Homeowners would be smart to learn the basics of roof maintenance. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, homeowners have to take measures to protect against hurricanes, floods, and snowstorms. And your home’s first line of defense against natural damage is the roof. Leaks and holes in the roof can lead to more severe problems down the line.

For instance, roof leaks can lead to expensive moisture damage and mold infestation. Any form of damage also lowers your home’s value, which is a huge problem if you’re thinking of selling your property. A professional gutter replacement can help keep the roof in good condition, but there are a few repair tasks you can do yourself.

Act quickly

If you discover leaks in the roof, you may feel tempted to make an appointment with a professional roofer to inspect the damage. But it could be weeks before someone visits your home, and even a minor hole can lead to serious damage in a short amount of time.

Once water enters your home, it could destroy the walls and frames. The insulation could be damaged as well, which can lead to higher energy costs. Once you spot roof issues, you need to initiate repairs as soon as possible.

Check for stains

Identifying roof leaks can be tricky, especially if it hasn’t rained in a while. If you see signs of water stains on the walls, check the roof section immediately above it. You are searching for the cause of the leak, which could be a dislodged shingle or an item penetration. For instance, if there’s a tree branch hanging over a roof, that could pose a leak risk.

Item penetrations aren’t just limited to roof shingles, however. Even chimneys, pipes, roof gutters, and dormers are possible entry points for moisture. A few signs of moisture entry include moss growth, stains, and mold.

Ask for help

While you don’t need professional help just yet, an assistant or two can prove helpful when searching for leaks in the roof. The best way to spot a roof leak is to wait for rain and check for wet spots in the attic. But if it looks like it’s going to be dry in the next few days, you need to be creative.

Carefully climb to the roof with a garden house and start soaking each section with water. Meanwhile, a person inside will check for dripping water. If the ceiling remains dry, move to a different part. Repeat the process until you’ve soaked the entire roof and found the leak. Once you’ve identified possible leak areas, remove the shingles and scan the frame for any damage. There should be rot around the hole.

These things will help you spot roof leaks and repair them before they become a bigger and more expensive issue. Most roof jobs are best left to the professionals, but basic repairs can be done with little risk or consequence. Just act quickly when you spot issues to avoid long-term damage.