Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, but almost no one ever thinks about it until something goes wrong. People assume that the roof is an integral part of the structure that will last for decades without much attention, but you’d be surprised how much a roof needs. Several things can damage your roof beyond normal wear and tear, so it’s important to get it inspected before a serious leak forms. In most cases, roofs are made of wood shingles, composite asphalt, or tile. Although you can expect them to withstand heavy rains and anything else the weather throws at you, serious weather is always a concern. Shingles may be sturdy and nailed together, but they’re not indestructible. An object that falls on a shingle can crack, dent, break off or simply leave a dangerous indent that changes the structure and function of the shingle. Falling tree branches are also a major problem, as people let their trees grow over their homes. Your shingles might have been damaged by a fallen branch, even if it didn’t damage the structure of your home. It is even possible for the wind to damage your roof, especially if it reaches a velocity higher than anticipated by the original builders. Shingles are particularly vulnerable to high winds. Most homeowners don’t know what caused their roof damage until a leak develops. Existing roof damage can be evident by moisture in the attic or dripping from the ceiling. To return your home to weather-proof safety, you’ll need a thorough inspection and expert repairs. It’s advisable to have roof inspections every two years, no matter what else happens to the house. It will prevent minor problems from developing beyond six months. Hence, even if a pile of leaves slowly rots a hole in your roof, your roof inspectors will spot it and fix the soft spot before any real damage occurs.