Water is all around us – and overall, it appears at face value to be a pretty harmless substance. But when it comes to your home, water can spell trouble. Even a small roof leak can cause tens of thousands of dollars of damage to your home – that’s why it’s so important to make sure your roof is functioning properly.

To save yourself the cost associated with a major roof repair, it’s critical to stay vigilant and look for the early warning signs that your roof might be leaking. Regularly check for leaks, keeping a special eye out for the following:

Cracked, curling, or missing shingles

When shingles curl, it indicates that they’ve begun to absorb rather than repel water – an inevitable process a shingles age. But don’t be fooled if a shingle is still in place, and isn’t curling – even a slight crack is enough to create a major water leak farther down the line.

Water damage behind the gutters

Of all the areas of vulnerability on your roof, the area just behind the gutters is one of the most important. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the hardest to spot. If unchecked, water damage can go undetected behind your gutters for years. Regularly inspect behind your gutters with a flashlight. If you need to, remove a small section of the gutter to get a precise view.

Bubbling, discoloration, or mold on interior walls

Keep a careful eye for any sign of water forcing its way into your living spaces. You’ll usually notice such damage in upper floors, around windows, and in corners – where mold can easily grow. Before you hire someone that does mold removal in Ann arbor or a local expert in your area, it’s important to identify the source of the problem.

Granules in the gutters

Check your gutters regularly for “black sand.” This distinctive substance is actually the top surface of the shingles, which wear away over time. A small amount of granule wear is normal, but an excessive amount is usually an indicator of a more serious problem.

Damaged flashing

As temperatures fluctuate between the seasons, your roof goes through a process of expansion and contraction that can damage the flashing, especially around fireplaces and other exterior outlets. Minor flashing damage is relatively easy to repair, however if your flashing appears to be significantly damaged it can indicate a leak.