7 Signs of Roofing Issues

Roofing problems are no fun, but knowing the warning signs that your roof is in need of repair can help save you the money and stress that comes with the problem getting worse.

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The good news is that, when it comes to roofing issues, many problems can be repaired on a smaller scale without having to spring for an entirely new roof.

Sagging

A sagging roof is a sure sign that your roof is suffering from some sort of structural or age-related problem. Perhaps it’s deteriorating after years of use, or if it’s a relatively new roof, it could have been installed poorly. Too-heavy loads of snow, ice, tree branches or other debris can also cause your roof to sag. Whatever the reason, a sagging roof should be addressed promptly to avoid potential injury and prevent further damage to your home.

Moss and Mold Growth

A thin layer of moss on parts of your shingled roof isn’t usually cause for concern, but very thick patches of moss can interfere with roof drainage and cause water buildup under your shingles, leading to potential water damage and mold, which will undermine the integrity of your roof. To complicate matters more, some of the products used for moss and mold removal can cause further damage to your roof, making the problem worse instead of better. If you notice fairly thick areas of moss on your roof, play it safe and call in a professional to inspect and ensure that no water damage or degradation is occurring.

Missing Flashing

Flashing consists of the thin pieces of metal used around the intersections of a home’s roof to help protect particularly vulnerable areas from water damage, especially heavy rains. If your roof’s flashing is missing, loose or damaged from previous storms or high winds, roof leaks can occur. If you notice an issue with your roof flashing, you’ll need to have the flashing repaired or replaced promptly and check that there’s not already water damage that needs to be addressed.

Water Stains

Water stains on your ceiling are a tell-tale sign that water has infiltrated your roof at least once. The good news is that the water stain can be a pretty good indicator of where the roof’s weakness lies, so you’ll have a general idea of what area to inspect on your roof. A water stain doesn’t always spell disaster or require a total roofing replacement; it could just be that you’re missing a few shingles in that area, and it may be a fairly straightforward fix.

Damaged Shingles

Poor ventilation in your home’s attic area can sometimes damage your shingles, causing them to curl and crack. Additionally, some weather incidents, like hail, high winds and serious storms, can also harm roof shingles. Weather damage can cause bruising or breakage to your shingles and can wear away some of the asphalt shingle’s protective granules. If your shingles look damaged in spots, or if you notice some shingle granules in your yard or your gutters, it could mean that the integrity of your shingles has been compromised, and they’ll need to be replaced.

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Increased Heating and Cooling Bills

If you notice an unexplained increase in your home’s heating or air conditioning bills, it could be linked to a roof issue. A damaged or leaky roof can let unwanted air in and out, impacting your home’s temperature. And, if there’s significant moisture leaking into your roof, it can damage your insulation, decreasing its efficacy. While there are many other reasons your heating and cooling bills could go haywire, it’s worth ruling out that any roof issues are to blame for your home’s temperature woes.

Exposed Nail Heads

Nails popping through shingles are a primary cause of roof leaks. If nails are visible on your shingles, it means that water may be getting through your roof around the nail head. Although these nail head leaks are small in size, they can still cause significant damage to your home, especially if the problem is pervasive. Roof warping from warm weather is one reason nails may pop through your shingles, but exposed nails can also happen when they’ve been improperly nailed in or if the wrong size or type of nail was used for your roofing project. If you notice many exposed nails on your roof, have a professional roofer come take a look at the issue to rule out trouble.

Roof Problems No More

Knowing the most common roof issues to keep an eye out for can help you identify the beginnings of a roof problem before it leads to significant water or structural damage, helping to both save you money and ensure your family is safe. Know the signs that your roof needs repair, so you can stop roof leaks in their tracks.