The first sign that you have a leak in your roof is usually when you see a water stain on your roof. In fact, it can be quite difficult to pinpoint the source of the leak. Roof leaks can be detected by looking for water spots on your ceilings and walls, missing shingles, cracked or damaged shingles, water spots on your roof decking, and missing shingles. Attic water can travel along the rafters and other horizontal surfaces of the attic, making it hard to pinpoint exactly where the water is entering the attic. It could be a missing flashing around the chimney, or another entry point, that’s allowing water into your attic. If shingles are missing, cracked, or otherwise damaged, water can leak into the house over time. If a leak is ignored, it can start out small and cause a lot of damage. Ice dams can also allow water to enter. As snow thaws on the warmer portions of the roof and refreezes on the cold eaves, ice dams form. These dams can cause water to back up under the shingles. You may have leaks if you don’t have an ice and water underlayment installed under the shingles. Homeowners experience leaks because of improper roof installation and poor workmanship. If you choose the right builders and contractors to install your roof, you can avoid leaks in the long run. It is important to choose highly qualified professionals who have experience with the type of roof installation you need. The closer your roof gets to the old age of 15 to 20 years or more, the more likely it is to have an issue, especially if you haven’t kept up with routine maintenance. If your roof is near the end of its lifespan, it may simply be necessary for the original roofing material to be replaced.