Take Care of Your Roof; Save Your Home

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- After finishing the turkey and falling asleep on the couch watching football, you may begin thinking some winter risk-management thoughts.

When's the last time you took a look at your roof?

You would be amazed at how much potential damage you could be forced to pay for if you fail to check a few basic things related to your roof, as winter sets in. Even a small leak can lead to financial disaster.

Most of the following tips relate to the onset of winter in northern states, however, if you live in Hurricane Alley, it's even more important to make sure your roof is up to snuff.

Let's begin with some tips on inspecting the roof. While there are plenty of regional differences in style and function for roofs and accessories -- for example, many homes built in in the South lack gutters -- and threats (ice and snow versus heavy wind) most of the following tips can be of use to any homeowner.

Alyssa Hall, the Marketing Communications Director for GAF -- which bills itself as "North America's Largest Roofing Manufacturer" -- recommends homeowners take the following steps to prepare for the onset of winter:

• Check the roof framing structure to make sure it is not compromised. Visually scan the roof for any sagging or uneven areas. Any sign of sagging that you can see is potentially a big problem with the underlying plywood or the structure of the home. "That's not a do-it-yourself kind of fix."
• Inspect the gutters to make sure they are not clogged with branches, leaves, or other debris. Check for leaks as well. Seamless gutters are best, of course. If your seams are a bit leaky, get out that caulking gun. It's worth it. A small leak in the gutter can lead to a big puddle outside your house, and that water may seep into your basement.
• Make sure that gutters are fastened properly and are tight and secure so that they don't cause overflow and build-up or fall off the fascia board.
• Check the valleys of the roof to ensure that they are also free and clear of debris that can add weight to the roof and also act as a barrier to rain and snow.
• Make sure there is metal flashing around roof vents, pipes, skylights, and chimneys. Inadequate flashing is one of the most common causes for roofing leaks.
• Carefully inspect the roof shingles. Look for curling edges, missing granules and cracks. You should also trim any branches that may touch the roof when the wind is heavy. Danger signs for a failing roof include dark or "dirty looking" areas.

Of course, any build-up of moisture in your attic, especially after wind-driven rain, is a strong sign that you need some roof work done.

Time for a new roof?

You should find out how long your roof is rated for, and plan to replace it, years in advance. Why? Because they are so expensive, and if you take damage from a leak or from wind, and your insurance company finds out that your roof was due to be replaced years earlier, you could have a problem.

Once again, think regionally. In Florida, with the hot son beating on the roof, material rated for 30-years in northern states may not really last as long as rated.

If you are replacing a roof in a southern state, you may also wish to consider material other than traditional shingles, such as tile or metal. If you switch from a shingled roof to tile, you may need to have the roof straps reinforced, or have other major work done.