These questions reflect the concerns of both a homeowner that loves to take on DIY projects and the homeowner that prefers to pay someone with recognized skills and training.
Question #1: How often should I look at my home’s roof?
Answer: Give it a good look at least once a month. Do not make the mistake of thinking that a quick glance can substitute for a careful and thorough look.
Question #2: What should I look for?
Answer: Look for cracked, buckled or damaged shingles. Note any spot where a shingle appears missing. While you are examining your roof, take time to look in your home’s drain spout. It could contain some grains from a shingle’s outer surface.
Question #3: Should I make a point of checking the inside portion of my home’s roofing?
Answer: Yes, do not overlook that section of your roofing. Go into your attic and look for any water spots or any leaks in the insulation.

Question #4: What should I do about cracks in the seal around the chimney, the vents or the skylights?
Answer: If you want to take on a DIY project, use roofing cement to fill such cracks. If you want to hire an expert on roofs, you can ask that same professional to check for the presence of rotted wood. You might also want to schedule the installation of a metal flashing system.
Question #5: What gimmick might some roof maintenance company try to pull on me?
That company might try to get your business by urging you to power wash your roof. That would introduce your roofing to added amount of moisture. A moist roof can aid the growth of moss and fungi.
It makes no sense to place added moisture on a section of roofing. Moisture-caused damage can consist of more than just the growth of moss or fungi. Excess moisture can also damage the wood sheeting that serves as a foundation for shingles. The damaged sheeting will rot and will eventually start to sag.
Question #6: How can I know whether I should repair my home’s roof, or just have it replaced?
Ideally, you have a record that shows when your home last got a new roof. If that record indicates that your roof is only about 10 years old, it makes more sense to have it repaired, rather than replaced. If the roof’s age happens to be 20 or more years, then you should arrange to have it replaced. You should not spend money on expensive repairs, which would provide you with only a temporary solution. You need the assistance of expert roofers in Sunnyvale to help you with the situation.