8 signs of roof damage to look for

By HER Roofing. 

A damaged or leaking roof is a big concern, learn how to see the signs before it becomes a major problem.  

Editor’s note: Share this article with homeowners to educate them on the signs of roof damage and when to notify a roofer for further inspection. 

One of the most stressful times as a homeowner is when something goes wrong, such as a roof leak. This issue can result in even more subsequent problems if it is not addressed properly. You could end up dealing with not only a damaged roof, but also water damage, mold growth, wood rot and even structural issues. To avoid these issues, it is important to learn how to proactively identify issues on the roof and protect your home, your family and your wallet.  

This does not mean you will never have issues. And that’s when experts like those at HER Roofing, who have over 20 years of experience helping with these kinds of emergencies, are your best resource. If you can identify the warning signs of a problem and call a professional in quickly, it will still minimize the damage to your home and, best-case-scenario, save you from a costly roof replacement.  

1 - Water spots or stains on your ceiling or walls 

If you ever see a brown spot in your ceiling or down the top part of your walls, don’t ignore it. It could indicate a roof leak and, if so, needs to be addressed promptly by a professional service. The source of the water damage could be damaged shingles, deteriorated flashing or other weaknesses that have allowed water to seep through the barrier meant to protect your home from leaks. Contacting an experienced roof leak repair service can ensure that the issue is addressed quickly and your peace of mind is restored. 

2 - Missing, cracked or damaged shingles 

Roof damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, is a serious threat to the structural integrity of your home. If left untreated, it could lead to potential water leaks in the attic and severe damage to your home’s structure. While missing or damaged shingles don’t always indicate a leak, if there is an exposed seam, it may be indicative of water coming in from the outside. It is important to inspect your roof regularly and take proactive steps like replacing any affected shingles now to avoid dealing with more costly repairs later. 

3 - Rusted flashing 

Brick chimneys may appear solid and secure. However, their exterior is vulnerable to deterioration from snow, rain and wind. If it’s made from galvanized steel, then this can begin to rust through at the bottom, leading to further damage to not just the masonry but also any overlays that were installed. 

4 - Shiners 

If the telltale signs of a water stain on your ceiling are not visible, you may still be able to detect this problem by looking at the underside of your roof. This is because shiners, nails not properly fixed into the framing member, can cause moisture buildup in cold attics when warm air from below escapes and condenses on the cold nail. The best way to spot these is on a cold night, as the nails appear frosted. During warmer days, the frost will melt, then freeze again at night as temperatures drop and this cycle repeats itself. 

5 - Mold outlining under roof 

Without kick-out flashing, where a roof dips down to meet the sidewall, roof runoff would flow down the sidewall and potentially seep behind any window or door trim below. This issue can go unnoticed for years, but eventually, rot could occur, which would destroy both the framing and sheathing of the wall. 

6 - Stains around bathroom ceiling fan 

When water stains appear around your bath fan’s ceiling, it could mean a few different things. The culprit may be a leak from the vent cap on your roof, but more often, it is caused by condensation. To prevent this from happening, the ducting connected to the bath fan must be adequately insulated so that humid air from inside your house doesn’t cause moisture buildup within the duct. Without proper insulation, condensation will form and pool beneath the fixture which can then drip down onto the ceiling in your bathroom. 

7 - Sagging or rusted gutters 

Gutter leaks can lead to serious issues if left unfixed, which is why it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs that they may be occurring. One of the most common causes of gutter leaks is rust. This is often compounded by clogs in the downspout or inside the gutters themselves – if you find that your gutters are sagging down despite no new rain, this could be a sign that they’ve been holding too much weight and need to be cleared. Ignoring a leaky gutter can lead to further damage like mold growth, cracks in your home’s foundation, broken windows and more expensive repair bills. 

8 - Clogged soffits 

Ventilation is an important part of maintaining the health of your home. An often-overlooked means of effective ventilation is the soffit vents located near the roof line. A properly functioning soffit system will ensure that stale, trapped air is released from the attic while drawing in fresh air from outside. Soffit vents can become easily clogged due to mold growth and moisture buildup in warmer months. A leaky roof or other related problems can cause this. So be sure to inspect these areas for any warning signs during your regular checkups. 

Original article source: HER Roofing