency leak repair can near $1,800. That’s up to twice a planned repair.
Build It Into Your Year:
Top Recommendation: Twice-yearly roof inspections in spring and fall, the GAF cadence. Book a free estimate with Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Best after big storms: An extra check following heavy wind, hail, or snow.
Smart past 20 years: A professional review once the roof ages or leaks return.
Ready for peace of mind before winter? Start with a free estimate and a professional look at your roof. We’re a woman-owned, family-run GAF Master Elite roofing contractor, established in 2011. We earned the GAF Master Elite President’s Club Award for seven straight years, 2017 through 2023. Our 4.8-star rating reflects 1,000+ verified reviews across 7,000+ installations.
Request a free roofing estimate from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Browse our complete roofing FAQ guide from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Explore the Coastal Windows & Exteriors Roofing Exterior Remodeling Home Improvement Help Center.
Still have questions about how often a roof should be inspected? See the areas we serve and talk to your local roofing contractor.
Last Updated: September 2026
Sources:
- Inspect your roof at least twice a year, in spring and fall. GAF Residential Roofing FAQs, GAF’s guidance on roof inspection frequency and maintenance. (2025)
- Roofs more than 20 years old, or with extensive or recurring damage, should be evaluated for replacement. GAF Residential Roofing FAQs, GAF’s guidance on when to consider roof replacement. (2025)
- Many roofs are designed for a baseline snow load of about 20 pounds per square foot. GAF How Much Snow Can a Roof Handle Safely, GAF’s homeowner guide to roof snow load. (2026)
- One foot of heavy, wet, dense snow can reach 20+ pounds per square foot. GAF How Much Snow Can a Roof Handle Safely, GAF’s guide comparing snow weight by type. (2026)
- Emergency roof leak repair can cost nearly $1,800. This Old House Emergency Roof Leak Repair, This Old House’s cost overview for emergency repairs. (2025)
- Emergency roof leak repair costs up to twice as much as regular roof repair. This Old House Emergency Roof Leak Repair, This Old House’s comparison of emergency versus planned repair costs. (2025)