Waiting for water stains to show up on your ceilings is not the best strategy when it comes to determining when your roof needs maintenance work. It will be very late and expensive! Water stains on your ceiling is, in most of the cases, sure indication that your roof needs lots of attention, the boards and the rafters are already rotten, attic insulation has deteriorated, mold may be present in your attic.
Get your roof ready for winter and avoid surprises! Who wants to fix his roof in the middle of the winter?

Here is the 20 point roof inspection check list:

1. missing shingles, tiles, slates or nails?
2. cracked, curled or missing shingles?
3. lots of fine gravel-like granule in the gutters?
4. dark, bare spots on your roof?
5. water flowing properly through the drainage system?
6. cracked sheathing?
7. gutters securely fastened?
8. cracks or open seams in your gutters or downspouts?
9. cracks in the mortar and bricks on your chimney?
10. bricks missing in your chimney?
11. caulking missing around chimneys and vents?
12. signs of water damage at eaves and overhangs?
13. roof ridge appear straight?
14. roof surface appear to be flat without sags or dips?
15. flashing installed properly?
16. damaged or missing flashings?
17. damage to valley flashing material?
18. water pool in some areas of a flat roof?
19. rotted or warped wood shakes or shingles?
20. caulking used to seal flashing material damaged or missing?

Caution:

You do not really have to climb a ladder to inspect your roof. The safest way to check your roof is to look at it through binoculars from the ground.

What to do next?

If the answer to any of the questions in the check list, the problem should be fixed as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage to your house. If your are not sure what needs to be done you can either call in a roofing professional or, if you are a DIY enthusiast you can read on the following articles:

Why ventilate your attic?
How to Control Moisture in Attics
Attic Moisture and Your Climate
How to Fix a Water Stain on a Ceiling
How to Prevent Icicles and Ice Dams on Roofs
Why and how to install an attic vent
13 possible spots for your roof leak
How to replace faulty roof shingles

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