Signs of roof damage aren’t always obvious.
When your car needs repair, the check engine light illuminates your dashboard and if the screen on your smartphone breaks, it’s obvious you need a repair. However, when you need a roof repair or replacement, what are the signs to watch for?
Roof damage and signs of roof damage are not always easy to identify. There is no check on your roof light to alert you. There is the off chance you might see a roof leak, but typically, in most cases, you won’t be able to spot a roof repair.
That is why today, we are going to share with you the simple signs of roof damage, your roof repair options,, and how to perform an annual roof inspection!
How to Spot Signs of Roof Damage
The following list will encompass most of the early warning signs for spotting possible roof damage. Not all roof problems are always visible, which is why we will also explore other options to do our best to prevent roof issues.
1. Look for missing shingles
Perhaps the most obvious sign that you have an issue with your roof is when you see missing shingles. Whether you find shingles in your yard, you see them flapping in the wind on your roof, or your roof’s decking is exposed, missing shingles are an obvious indicator of damage.
Missing shingles are not something to take lightly, either. Asphalt shingles, in particular, are installed in a woven-like pattern to create an interlocking grid for ultimate protection. This is also why, when one shingle is compromised, the roof repair required typically means more than just one shingle will need to be replaced.
Similarly, the reason why you often will see a few missing shingles has to do with the grid-like installation process. Either way, be sure to get the missing shingles addressed ASAP. Most roofing companies will come to inspect for free and recommend:
- Temporary tarping of the area
- Shingle replacement (roof repair)
- New roof, depending on the number of missing shingles
Depending on the exact cause, missing shingles can also mean you are able to file an insurance claim.
✅ See More: Roof Repair Info
2. Wind Damage
All of these houses were hit with a severe wind storm that required them to be replaced!
Similar to missing shingles or #3 below—missing flashing—be very mindful of problems for your roof after a heavy windstorm. Newer roofs and even most older roofs can withstand most wind. However, there are rare cases when a Nor’easter may occur, resulting in shingle and overall roof issues.
Heavy gusts of wind can cause extreme damage, so be mindful if something substantial like a hurricane or heavy windstorm hits your area! Luckily in the Boise, ID area, we don’t have to worry about hurricanes 🙂! However, in the Treasure Valley, wind and hail damage are the most common roof storm damage we see. While these don’t usually lead to structural damage, they do impact your roof.
3. Roof Flashing Cracking or Missing
Flashing is the thin black material that is applied to areas that stick out of a roof where they meet your roof’s shingles. Think of a chimney sticking out or where one townhouse roof meets another. In those areas, flashing would be installed to prevent leaks.
In any case, if the flashing gets loosened or is cracking, this is technically a form of roofing damage that will need to be addressed. Almost all roofing leaks typically involve one of the following:
- Missing shingles
- Flashing issues
- Cracked pipe collars
4. Gutters hanging from your home or that are clogged.
Bent gutters
Gutter issues can lead to problems with the functioning of your roof. Your home’s roof collects rainwater and disperses it to your home’s gutters to be channeled away from your home. That said, gutter damage can lead to roof leaks and roof damage.
A roof is designed to protect your home from water by working synchronously with your home’s gutters. When either (gutters or your home’s roof) is compromised, the other is also impacted negatively.
So keeping your gutters clean, clear, and properly working is vital to prevent water damage on your roof!
5. Low spots & soft spots.
While this is not always the case with damaged roof decking, sometimes you can spot low or soft spots from the ground.
Soft spots are a clear sign that there could be some possible damage you need to address. If you stand on the ground and you see a small dip in your roof you have a few options:
- Take a look inside of your addict with a flashlight and see what you find. If you see a leak, sag, or dark colors on your roof’s decking (plywood), you may have a severe roof leak to address.
- Have a roofing company come inspect your roof for you. Don’t pay for this; simply call a reputable roofing company and tell them you might have a possible leak! We do not recommend ever getting on your roof by yourself, or at all for that matter.
6. Leaks inside your home.
If missing shingles is the most obvious sign of roof damage, there have to be stains on the drywall of your ceiling next up! There is no worse feeling than waking up to find discoloration on your ceiling as the result of a roof leak/rainstorm. While most leaks don’t happen overnight, they do repair themselves either.
