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Roof damage can occur suddenly”for example, if shingles are blown off in a storm”or a small leak can gradually grow larger. A leaky roof can affect the inside of your house as well as the foundation. It can also affect your familys health by causing mold that can trigger allergic reactions and lead to breathing problems. Many homeowners are unaware of roof damage until they notice leaks inside the house, but there are often warning signs much earlier. Detecting problems quickly can minimize damage and repair bills.

Have Your Roof Inspected
Regularly inspecting your roof can help you identify problems before they get too serious. If you dont feel comfortable inspecting your roof yourself, hire a professional roofer. The person conducting the inspection should pay particular attention to the flashing, since that is where most roof leaks occur, as well as missing or damaged shingles.

Check the Interior of Your House
Walk around the upper floor of your home and check the ceiling and walls for any signs of water damage. Moisture may cause brown, yellow or grey stains. You might also notice that the paint on the ceiling or walls is peeling or bubbling.

If your house has an attic, check to see if the rafters are damp. If they are, that could indicate that the roof needs repairs or that there is a ventilation problem. If the vents are blocked, that can lead to moisture damage. Removing any objects that are blocking the vents might be enough to solve the problem.

Make Sure Your Gutters Are Clean
If snow on the roof melts and then water runs down to the gutters and refreezes, it can form an ice dam. That can then cause water to seep beneath roof shingles and inside the house. Keeping your gutters clear can prevent this scenario. If you notice an ice dam, call a roofer to get rid of the ice and see if it caused damage to the roof.

Monitor Your Utility Bills
A damaged roof can allow warm air to escape from your home in the winter and cool air to escape in the summer. If youve noticed that your utility bills significantly rose recently for no apparent reason, your roof might be damaged.

Check for Signs of Problems
Roof damage isnt always obvious, but you might be able to spot signs if you know what to look for. If you notice any of these issues, call a roofing company to schedule an inspection. A professional will be able to identify damage, understand its severity and make any necessary repairs. You should also check your roof yourself or have it inspected by a professional on a regular basis so problems can be identified and repaired before they get worse.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are just a few reasons why a state-of-the-art smart irrigation system is worth installing.

Weather Responsive

A smart system will receive local weather data and adjust the watering schedule accordingly.

Reduce Water Consumption

Smart sprinklers reduce your water consumption, making them an eco-friendly option that will lower your monthly bill.

Mobile Control

If you do need to make manual updates to your lawns watering schedule, smart systems can easily be controlled through an app on your smartphone.

Easy Installation

Installing these systems is usually as easy as purchasing a smart controller thats compatible with your current irrigation system.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Is your accessory building approved to be used as a living space? Here are four ideas for transforming it into a valuable feature.

Exercise and Wellness Space

Consider a small yoga studio or exercise area with a few spa-like features, such as a steam shower and a massage room.

Kids Space

From an art studio to a large game room, there are endless possibilities to transform this into a place theyll love for years to come.

Home Office

Converting your accessory building into a stunning office is sure to be a good use of this space, while also adding value to your home.

Guest Accommodations

Self-contained guest accommodations are one of the greatest luxuries that a home can have when friends or family are visiting, especially for extended stays.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Just as an umbrella can protect you from the rain, an umbrella insurance policy can shield you from lawsuits if something unfortunate happens at your home.

Homeowners insurance usually includes some liability coverage to protect your assets if someone is injured at your home. Umbrella policies can go beyond the $300,000 liability insurance that most insurers require of a homeowners policy, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).

If your home or assets are worth more than $300,000, or if youre worried that someone might injure themselves on your front step and will sue you for over that amount, then an umbrella policy could be worthwhile. The potential loss of future income is another consideration, since your future wages could be garnished in a lawsuit.

A $1 million umbrella policy can cost $150 to $300 per year, according to III.

Here are some of the things an umbrella liability policy can protect you from:

Swimming pool accidents
Trampoline accidents
Dog bites
Bodily injury
Property damage
Landlord liability
Vacant land (if an uninvited guest is injured on your property)
Owning a home business that clients visit
Construction on property
Slander and libel
Shock and mental anguish
False arrest
Malicious prosecution

A personal umbrella policy (PUP), protects your personal items and usually doesnt cover your business, even if it’s a home business”a separate umbrella policy would be needed in this instance.

Depending on the type of umbrella policy you buy, there are some things that aren’t typically covered. Your personal belongings that are damaged wont be covered, but someone else’s will be.

Other areas that wont be covered by umbrella insurance include floods, health insurance, intentional crimes and written or oral contracts.

Wealthier individuals may have more reason to get an umbrella policy because they have more assets to protect. But even a homeowner with a modest-priced home may want to get an umbrella policy if their basic homeowners insurance doesnt have much liability coverage.

Since a home is usually your largest asset, its important to insure it properly. If someone is injured on your property, for example, you dont want to be held liable for injuries and damages that could add up to more than the value of your home.

Published with permission from RISMedia.