health and safety of your home

When it comes to the health and safety of your home, nothing should be ignored. Your roof is a critical element in protecting the inside of your house from outside elements like the sun, winter storms, hail, snow, and high winds – making it all the more important to stay on top of roof maintenance. While roofs last anywhere between 10-25 years, there can still be occasional signs of damage that need attention. As such, here are 6 common warning signs indicating damage to your roof that you shouldn’t ignore if detected.

1. Missing or Damaged Shingles

One of the most common signs of roof damage is missing, cracked, or curling shingles. If your shingles are damaged, they can no longer protect your home from water damage and extreme weather conditions – making it all the more important to get them fixed as soon as possible. According to bravoroofingmd.com, if your roof has bald spots or missing shingles, this can lead to costly repairs down the line. While loose shingles are an easy fix and can often be replaced without the help of a professional, more serious damage requires attention from a licensed contractor.

2. Leaks or Water Stains

Leaks or water stains inside your home can be a sign of serious and potentially costly roof damage. If you notice any damp spots on your walls, ceiling, or flooring, it’s essential to call in an expert for an evaluation as soon as possible. This is especially true during the rainy season when moisture buildup inside your house could indicate that there’s a major leak coming through your roof. You should also check around the chimney and flashing areas on the exterior of your property to look out for any signs of pooling water which could signify a problem with the drainage system.

3. Dark Streaks or Algae Growth

When your roof has dark streaks or algae growing on it, this is a sign that it may be in need of repairs. This can be caused by water collecting and sitting on the roof for long periods of time, which encourages the growth of these organisms. Check around vents, chimneys, and other areas where water can collect to see if there are any signs of these organisms. If you do find them, hire a professional roofer to inspect the area and determine what repairs might be necessary.

4. Sagging or Drooping Roof Deck

Sagging or drooping roofs usually indicate structural issues and should not be ignored. This is a sign that the underlying framing has been weakened, possibly due to moisture damage or improper installation. If your roof deck is sagging, it’s critical you contact a professional right away, so they can identify and fix the source of the problem before further damage occurs. It’s worth noting that drooping isn’t always easy to detect, so if you’re unsure whether your roof is sagging, consider hiring an inspector to check it out.

5. Exposed or Missing Nails

It’s important to keep an eye out for exposed or missing nails in your roof. This is a sign that the material used to secure wood and shingles to the roof structure is deteriorating, resulting in loose, warped, or even missing pieces. In addition to potentially causing further damage if left unchecked, this can also create dangerous openings that animals and pests can access. If you notice any exposed or missing nails on your roof, you should call a professional immediately as it could be indicative of serious structural issues.

6. Granules in the Gutter

If you notice granules from the shingles in your gutter, it could be a sign of roof damage. Shingle granules can accumulate on the ground around your home, or even inside the gutters themselves. This is an indicator that much of the protection on top of your home has been compromised, and it’s time to replace or repair your roof. Also, if the roof is covered in granules, it’s likely that your roof shingles are near the end of their lifespan. So it’s a good idea to get a professional inspection to determine if your roof needs replacing or can still be repaired.

Taking the time to inspect your roof

Taking the time to inspect your roof for signs of damage can save you from costly repairs, and even more expensive replacements, down the line. Pay attention to any warning signs that may indicate a problem and take action as soon as possible. If you notice any of these 6 warning signs of roof damage—bald spots or missing shingles, leaks or water stains, dark streaks or algae growth, sagging or drooping roof deck, exposed or missing nails, and/or granules in the gutter—contact an experienced roofing contractor for a professional inspection.