Luckily, in most cases, a roof leak is a quick fix, and if handled urgently, you can prevent the need for an entire roof replacement. Most roof leaks result from missing shingles, cracked/missing flashing, and cracked pipe collars.
If you are in the process of selling or listing your home, a roof leak in the ceiling can prevent the sale. Be sure always to get interior leaks fixed and remember any discoloration, sagging drywall, or holes can result from a problem with your roof.
7. Anything that seems out of place.
A piece of plastic in your hard, shingle on the ground, or other roofing materials that you mysteriously see lying around could be a sign of roofing damage. While something in your yard could undoubtedly result from it blowing from your neighbor’s roof, it’s not a bad idea to always keep a vigilant eye on your home’s roof.
Damaged flashing, water trapped between a valley, shingle granules in your gutters, and even mold growth are all signs of an aging or problematic roof. Most problems involving your roof are slow-growing, so catching them early is key!
8. Hail roof damage from bad weather!
Large hail can lead to hail damage that often requires a new roof. Though rare, when a thunderstorm brings large hail, the result can be damage to your roof. Large hail can chip your shingles, resulting in dents and, possibly worse, leaks.
Compromising the structural integrity of a shingle can lead to shingle damage down the road, which is why it is essential to keep an eye out for large hail storms. When they do occur, be sure to keep an eye out on your roof.
Fix Roof Leaks ASAP!
Whether you leak your roof vents or water stains that tell you something isn’t right – you will most likely need a roof repair. You want to prevent moisture buildup which can lead to structural damage. Something as simple as a few cracked shingles can lead to moisture buildup, which can cause leaks to travel to your attic. In cases like this, you will need a professional roofing contractor to come complete an inspection.
After a major storm, if you identify roof damage, be sure to always reach out to Legacy Roofing so we can help you repair or complete a roof replacement. Our solutions include:
- Replacing an area of the roof deck and reshingling
- Replacing damaged shingles from hail or wind
- Inspecting for any destroyed insulation or issues in your attic
- A full roof replacement when the damage reaches a certain amount of money
Unfortunately, even the most well-maintained roof can be negatively impacted by storm damage. Just a few shingles can lead to further damage, such as rotting wood, water leaks, dark spots, and more. While it is rare, don’t let moisture wreak havoc on your roof.
How to Complete an Annual Roof Inspection
Just like going to the dentist every six months, it isn’t a bad idea to have a visual inspection of your roof every year and a roof inspection by a roofing company completed every few years.
To complete a roof inspection on your own, simply follow these steps:
- Get a pair of binoculars if you have them
- Find vantage points outside where you can view your roof
- Take some photos of your roof from all angles (annually)
- Using these photos, compare them to the past to keep an eye on everything.
- Note missing shingles and get those fixed quickly!
- Lastly, be sure to always spot-check your roof after severe storms.
As we stated about roof inspections, find a roofing company you can trust and have them come check your roof every few years once it is over the age of 10! If you have any questions, don’t forget to check out our Frequently Asked Roofing Questions article here or reach out to us below!
The Verdict on Roof Damage Signs –
Severe weather, aging roofs, and rain can have a negative impact on your shingles or metal roof. While you won’t need to replace your roof often, if the time has come and you are approaching the window of replacement, you will actually save money with a full replacement over a temporary fix.
We can help you with your current roof and when we say call a professional, just reach out below for a free inspection from the most professional roofer in Boise, Nampa, Merdian, and the Treasure Valley!
Frequently Asked Roofing Damage Questions
How do I know when I have roof damage?
The obvious signs such as missing or damaged shingles, moisture in your home, leaks, water stains, and clogged gutters are usually strong indicators you will need to call a roofing company to help you with your home’s roof.
Sometimes you might also see a spike in your energy bills or mold on your roof that can be signs of issues that need your attention. Mold growth is no good for your roof! Be sure to check your roof after high winds or if you see water flowing off your roof!
How do I know when I need a new roof?
When repairs exceed your roof’s insurance deductible, this is usually a good time to consider a new roof. Also, when the damage is severe and repair costs stack up, a new roof can sometimes be cheaper!
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