Posted on January 24, 2013 at 1:55 PM

The smallest roof leak can cause considerable damage to your home when left untreated. Water can invade a roof due to missing shingles and flashing, rotten decking and gaps around skylights and the chimney. The best way to prevent a roof leak is to routinely inspect your property, especially after a storm.

The following tips can help you locate roof leaks before they get out of hand.

After the storm

Storms are one of the leading causes of roof damage. After a major storm passes, go outside and inspect your home and property. Look for shingles in your yard that might have blown off due to high winds. If you have asphalt shingles, check your downspouts for deposits of granules. They often get knocked off during hail storms and then collect in the gutter system and downspouts.

Check the attic

Take a flashlight into the attic when it's raining. Since water reflects light, you can shine the flashlight to check for falling water. If you notice any water, mark the spot so that you can follow through with repairs.

Inspect your ceiling

When a roof leaks, water often collects on your ceiling. If you notice any brown or yellow stains on your ceiling, you have a roof leak.

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