Most homeowners don’t give their roof a second thought until it’s too late and water is pooling up above their ceiling and causing it to bulge. By the time leaks are manifesting themselves inside your home, the damage to your roof and your home’s interior is significant and repair costs will be high. Amuch better option is to regularly inspect and maintain your roof so that any problems are caught before they start.Spring is always a great time to inspect your roof because it has just endured the harshest weather it will face all year. It’s a great time to make sure your roof is in top shape to continue protecting your home for the following year. Here are some tips for inspecting your roof for damage.

Start inside

Believe it or not, the best place to start looking for roofing problems is actually inside your home. After the next good rain, head to your attic, take a flashlight if needed, and inspect the underside of your roof for signs of a leak. You can inspect your insulation to see if it is damp. Look for water stains on your ceilings as well. If you see signs of a leak, don’t wait and call a roofer immediately. If you don’t see signs of damage, head outside with a pair of binoculars to continue your roof inspection.

Inspect your roof from the ground

Before making the effort to get on your roof, you can inspect your roof without leaving the ground if you have a decent pair of binoculars. Scan your shingles looking for any signs of damage. Shingles that are cracked, warped, curling, or missing altogether need to be replaced. You can also look at the flashing in the valleys of your roof and around your chimney, vents, and skylights. If the flashing is warped, water is getting underneath somehow. Once again, if you spot any signs of damage call a roofer immediately.

Getting on your roof

If you still haven’t spotted any signs of damage, the last step is to take a closer look by getting on your roof. If you don’t feel comfortable getting on your roof, or if your roof is especially steep, play it safe and have a professional do the inspection. A thorough inspection conducted on the roof itself can uncover problems that weren’t otherwise visible.

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Source: tctimes.com/living/featured_sections/h