Roof InformationTop 5 Signs of Roof Damage

Even though we know our roofs are important, they are far too easy to ignore. Most of us don’t get a good look at our roofs on a regular basis, so we simply assume nothing is wrong—until there’s a big enough problem that we can’t ignore it.

Roof repair can be inconvenient and costly, but the good news is that with a little routine maintenance you can catch problems before they become catastrophic. It’s a good idea to get a professional inspection once a year, but damage can occur at any time. A simple self-inspection can go a long way toward identifying minor problems and fixing them before they become major problems. The even better news is that for most roofs you can do an inspection from the ground with a pair of binoculars. There’s no need for the annoyance and potential danger of climbing into your roof yourself. Here are the top five things to look for when inspecting your roof:

1. Roof Flashing: Check your roof flashing for signs of cracked or missing caulk. If your flashing is metal, check for rust spots as well. These might be signs that the integrity of your roof flashing has been compromised. (Not sure what roof flashing is or where to look for it? Check out our blog entry on roof flashing.)
2. Shingles: Examine the shingles to see if any of them are missing, broken, buckling, or curling. If your shingles are doing anything except lying flat and straight on your roof, you might have shingle damage.
3. Check the interior of your house for signs of leaks. Damp spots or dark spots on ceilings, walls, or along fireplaces are a sign that water is getting in somewhere. Also, peeling paint or wallpaper can be an indication of water damage.
4. Moss or Lichen: Look for large areas covered by moss or lichen. Black algae stains are common, and mostly an aesthetic issue. However, moss is more damaging as it puts down roots into your roofs and holds in moisture. In addition, it can prevent a clear view of your roof which might hide roof damage during your inspection.
5. Roofing Shingle Granules: If you have asphalt shingles, check your gutters and downspouts for shingle granules. Asphalt shingles are covered with fine granules which look like very small gravel. As the shingles age, these granules will come loose and the shingle won’t be as strong. If you see many of these granules in your gutters and downspouts, it may be a sign that your shingles are past their prime. (Want to learn more about how shingles are made? Learn more on our blog.)

If you see any of these, it may be a sign that your roof needs some repair. Also, while self-inspections are good, never underestimate the importance of professional inspections. Make sure you have a trusted roofer to call in case you ever have questions or concerns about your roof.