Your home’s roof takes a beating day in and day out. From hail, rain, wind, snow, and sun to critters and pests, it is your home’s first defense against the elements, and keeping it in tip top shape is one of the best decisions you can make as a homeowner.

There are several warning signs you can look for to determine if you have a roof leak. Some signs are obvious, others less so. A good place to start is indoors, by inspecting the ceilings and walls. Keeping an eye out for telltale signs of water damage, such as bubbles, peeling paint, mold and mildew, or drywall that is beginning to come apart, inspect each room of your house carefully and note any areas that seem amiss.

A savvy homeowner can also perform a roof inspection for external signs of a roof leak. Things to look for on the roof itself, are pooling water or evidence of previous pooling, rot, missing or damaged flashing and shingles that appear to be missing, broken or curled. Be sure to also consider areas like the chimney, ventilation pipes, and gutters. These areas are often overlooked but can just as easily be the culprit of a roof leak, as they sustain damage too. The chimney, in particular, commonly suffers tear damage, as it settles independently from the house. Something else to consider is that composite, granulated shingles will lose granules over time as part of normal wear and tear, but an excessive amount of granules found in downspouts after a storm could indicate a larger problem.

An area that is often missed, even in professional roof inspection, is the attic. Leaks in the attic or wet rafters are straightforward and obvious signs of a roof leak. Another attic warning sign is a surge in energy costs. When your attic ventilation is compromised due to damage, your AC has to work harder, causing those energy costs to climb.

While homeowner inspections are important, it is also important to have the roof professionally checked on a regular basis. Small leaks are almost always missed by the untrained eye. Even though these small amounts of water intrusions are undetected the damage is still occurring. Regular scheduled inspections by an experienced roofing professional can find small issues before they become major problems saving homeowners thousands of dollars in future roof repairs or even early roof replacement.

An experienced roofer can assess the damage and initiate proper repairs. The best professional roofers will perform thorough, complete roof inspections, rather than only the problem area you call attention to. Be sure your inspector is looking at interior walls and ceilings, spending plenty of time assessing the state of the roof itself, and also doing the extra work of attic inspection.

If your first inspection doesn’t feel thorough enough, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. Having your roof fixed correctly the first time, will save you thousands of dollars down the line.

Your best bet is to choose a reputable company, who stands by the work they do and pays attention to the little details and warning signs of roof leaks. Sonshine Roofing is one such company, providing a quality guarantee that ensures you will receive only the best service and quality for your money.