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11 Ways to Avoid Costly Home Repairs

Maintain your house now, so you can avoid big problems later on

En español | Your house talks to you — and what is it saying? It's giving you early warning signs of potential trouble at its most vulnerable spots, and by paying attention you can prevent costly repairs down the road.

Roof/Attic

Problems: Water leaking into your home can cause rot, insects, mold, mildew and electrical shorts.

Trouble signs: Curled, missing or broken shingles; bows or dips on roof; dampness or stains in attic or on ceilings and interior walls; broken masonry in and around fireplaces; green algae growth on attic ceiling.

What you can do: Inspect your roof and attic every six months and ensure flashing around chimneys is tight. Check caulking and sealants for peeling and leakage and look for cracking on collars around vents. Prevent algae and fungus on wood shakes and asphalt shingles with zinc control strips.

What it may cost: One to two hours of your time if you're comfortable on a ladder; a professional inspection and minor repairs might cost about $200.

What you could save: $5,000 or more for prematurely having to replace your roof and anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars to repair interior damage.

— Photo by Getty Images

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