Roof inspections before winter are essential to ensure they can withstand rain, wind, and freezing temperatures. Several signs can indicate that a roof may need checking. Broken or missing tiles can allow water to seep through, leading to potential damage. A wavy or sagging roof line may suggest weakened rafters, which are the wooden structures that support the roof. Stains or mold under the rafters may point to water infiltration or poor ventilation. Tile debris in gutters can be a sign of roof degradation. Cracked or detached flashing at joints requires waterproofing repair. Moss can trap water, which can damage tiles over time, so regular moss removal is recommended. Roofing materials and connection areas around the chimney, skylights, and ridges should be checked carefully for damage, displacement, or missing components. It is not always necessary to climb onto the roof to check its condition; observing from the street or garden can reveal broken, displaced, or missing tiles that allow rain and snow to infiltrate. If homeowners can replace damaged tiles themselves, they should do so, but if access is risky or the roof is too damaged, they should contact a professional. Until a roofer can intervene, placing a protective tarp over damaged tiles or inside the roof is advised. A roof line that is no longer perfectly straight, observed from the sidewalk by looking at the ridge and roof slopes, may indicate a weakened rafter structure due to moisture or a structural issue. In such cases, contacting a roofer to diagnose the problem and establish an action plan is necessary. Signs of moisture or mold visible under the rafters or on the ceiling, such as dark stains, suggest a waterproofing or ventilation issue. If these marks appear or worsen after rain, a leak should be investigated. If the moisture is more diffuse and especially present in cold weather, a condensation or ventilation problem is more likely. Pieces of roofing material falling into gutters may indicate degradation. While leaves or twigs in gutters are not concerning, fragments of tiles, slates, or mortar may signal the roof's beginning degradation. The quantity of debris is important to consider—few isolated splinters after a storm are different from an accumulation of debris with every rain. Flashing, which is waterproofing material at the junction between the roof and vertical elements, can crack, come loose, or lose its waterproofing due to temperature fluctuations, wind, and building movements. Before winter, it is important to check that flashing remains firmly attached, without cracks or visible gaps. If a defect is noticed, the flashing should be replaced or a waterproofing repair performed. Moss forming a thick layer on the roof can be a problem as it retains water, slowing the roof's drying after rain. In winter, this water can freeze, creating micro-cracks or causing tiles to crack. Periodic moss removal with a suitable brush and clean water, always from top to bottom, is recommended. High-pressure cleaners should be avoided as they risk damaging the tiles. Connection areas around the chimney, skylights, and ridges (corner junctions) are particularly vulnerable to water infiltration. Before winter, it is better to check that no pieces are missing and that all elements remain in place. The same precaution applies to roofing materials: edge bands and connections should not be damaged or corroded, as they risk letting water in.