Your attic could help you avoid breaking your neck this autumn.

You noticed that? It’s one of two times a year that homeowners should check the health of their roofs. Because they are crucial to homes’ energy efficiency. However, who wants to climb 25 feet up the sky when it is getting colder?

Your attic is the perfect place to be.

Jason Joplin, the program manager at the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence says that the space you are using mainly for storage could be used as a fallback for the eyeball roofing inspection normally recommended every pre-winter or spring.

“Roofs actually create an insulated barrier that helps trap heat inside, and most attic spaces are located right below them,”Joplin. “That makes them perfect for spotting potential problem areas and damage without worrying about falling off a ladder.”

Here’s what you should look for while you are up there:

* Water leaks. Although Tom Brady won’t be a favourite among Deflategated Indianapolis Colts Fans, it will soon storm. When it does, you should shine a flashlight in the attic and check for condensation and dripping water. Also, look for water stains on ceilings, walls, and floors. These are signs that H2O has found its way under your roof’s flashings or beneath the shingles.

* Ventilation. “Think of the attic as the lungs of the house,” advises Joplin. “It has to be able to breathe in order to function properly.”This means that vents stuffed full of debris must be cleared.

* Animal damage. You are familiar with these “If you see something, say something”Do you have homeland security advertisements? To avoid the destruction that refuge-seeking birds, bats and squirrels can cause, you should sound warning bells. This should be followed by a call from a pest-control professional if you see any of these signs: droppings, nests, gnawed or gnawed timber, wires, insulations.

* Structural problems. A sagging roof could be a sign of structural weakness and require professional repair.

If you are looking to prolong your roof’s lifespan, experts recommend consulting a professional roofing contractor who is insured and uses quality materials. For example, the new triple layer line of Glenwood Shingles from GAF, North America’s largest roofing company, this line has a wood-shake appearance. Find a factory-certified contractor near you with our free service. gaf.com.