Now is a good day to look up and say, "are leaks and problems on the way?" Today, we'll provide some warning signs that your roof might need maintenance --so you can do something about it in advance. Look for missing shingles and those that are curling, cupping, broken or cracked. If damage is minor, you can easily replace them now, rather than later, when winter weather will make it hard to do. Also check chimneys, vents and roof penetrations and valley areas where water run-off occurs. Check for standing water on flat areas, too. Asphalt composition shingles are coated with granules to block the sun's ultraviolet rays. Check gutters for excessive granule loss which leaves asphalt unprotected and vulnerable. Leaves and debris left in gutters impair drainage. Water backup at the roof's edges also can lead to premature shingle and subsurface deterioration. All roofs eventually wear out, but most last 15 to 20 years. With a little maintenance even 20 or 30. It's worth the effort. And that's the On The House tip for today.