Replace Missing Shingles Immediately
Your roof has shingles for a reason. Cracked, bent, and missing shingles all provide an opportunity for leaks. You might see this manifested as shingle debris in your yard, driveway, or downspout splash blocks. Or you might notice off-colored patches on your roof.
Fix Ponding Surfaces
If you notice pools of water standing on your roof after it rains, you could have a big problem on your hands shortly. Ponding, as this circumstance is known to roofers, leaves you vulnerable to rot, which in turn can cause all kinds of issues, including leaks. Flat and low-sloped roofs are obviously more prone to this problem than steeply-pitched surfaces—but it can happen anywhere.
Regularly Clean Your Gutters
Gutters serve the practical purpose of carrying rain runoff away from your roof and siding. So if yours are clogged and can’t function properly, you’ll see more standing water and moisture on roof surfaces, meaning there’s more chance for leaks.
Inspect Flashing Around Vents, Valleys, Chimneys, Pipes, Skylights
Any place where there are openings or joints in your roof, there’s the potential for leaks down the line.
Inspect Your Attic Ceiling
Another way to spot leaks is through the damage on your attic ceiling. If you notice damaged or moldy insulation, rotting or stained boards or ceiling panels, or puckering, discolored sheetrock, you may have a leak on your hands. If you see any of these signs, call a roofer right away. They can send an inspector out to look at your roof and give you some recommendations for what to do next.