Regular maintenance extends your roof’s life and prevents costly repairs. Use this checklist to keep your roof in top condition throughout the year.
Our team established Roofing Man in 2013 because we saw too many homeowners in the Klang Valley waiting until water was pouring through the ceiling to call for help.
A proactive approach is cheaper than an emergency fix.
Between the scorching heat and the intense tropical downpours we get here in Malaysia, your roof takes a beating that most structures never have to endure.
We have spent over 16 years analyzing how local weather patterns destroy standard roofing materials.
The checklist below is designed to help you catch small issues before they become RM 10,000 problems.
Let’s walk through exactly what you need to check and when to check it.
Pre-Monsoon Inspection (September-October)
Before the heavy rains of the inter-monsoon season hit Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, you need to ensure your home is watertight.
We find that September is the absolute critical month for this preparation.
Preparation prevents the panic of finding a bucket during a thunderstorm.
Visual Inspection from Ground
You don’t always need a ladder to spot trouble.
- Scan the ridge line: Look for any “saddleback” sagging in the roofline, which often indicates structural timber rot from long-term humidity.
- Identify shifted tiles: Check for visible missing or slipped clay tiles, especially after strong winds.
- Spot valley clutter: Look for debris accumulation in the roof valleys where leaves tend to trap water.
- Check organic growth: Note any moss or vegetation growth, which acts like a sponge and rots tile surfaces.
- Examine the perimeter: Check fascia boards for water rot or termite damage common in older PJ bungalows.
Gutter Check
Blocked gutters are the number one cause of water backflow into Malaysian homes.
- Clear the channels: Clean out all debris, paying special attention to dried leaves from nearby Angsana or Mango trees.
- Test the flow: Flush gutters with a garden hose to ensure water moves rapidly to the drain.
- Inspect the exit points: Check downspouts are clear of obstructions like tennis balls or bird nests.
- Verify stability: Ensure gutters are securely attached and brackets haven’t rusted through.
- Seal the gaps: Look for any leaks at joints where sections of the gutter meet.
Tree Management
Overhanging branches are a direct threat during the violent storms we experience in October and November.
- Create clearance: Trim branches hanging over the roof to prevent rats from accessing your attic.
- Prevent impact damage: Remove any heavy branches touching the roof that could snap during high winds.
- Manage fall risk: Clear fallen leaves and debris immediately, as wet leaves accelerate metal roof corrosion.
Interior Check
Your ceiling often tells the story of what is happening on the roof.
- Scan the attic: Inspect the attic space during the day to see if daylight is poking through holes.
- Check ceilings: Look for faint yellow or brown water stains on plaster ceilings.
- Verify insulation: Check insulation is dry and in place, as wet insulation loses effectiveness and breeds mold.
- Test airflow: Ensure attic ventilation is working to prevent heat buildup that cooks your roof tiles from the inside.
Post-Monsoon Inspection (March-April)
After the heavy year-end rains and the wet start to the year, you need to assess the toll the weather took on your property.
We recommend doing this inspection once the dry spell settles in.
Small leaks often go unnoticed until the water volume decreases and leaves visible marks.
Damage Assessment
- Identify stress cracks: Look for new hairline cracks caused by the rapid expansion and contraction from thermal shock.
- Check alignment: Check if any tiles have shifted due to high winds or monkeys walking on the roof.
- Inspect seals: Inspect flashing around penetrations like plumbing vents or solar panel mounts.
- Clear the surface: Look for storm debris on the roof that may retain moisture.
- Check for impact: Check for cracked tiles resulting from falling tree limbs.
Water Damage Signs
Moisture that seeped in during the rains can cause slow damage over months.
- Map the stains: New stains on ceilings or walls indicate a slow leak that needs immediate sealing.
- Feel for humidity: Dampness in the attic suggests your ventilation or waterproofing is failing.
- Spot the fungus: Mold or mildew growth is a clear sign of persistent moisture ingress.
- Check the edges: Peeling paint near the roofline often points to gutter overflow issues.
- Sniff test: Musty odors upstairs usually mean wet timber or insulation in the roof void.
Structural Check
- Monitor the beam: Look for any new sagging in the roof structure.
- Clear pathways: Check valleys are clear of hardened mud or sludge.
- Secure the top: Ensure the cement mortar on the ridge cap is intact and not cracking.
- Check the chimney: Inspect chimney flashing if your home has a decorative or functional chimney.
Quarterly Tasks
Every 3 months, do a quick check to stay ahead of the harsh tropical climate.
Consistent monitoring is the secret to a roof that lasts 25 years instead of 15.
Quick Visual Scan
- Walk the perimeter: General roof condition from ground level to spot moved tiles.
