Your roof is your home's primary barrier against the water and other elements, and so keeping it water-tight is Rule No. 1 in home maintenance. But even the best roofs can fail if the issues that cause leaks are not addressed. A leaky roof can lead to all sorts of nasty problems, from musty mold growth to wood rot, and it can do so in a way that is slow and sneaky. Water that gets past the roof can be kind of like that veggie smoothie you might chug on a Monday morning: It's not a problem for your roof (or for you) if it ascends in a straight and narrow fashion and then stops at the top of the head (or the top of the roof). But once it begins to trickle down (or mold) inside your house, it's a huge issue that's hard to fix and definitely not cheap.
Keeping your roof well-maintained is an effective way to shield it from potential water damage. Semiannual inspections of the roof in spring and fall are strongly advised, in order to detect any early signs of trouble. During these inspections, you should look closely at the surface of the roof. Shingles should lie flat and straight; if any are missing or broken, they need to be replaced immediately. The roof should have a slight slope to it; if any part appears to sag or bow, it certainly needs prompt attention. The gutters and downspouts should have been cleaned before the first autumn leaves fell, and they should be just as clean now in early spring. Their job, after all, is to direct water away from the roof and toward the ground.
Selecting quality materials and professional installation can immensely enhance the ability of your roof to resist water damage. It is crucial to opt for roofing materials that are suitable for your climate and have demonstrated long-lasting durability. For added protection, consider installing a water-resistant underlayment beneath your shingles. Particularly in areas susceptible to heavy rainfall or snow, this can make a significant difference. Also, pay particular attention to all penetrations and to the edge of the roof itself. These are places where water can sneak in if they are not properly sealed. Leaks, of course, are the most obvious signs of trouble. But stained ceilings or walls and bulging patches of paint can indicate that water is getting in somewhere. Have any signs of trouble investigated. Even if your roof is new, a problem early in its life suggests that something went wrong during or after installation.