If you?ve got a roof, at some point you?ll be asking how to fix roofing problems. An average sized ranch home in the United States has a roof surface of 15 to 20 squares, each of which is equivalent to 100 square feet of space. That?s a lot of area where things can go wrong, but if you think about how to fix roofing problems in advance, you might be able to avoid having to do a full replacement. Read on for five piece of advice about how t find problems and how to fix roofing problems:

Get Yourself Some Binoculars

Thankfully, roofing problems are often easy to see from the ground, but a pair of good binoculars will help a lot with this. Checking from the ground with binoculars shouldn?t replace having a roofing company do a thorough inspection once or twice a year. But having some will let you keep an eye on things throughout the year to avoid having problems.

Check for Good Metal Flashing

Metal flashing is what should be sealing your asphalt shingles anywhere they meet something like a chimney. Good flashing takes some time, so roofers have been known to skip it in preference for some cement work that doesn?t last very long. If you?ve got heavy patchwork roofing tar or cement instead of good metal flashing, call a reputable roof repair service that knows how to fix roofing problems and get them to look at it right away.

Look for Evidence of Roof Leaks

From the inside, leaks can be identified by water stains, mold, or odd black marks. Also look on the roof itself around anything that penetrates it, such as a chimney, vents, or domers. These are where leaks most normally develop. If you’re having trouble locating the source of a leak, don’t wait. Call professionals to come hunt it down, as even a small leak can cause expensive damage within a short time.

Curling Shingles

If there are one or two clawed shingles, this isn?t usually a problem and they?re easy to replace. But if you?ve got a lot of them, it could mean that roof is getting old and needs to be replaced. It could also indicate that the roof is getting too hot, and this may mean you should check with roofing contractors about how to get a roof that?s better for your climate.

Has Your Chimney Become a Dam?

When the roof was installed, the chimney should have been fitted with a chimney cricket, which directs water, leaves, and other debris around the chimney and down the slope of the roof. If yours doesn?t have one, or if it has come off or been damaged, you could get a lot of debris behind the chimney that can cause serious problems over time.

Your roof protects what is likely your largest single investment. Keep it in good shape, and it will protect you and your investment for years to come. Keep an eye on your roof, and never skip routine roof winterization and inspection. You could save yourself a lot of expensive repairs and replacements down the line.