The annual roof check that can prevent an expensive leak

Make the check part of your yearly routine

Choose a dry day and inspect from the ground, an upstairs window or another safe vantage point. Binoculars or a phone camera can help you see changes without stepping onto the roof.

What to look for

Check for cracked, slipped or missing tiles; lifted metal sheets; damaged flashings; deteriorated pointing; blocked gutters; staining below eaves; and branches touching the roof.

Act early

Small defects are usually easier to repair before water reaches insulation, ceilings or framing. If something has changed since the last inspection, photograph it and ask a roofer to assess it.