As a homeowner, maintaining the integrity of your roof is crucial to protect both the structural integrity of your home and the well-being of your family. Roof damage can lead to leaks, mold, and expensive repairs if left unaddressed. In this blog, we’ll discuss the key signs of roof damage and provide tips on how to identify potential issues before they turn into costly problems.

1. Sagging or Uneven Roofline: An uneven or sagging roofline is a clear sign that your roof may be damaged. This could be due to water damage, rot, or structural issues. Keep an eye on your roofline and, if you notice any sagging, it’s time to call a professional roofer for an inspection.
2. Missing, Damaged, or Curling Shingles: Shingles are designed to protect your roof from the elements. If they’re missing, damaged, or curling, it’s an indication that your roof may be compromised. Check for shingles that are broken, cracked, or have lost their granule coating. If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to address them as soon as possible to prevent further damage.  Depending on how old your roof is, your shingles may begin falling or tearing off, which can be expected if your roof is especially old. Additionally, natural elements, like the weather, can pose as a factor of having missing or damaged shingles. These are easy to be replaced, but we also recommend contacting a professional because any maintenance done on a roof can be dangerous for those that do not have the experience needed.
3. Granules in Gutters: As shingles age, they lose their protective granules. If you notice an excessive amount of granules in your gutters, it’s a sign that your shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan. Keep an eye on your gutters and, if necessary, schedule a roof inspection to determine if it’s time for a replacement.  If your downspouts are clogging, there is a chance that the granules on your shingles are beginning to fall off, which is a direct result of your roof shingles becoming weak, and possibly cracking. If this is the case, then most likely you need to replace your shingles. Standing water in your gutters will  quickly turn into mold or mildew, which will deteriorate your roofing materials, thus causing roofing problems. It is important to keep your gutters clear of debris in order to avoid this issue, so check them regularly or consider installing gutter guards, which will block debris from clogging them..
4. Visible Water Damage or Leaks: Water stains on your ceiling or walls are a clear sign that your roof may be leaking. If you spot any water damage or leaks, it’s crucial to address the issue immediately. Don’t wait for the problem to worsen, as this can lead to more extensive damage and costly repairs.
5. Mold, Mildew, or Fungus Growth: If you notice mold, mildew, or fungus growing on your roof or in your attic, it’s a sign of moisture problems. These growths can lead to health issues and cause damage to the structure of your home. Schedule an inspection to determine the cause and remediate the issue.
6. Damaged or Rusted Flashing: Flashing is the material used to seal joints and seams on your roof, especially around chimneys, vents, and skylights. If you notice damaged or rusted flashing, it’s an indication that your roof may be susceptible to leaks. Inspect your flashing regularly and, if necessary, have it repaired or replaced.  Flashing is the material used to protect the creases around chimneys and other fixtures like skylights. The material is usually made of plastic or sheet metal, but can become damaged or cracked from moisture and extreme weather. If you suspect that your flashing is damaged, it is also recommended to contact a roofing expert to professionally inspect and/or repair the damage.
7. Increased Energy Bills: A damaged or poorly insulated roof can lead to higher energy bills, as your HVAC system will need to work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures inside your home. If you’ve noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills, it could be due to an issue with your roof. Consider scheduling an energy audit and roof inspection to pinpoint the cause.
8. Leaky Roof – The most common roofing problem most homeowners face are roof leaks. Many issues can be at fault here, such as broken shingles or damage caused by weather or fallen tree branches. If you are dealing with a leaky roof, we suggest checking your attic first. Look for water or mold, which are tell-tale signs that your roof has a leak.

9. Inclement Weather

If you live where ice and snow occur yearly, then you must know that your roof will not last as long as roofs in areas that don’t. During the winter months, roofing problems tend to happen more. That’s because, when water freezes, it expands and pushes against the shingles, which leaves an opening that lets even more water in. By the time warm weather comes along, you have so many roofing problems. Since we cannot control the weather around us, preventing this type of damage can be difficult, if not impossible. However, you can have a professional check your roof annually in order to avoid further damages.

10. Tree Damage

Another common roof problem people face is from fallen trees and /or branches. You can avoid this by keeping your tree branches trimmed when they are near your roof. If there are damages and you are in need of roof repair, contact a professional roofing contractor to help with your needs.

Regular roof inspections and maintenance are essential to extend the life of your roof and prevent costly repairs. By keeping an eye out for the signs mentioned above, you can address potential issues before they become major problems. If you suspect your roof is damaged, don’t hesitate to give Roof Advance a call at (734) 219-4897 to set up your thorough roof inspection and receive the appropriate repair or replacement recommendations.