Generally the first sign of roof trouble is a leak. You may notice stains or dampness. More obvious signs of trouble will be raised or broken shingles, a loss of mineral granules in the shingles or dark looking spots in the sheathing.

First, standing back away from the house, look at the lines of the ridge and rafters. If they appear to sag, it may indicate structural problems. Next, look at the roof surface for signs of wear, checking the shingles for warping, cupping, looseness or rot. Scan the roof for any shingles that may have been lifted by the wind or are missing altogether. Bumps can indicate that the roofing nails below have become loose.

On asphalt roofs, you'll want to look for bald spots where the mineral granules have worn away.

With wood shingles, check for curled, broken, and split shingles and for spots where nails have become loose or rusted. With tile or slate, individual tiles can chip and break and require replacement. Additionally, check for valleys and flashings around the chimney and vents. Check for broken seals along the flashing's edges and for rust spots in the metal.

If potential trouble spots are identified, you should alert a roofing contractor, like Oasis Builders, to have your roof professionally, inspected.