Contractors say that homeowners should take the time to inspect their roofing systems at least twice a year. These inspections will allow homeowners to spot any early signs of damage, which will prevent major home repairs caused by severe water damage later on. Reputable roofing contractors based in Fairfax County, such as Northern Virginia Roofing, advise homeowners to be on the look out for the following signs:

Damaged Shingles

Shingles accumulate wear and tear thanks to Virginia’s occasional inclement weather. Thoroughly search for shingles that have curled or have sustained cracks, as both forms of shingle damage will allow precipitation into your home. In addition, search your gutters for an unusually large amount of shingle granules. An abundance of shingle granules in your gutters indicates that the granular coating on your roof is quickly failing, which could lead to further damages.

Exposed Nails

Exposed nails can be difficult to notice, but you should remain vigilant in looking for these nails. The presence of exposed nails often means there is an open hole inviting water into your home.

Moss and Mold

Moss and mold growth can be an eyesore on roofs, but the problems associated with their presence on roofing systems extend beyond aesthetic issues. Moss has a tendency to dissolve whatever is directly underneath it; in this case, it’s your roof. Mold is also a health hazard, and can affect those with asthma and allergies.

While homeowners are encouraged to check their own roofing systems, repairing the roof is a different matter altogether. In fact, an article from HowStuffWorks states that roof repair is a task that’s better left to a professional Herndon roof repair company:

Repairing a roof isn’t recommended for a do-it-yourselfer for one reason — it’s easy to fall off of. Repairing a roof shingle or two isn’t the toughest job in the world, but it’s getting up and down and carrying your tools with you that pose the risk of injury or death. It’s also very tiring work, and when you’re tired, you’re more prone to make a mistake. Just a quick slip is all it takes to send you over the edge of a second-story roof.

Aside from the danger involved, roofing work also requires experience to get it right. If you bite off more than you can chew, you may end up with a leaky roof and expensive water damage.