Clues in the Attic: Pre-Winter Roof Checkups Made Easy

(NewsUSA) - Your attic could save you from breaking your neck this autumn.

Got your attention, huh? Seriously, this is one of the two times each year when homeowners are supposed to check the health of their roofs. (Among other reasons, because they're key to a home's energy efficiency.) But who wants to be climbing a ladder 25 feet or so into the sky when the weather is turning sharply colder and nastier?

That's where your attic comes in.

According to Jason Joplin, program manager of the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence, that space you're probably using mainly for storage can substitute, as a fallback, for the eyeball roof check normally recommended to be done every pre-winter and spring.

"Roofs actually create an insulated barrier that helps trap heat inside, and most attic spaces are located right below them," says Joplin. "That makes them perfect for spotting potential problem areas and damage without worrying about falling off a ladder."

Here's what to look for while up there:

* Water leaks. As sure as Tom Brady will never be a fave among Deflategated Indianapolis Colts fans, it will soon storm. And when it does, shine a flashlight up in the attic to check not only for dripping water and condensation, but also for water stains on the ceiling, walls and floors. All signal that H2O is finding its way beneath your roof's shingles or behind its flashings.

* Ventilation. "Think of the attic as the lungs of the house," advises Joplin. "It has to be able to breathe in order to function properly." Which is to say, vents stuffed with debris need to be cleared.

* Animal damage. You know those "If you see something, say something" homeland security ads? Well, to avoid the havoc refuge-seeking birds, bats, squirrels and raccoons can create, warning bells should likewise sound -- followed by a call to a pest-control pro -- if you spot any of these telltale signs: nests, droppings and gnawed wood, wires or insulations.

* Structural problems. The mere hint of a sagging roof -- look up for this one -- could indicate potential structural weakness requiring professional repair.

And if prolonging your roof's life is your goal, experts say it pays to consult a professional roofing contractor who's insured and uses quality materials like the new triple-layer line of Glenwood Shingles -- the thickest of its kind, with an authentic wood-shake look -- from GAF, North America's largest roofing manufacturer. A free service that makes it easy to find a factory-certified contractor in your area can be found at gaf.com.