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Roof leaks can go undetected for months or even years. A smaller leak that doesn’t cause visible signs in your home’s living area may allow water intrusion for a long time before you notice it. The longer a leak goes undetected, the worse the damage will be, so it’s important to frequently check for signs of a leak to keep a small problem from getting much bigger.

Take a look at your roof shingles from the ground or from a ladder, and look for cracked or missing shingles, which are the most obvious signs of roof damage. You should also look for pockmarks from hail and blown debris, as well as blisters that could indicate a moisture issue or a problem with the installation. Inside your home, be on the lookout for water spots on the ceilings on your upper floor, as this is a clear sign of a roof leak.

While you can technically install new roof sheathing over an old layer, it is generally not recommended for several reasons. Installing new sheathing over old can trap moisture, which may lead to future problems, especially in humid climates. It also adds significant weight to the roof structure and prevents you from inspecting the original sheathing for rot, mold, or other damage.

However, in some cases, if the old sheathing has been thoroughly inspected and is in excellent condition with no signs of rotting, warping, or damage, a roofer may install new sheathing over it to add strength and stability. Despite this, the more common and recommended practice is to remove the old roof sheathing entirely before installing a new layer, as removing it is not a difficult task.

It’s a good idea to have a roof inspection once every two or three years to catch issues early and avoid major property damage. However, if you recently had a new roof installed, you can safely wait around five to ten years before scheduling an inspection, especially since your workmanship warranty should last about that long. You might also want to schedule more frequent or one-off roof inspections if you are buying or selling a home, if you have issues with leaks or visible damage, or if your homeowner’s insurance company requires an updated inspection.