6 Signs of Roof Damage

March 1, 2024

Learning the signs of roof damage is crucial for homeowners, as it not only ensures that your home is protected from further damage, but also saves you money in repair costs. When you notice signs of damage on your roof, it can lead to a variety of issues.

To help you spot potential signs of roof damage early on, we’re walking through six key signs of roof damage and how to identify them. Whether you’re worried about an upcoming storm or have noticed signs already, these pointers will help guide you through understanding the condition of your roof.

 

1. Missing or Damaged Shingles

Shingles are an integral part of your roof’s construction. When you notice some have gone missing, take action as soon as possible. Ignoring missing shingles can be a costly mistake, leading to rot, mold or other serious damage.

A sign of roof damage caused by wind is missing, lifted or creasing shingles. During storms, high winds can result in entire shingles tearing off your roof and littering your yard. If your shingles already had cracks or were peeling, they are especially prone to storm damage.

In addition to wind, hail can result in cracks, dents or holes in your roof and can be more difficult to spot from the ground. It may be worth investing in a professional inspection if storm damage is top of mind.

 

2. Cracked or Curled Shingles

Overtime, age and the elements can take their toll on your roof’s shingles. Without proper protection, you may find them cracking or curling away from the surface of your home. Once cracking and curling begins, more serious damage could arise from water infiltration.

Poor installation techniques could also be an underlying cause of cracked or curled shingles. To help ensure you find a top notch roofing contractor who has a reputation of doing quality work, we’ve put together a guide for questions to ask a roofing contractor. Depending on the amount of damage, you may need an entire roof replacement once you notice these damages.

 

3. Granules in Gutters

Asphalt shingles are your first line of defense against the elements, with a layer of granules providing an extra barrier to protect from damaging UV rays. Keep in mind normal wear and tear is expected over time.

However, hail storms in particular can cause significant loss in this outer coat. If you find loose granules in your gutter, the shingles on your roof have definitely been compromised. In addition, signs of granules in your downspouts can be a telltale sign of an aging roof. Regardless of the reason for damage, it’s important to inspect your gutters regularly and make repairs as needed.

 

4. Sagging or Drooping Roof

Drooping or sagging could signal serious damage, so don’t take these warning signs lightly. Be on the lookout for wood rot and trapped moisture too, which could mean water is infiltrating into the structure. It’s important to act quickly once these damages are brought to light.

 

5. Water Stains or Leaks

Water damage is often not blatantly obvious, and even small amounts of standing water or minor aesthetic damage to shingles can cause major issues if left unaddressed. Often, water damage presents itself through dark spots or discoloration on the walls or ceilings.

Particularly following a storm, we recommend exploring the attic with a flashlight to uncover any signs of water damage such as discoloration or dampness on walls and ceilings. If these issues are left untreated, they can pave the way for dangerous mold growth which could compromise both air quality and weaken the support structure of your roof.

 

6. Tree Limbs

The last one on our list is probably the most obvious. If tree limbs or other debris are thrown on your roof throughout a storm, the impact can cause shingle damage. If a tree limb is large and heavy enough, it could pose a threat to not just your shingles, but also the roof deck below them leading to structural damage in your roof.

During a storm, debris could be propelled onto your roof then swept away. To gage the impact of debris, look for unusual patterns in broken shingles, holes or dents to determine if something has struck your roof without leaving behind any physical evidence.

One step you can take to protect your home from storm damage is keeping nearby trees trimmed. Unfortunately, even the best of maintenance can’t withstand extreme weather conditions, so be cautious when severe storms are on the way.

 

Final Thoughts

It’s vital to your home’s safety and security that you recognize the tell-tale signs of a damaged roof. Have an expert take a look right away to avoid worsening issues.

 

Additional Roofing Resources