Signs of Roof Damage Every Homeowner Should Look Out For

Our roofs, sturdy as they are, still succumb to wear and tear. The earlier we spot signs of roof damage, the earlier we can do repairs, and the less costly these repairs become.

As homeowners, it’s our responsibility to maintain our roofs and keep them in top condition. This even helps us with insurance claims when we need major roof repairs.

The question now is, what are the signs of roof damage that we need to look out for? Can we do repairs DIY? And what can we do to prevent roof damage? We’re here to help with just that.

10 Signs of Roof Damage You Need To Look Out For

Roof damage can come in many forms. It can be as simple as a missing shingle that can be easily replaced DIY, mold that you need to remove, or gutters you have to clean.

However, there are cases when you need to call in professional help the moment you see that type of roof damage. Here are the 10 signs of roof damage you need to look out for.

1. Check For Mold In Exterior Wall

Mold is one of the most prevalent issues in your home, and it can also affect your roof. Check for mold growth on the kick-out flashing, where your roof meets the sidewalls.

If mold grows near your kick-out flashing, it might indicate that roof runoff flows down into the walls, not down the gutters or downspouts. This leaves water pouring down walls instead.

Windows directly below the kick-out flashing with mold growth can also sustain damage from the gradual leaks. The effects are minor at first. It could be left unnoticed for years.

2. Dark Spots Or Streaks On The Roof

Dark spots or streaks on your roof are tell-tale signs of water damage. If you see these spots, you can always get a free roof inspection from a pro.

Professional, licensed, and experienced roofers can determine underlying issues that might not be visible to the untrained eye. The sooner you find the cause of these spots, the faster you can make the necessary repairs.

3. Missing Or Broken Shingles

Damaged or missing shingles are the most obvious signs of roof damage. Heavy winds, hail, or other severe weather conditions can knock out or chip away at your shingles.

Water and moisture can seep into the cracks and cause leaks inside your home. This becomes a catalyst for many problems, including mold, rot, or structural damage.

As a rule of thumb, you have to inspect your roof after storms, hail, or strong winds. A simple roof inspection can save you hundreds and even thousands on repairs.

4. Water Stains On Ceilings Or Walls

Water stains or brown ceiling spots indicate a leak. As you can tell, any sign of a leak means there are underlying issues you need to address ASAP.

At first, the spots might look like minor discolorations in your ceiling. Paint can have blisters. All of these are signs of water ingress. The leak itself could be minor.

Even minor water leaks can lead to significant repair costs if left unchecked. Your best option is to call a professional roof inspector to assess the damage and zero in on the source.

5. Roof Vent Issues

Cracked housings on plastic roof vents can lead to leaks. Caulk is a good start, but it’ll only be a band-aid solution. When this happens, the best approach is to replace the vents.

If there are pulled or missing nails at the base of the vent, you can try replacing them with rubber-washer screws instead. But, this would also be a temporary fix.

Plastic around the screw holes deteriorates over time as it’s exposed to the elements. When you see signs of significant damage to the vent, replace it to ensure proper ventilation in the attic.

6. Clogged Soffits

Airflow is essential to keeping your home energy efficient. A big proponent of airflow starts with soffit vents sucking in the outside air into your home, which moves warm attic out the vents.

When soffits clog, less air gets inside, affecting the airflow in your attic. This could lead to moisture buildup in your attic and, eventually, mold. Always remember to check soffits routinely and do maintenance for roof fascia, as these two go hand-in-hand.

In the worst-case scenario, the mold grows on your roof’s framing and affects the structural integrity. You must clear the soffits to keep a clear air path between the rafters and the roof sheathing.

7. Rusted Gutters

Rust occurs naturally over time. Rusty gutters are susceptible to leaks, as it’s exposed to heat and cold, causing expansion and contraction.

An easy fix would be to stop the gutter leaks by using gutter repair tape over the damaged area. But before applying the repair tape, remove the rust with a wire brush.

Don’t forget to scrape out tar and other debris. Gutter repair tape can be found in most home centers or hardware stores, making it an easily accessible repair tool.

8. Attic, Skylights, Vents, and Chimney Leaks

Leaks in any area of your home can always be linked to roof damage. Most of these leaks will likely start in your attic. When attics leak, act quickly before mold and mildew grow.

Skylights, vents, and chimneys are also susceptible to leaks. Often, leaks in these areas are due to water pooling in one area because of clogged gutters or bad drainage.

9. Hail Damage

Large hailstones can tear and puncture shingles. Smaller hailstones are likely to knock off granules from the surface. When this happens over time, shingles lose their protective layers against UV rays.

It’s also important to look for signs of collateral damage. Look for dents in your walls, AC, furniture, or landscaping. If there are signs of damage here, your roof is also likely to be damaged. When this happens, it’s best to call professional roofers for an inspection.

10. Sagging Or Warped Areas On The Roof

If parts of your roof are sagging, you have an extreme case of roof damage. It’s best to call a professional roofer as soon as possible.

There could be a variety of reasons that caused sagging. It could’ve been water damage, rotting, mold, or pests. Remember, a sagging roof can lead to total collapse.

Identifying Roof Damage

Spotting signs of roof damage early on helps you detect underlying issues that could lead to major concerns down the line. But sometimes, there are roof damages that can’t be noticed by untrained eyes.

That’s where the professionals come in. Contact Trenton Roofing today for a free estimate for all your roof inspection and repair needs.