Out of sight, out of mind. That is just human nature. This characteristic can be costly, however, when it comes to roof maintenance. A barely noticeable leak in your roof can turn into a major disaster before you know it. Here are some ways to detect problems with your roof:

• A good roof should last 20 to 30 years, but unexpected damage can happen. Inspect your roof, or have your roof inspected by a roofer or roofing professional, once a year. Heights are scary and roofs can have steep slopes so it may be worth the money to hire a roofer or roofing inspector.

• Check (or make sure a roof inspector checks) for broken or missing shingles, sagging, loss of shingle granuals, and previous repairs that may be deteriorating.

• To discover small leaks, wait until it rains heavily. Go up to the attic, crawlspace, or other area where the inside of the roof is visible. Look for wet spots or drips and mark these spots so you can remember where they are. This may not be the source of the leak, but it should be close. If there is water seeping from where your chimney meets your roof, there is most likely a leak there.

Get roof leaks repaired as soon as possible, as they can lead to rotting of your roof or mold growth. Eventually, the hole may get very big and cause major damage inside your home as well as to the roof. Hire a roofing contractor if roofing is not one of your better skills.