- Inspect drainage: Gutter check for blockages, especially if you have neighbors with tall trees.
- Scan for pests: Look for any obvious entry points for birds or rodents.
After Major Storms
Klang Valley storms can be incredibly localized and intense.
- Immediate review: Same day visual check once the rain stops.
- Remove hazards: Clear any visible debris that could block water flow before the next rain.
- Spot the break: Look for immediate damage like missing ridge caps or blown-off metal sheets.
What You Can Do Yourself
We encourage homeowners to be observant, but we always prioritize safety over heroism.
Most terrace houses in Malaysia are two stories high, making falls dangerous.
Safe DIY Tasks
- Gutter cleaning: Only do this if you have a stable platform and proper ladder safety gear.
- Ground-level inspections: Use binoculars to get a better view without climbing.
- Tree maintenance: Trimming overhanging branches that are within safe reach of a pole saw.
- Debris removal: Clearing accessible debris from lower awnings or porch roofs.
- Interior monitoring: Regular interior inspections of ceilings and attic spaces.
Safety Rules
- Stay off the tiles: Never go on the roof yourself, as clay and concrete tiles are extremely slippery when wet or mossy.
- Secure your climb: Use a stable ladder with a spotter to hold the base.
- Avoid heights: Don’t attempt repairs at height without professional fall protection gear.
- Assess risk: Know your limits and call a pro if the pitch is steep.
When to Call a Professional
Some signs indicate a failure that requires specialized tools and materials to fix correctly.
We strongly advise against “patching” these issues with cheap sealants found at hardware stores.
Contact a roofer if you notice:
- Broken materials: Any visible damage to tiles that requires matching replacements.
- Active water entry: Signs of leaks inside, such as dripping or spreading water stains.
- Metal fatigue: Flashing that looks rusted, bent, or pulled away from the wall.
- Vegetation takeover: Significant moss growth that requires pressure washing and chemical treatment.
- Structural concerns: Anything concerning from your inspection, like sagging beams.
Professional Services to Consider
Annual Inspection
A professional eye catches subtle signs that untrained eyes miss.
We use drones and thermal imaging in many of our inspections to see what cannot be seen from a ladder.
What you get:
- Detailed condition assessment of tiles, flashing, and structure.
- Minor repairs included (often simply re-seating a slipped tile).
- Written report with photos.
- Recommendations for future maintenance.
DIY vs. Professional Maintenance
| Feature | DIY Maintenance | Professional Service |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Risk | High (Fall hazards) | Zero (For the homeowner) |
| Depth of Check | Surface level | Structural & Waterproofing |
| Equipment | Basic ladder/Flashlight | Drones, Thermal Cams, Safety Harness |
| Cost | Time + Basic supplies | RM 200 - RM 500 (Inspection avg) |
Periodic Maintenance
Every 2-3 years, your roof needs a deeper clean.
- Deep cleaning: Professional cleaning to remove fungus that eats into concrete tiles.
- Waterproofing: Sealant check and touch-up on flat concrete roofs (common on balconies).
- Metal care: Flashing inspection and rust treatment.
- Drainage audit: Gutter assessment and realignment.
Pre-Sale Inspection
Before selling your home in a competitive market like Petaling Jaya:
- Comprehensive inspection: Proof of condition increases buyer confidence.
- Documentation for buyers: Hand over a clean bill of health.
- Address issues proactively: Fix small leaks so they don’t become negotiation points.
Keeping Records
Documentation is vital for insurance claims in Malaysia, especially for “act of nature” coverage.
We suggest creating a dedicated digital folder or physical binder.
Maintain a file with:
- Inspection dates and findings.
- Repairs done and costs (receipts are mandatory for warranty).
- Contractor information and contact details.
- Warranty documents for materials like new gutters or roof coating.
- Photos of any issues before and after repairs.
Benefits of Regular Maintenance
Taking care of your roof is an investment, not just an expense.
Smart homeowners view this as asset protection.
- Extended roof life: Catch problems early to stop wood rot before it spreads.
- Lower costs: Prevent major repairs that can cost upwards of RM 15,000 for a full re-roof.
- Better insurance: Document maintenance to prove damage wasn’t due to negligence.
- Peace of mind: Know your roof’s condition will withstand the next monsoon.
- Higher home value: Well-maintained roof structures are a key selling point.
Download Our Checklist
Print this checklist and keep it with your home maintenance records.
Consistent maintenance protects your home and your investment.
Need a Professional Inspection?
Contact us for a thorough professional inspection. We’ll assess your roof’s condition and provide honest advice on any needed maintenance or repairs, including protective roof coating to extend your roof’s lifespan.