Inspect the roof on this sucka

Don't know if this gal's scoping out her wedding ring or her shingles, but either way, she doesn't like what she sees.

Considering this image came courtesy of the National Roofing Contractors' Association, I'm guessing it's roof-related.

They just released a "spring roof checkup" designed to diagnose problems that could've occurred as your roof weathered the winter.

Here's a (pretty basic) primer to get your shingles in ship shape for summer:

Take it away, NRCA:

"Most roof damage occurs before anyone at ground level notices it.  To help prevent the common 'out of sight, out mind' pitfall, homeowners should conduct a simple roof checkup twice a year, and at least once following the end of an inclement winter season.  Here are some tips from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) to help you get started:

Safety First
Inspecting your roof or cleaning your gutters can be risky business! So it’s important to remember these important safety tips:

• Make sure the ladder is on solid, level ground.
• Secure the ladder at the top to prevent it from slipping.
• Extend the ladder at least 3 feet beyond the gutter, and angle it 1 foot back from the house for every 4 feet in eave height.

What to Look For On Your Roof
Most roof damage occurs before anyone at ground level notices it. The following are some signs that your roof (or parts of it) may need replacing.

• Shingles that are buckling, curling or blistering; this indicates the end of the shingles’ life expectancy.
• Loose material or wear around chimneys, pipes and other penetrations.
• Excessive amounts of shingle granules in your gutters; granules give shingles added weight and protect them from ultraviolet rays.
• Be sure to inspect the area around pipes and chimneys.
• Inside your home, check interior walls and ceilings for water damage.

Removing Leaves from Your Gutters
Once or twice a year, it’s a good idea to put on your work gloves, get on a ladder and clean out your gutters and downspouts. If your gutters are clogged, rain won’t drain properly. Water can overflow the gutters and cause serious structural damage to your foundation over time. In addition, a gutter full of water is heavy and can damage the fascia boards on your roof.

• Remove leaves, sticks, needles and seeds from gutters, scooping out debris with a garden trowel or gloved hand.
• Don’t try to remove the debris with a hose because that may cause downspouts to clog.
• Remove the pasty goo made up from the tiny granules from asphalt roofing shingles that have mixed with dirt and water.
• Flush residual matter using a garden hose.
• To clean downspouts, turn on the hose full blast and thread into drain opening.
• Check gutters after flushing for pools that indicate low spots. Gutters should be sloped about 1 vertical inch for every 15 to 20 horizontal feet so they drain properly. Adjust gutters as necessary.

Hiring a Professional Roofing Contractor
In addition, know that a roof can save you energy. A professional roofing contractor can help you do the following:
•    Determine whether you have appropriate levels of insulation
•    Talk to you about new energy-efficient products available, such as reflective shingle granules
•    Explain how roof maintenance can help you recognize energy savings

If you see a potential roofing problem, don’t try to fix it yourself. Call a professional roofing contractor. Be sure your contractor has a permanent place of business, telephone number and tax identification number. In addition, check references from prior customers and ask for proof of insurance (liability and workers’ compensation). Finally, be sure to ask the contractor to explain material and workmanship warranties.

To receive your free Roof Checkup Guide or for more information about how to find a professional roofing contractor in your area, check out NRCA’s Web site at www.nrca.net."

Obviously, they're in the business of contractor referrals.

There are a few things you can do yourself—get started by visiting our essential roofing stories, products, and advice.