Winter weather will be here before we know it. When that cold weather hits, the last thing you need is a leaking, damaged roof. These tips on how to spot a roof leak from the residential roofing experts at Boak & Sons can help you identify potential problems on your roof to help prepare you for the snow and ice:

1. Dark spots or sagging in your ceiling.
   
   If you’re seeing brown spots on your ceiling or it looks like the ceiling is sagging, it could be a sign of water settling where it’s not supposed to. This is one of the most common signs of a potentially serious leak, and unfortunately at this stage, you probably have more than just roof damage. If the roof isn’t repaired before the cold weather hits, your roof could experience the freeze-thaw cycle. Water sits in the cracks and spaces where the roof is damaged and then it freezes, expanding to cause even more damage. This cycle repeats itself and wreaks havoc on your roof.
   
   
2. Cracked, curling, damaged, or missing shingles.
   
   This one’s a no brainer – if you have missing shingles, those spots on your roof are exposed, leaving your roof vulnerable to leaks. Cracked and damaged shingles could also compromise the integrity of your roof and allow water to sneak through. Missing shingles can be easier to spot than cracked or broken ones. If you think you may have cracked or damaged shingles but want to take a closer look, call the residential roofing experts at Boak & Sons to do it for you! Safety always comes first, so we never recommend accessing your roof on your own.
   
   
3. Pieces of shingles in your gutters.
   
   Doing some gutter cleaning? Pay close attention to what you’re pulling out! If there are pieces of shingles in the debris that means your shingles are crumbling and getting washed out. The longer you let that go, the more vulnerable your roof is to leaks.

Spotting a leak can be easy but taking preventative measures can help you avoid leaks and the damage they cause. Our residential roofing experts can come take a look at your roof and help you keep it in tip-top shape for the upcoming winter weather. You don’t want to wait too long to take care of these roofing problems! If there’s too much snow on your roof or the cold weather is too severe, our crews won’t be able to access your roof. Call us today to schedule a free estimate at 330-793-5646, or visit www.boakandsons.com/contact!