7 Signs You Might Have Roof Damage

Sometimes the signs are obvious, sometimes they aren’t. Here is what you should look out for if you suspect you might have roof damage.

Did you know that roof repairs make up over 40% of all home repairs?

That’s right.

Roof damage is all too common, and many homeowners don’t realize that anything’s wrong until it’s too late.

Damage can occur after hail storms, during periods of extreme weather, or simply because of normal wear and tear.

Taking too long to arrange for roof repairs after you notice damage can cause greater problems, causing issues like mold, mildew, and dampness around the rest of your home.

Dealing with a damaged roof as soon as possible is the key to limiting the overall cost to fix your roof.

But how do you know if your roof is damaged or not?

We’re here to tell you.

If you notice any of the seven warning signs below, you need to get in touch with a roof repair specialist as soon as possible.

1. Water Damage to Your Ceiling

Have you noticed yellow patches, bulging areas, or mold forming on your interior ceilings?

This is a clear sign of roof damage, showing that water has been able to enter your house and seep down into the ceilings. You may notice similar damage at the top of your interior walls.

Left untreated, you could be facing permanent ceiling damage, mildew growth, and spreading mold. This is unsanitary and unpleasant, so it’s important to get to the root of the problem as quickly as possible.

Once your roof has been repaired, you can deal with the interior damage without worrying about further leaks.

2. Roof Leaks When the Temperature Changes

Have you noticed interior leaks after a sudden change in temperature?

Perhaps you had a few days of snow and ice, then a leak began as soon as it got warmer?

This happens when freeze and thaw cycles lead to the creation of ice dams on your roof. Ice dams are large blocks of ice that build up on your roof and in your gutters.

When temperatures increase, ice dams melt and turn into pools of water which sit on your roof. These quickly damage your roof tiles and seep into your home, damaging walls and ceilings.

If you’ve had a lot of fluctuating temperatures recently, it’s really important to inspect your roof for ice dams and keep an eye out for any leaks.

3. Missing or Cracked Shingles

It sounds obvious, but many homeowners don’t even think to take a closer look at the condition of their shingles.

If you notice that any of your shingles are missing, cracked, broken, or curved, then your roof definitely needs attention.

Shingles don’t last forever, and visible signs of damage are one of the best indications that it’s time to get yours replaced.

If you’re not sure what your shingles should look like, try comparing them to neighbor’s or ask a roof specialist to carry out an inspection for you.

4. Dark Patches on Your Roof

This is one of the most obvious signs of roof damage, and it’s easy to spot.

Do you see any unusually dark patches on your roof tiles?

These are caused by a type of algae which forms on roofs and collects moisture. As moisture builds up inside the algae, it will begin to seep downwards into your home.

Left untreated, the algae will spread to cover more and more of your tiling, so it’s important to get it dealt with quickly.

In some cases, you’ll only need to have the affected tiles replaced, rather than the entire roof.

5. Blistering Paint on the Outside of Your House

Do you see paint blistering and peeling off the outside of your house?

Before you get out your paintbrushes, you need to figure out the root cause of the issue – and roof damage is a likely culprit.

Excessive moisture from roof leaks can cause your paint to peel away, while an attic space which isn’t properly ventilated can create humidity that affects your paintwork.

Both of these issues can be solved by repairing the damage to your roof and ensuring that your attic is correctly ventilated.

6. Decay to Your Siding

If your home includes siding, you might notice it starting to rot or decay, particularly in areas that are close to the roof.

When your roof is damaged, water makes its way down the side of the house, seeping into your siding and causing it to become damp. This quickly causes decay and encourages various pests to take up residence.

To solve the problem, you’ll first need your roof dealt with. Once that’s taken care of, you can arrange repair or replacement of the affected siding.

There’s no point in carrying out other repairs before your roof is fixed because the problem will simply reoccur, meaning that you have to pay twice for siding repairs.

The faster you arrange repairs, the less damage you’ll have to deal with in the long run, saving you money and hassle.

7. Unusually High Energy Bills

High energy bills are always a clear sign that something is wrong in your home, and the roof could be to blame.

When tiles are missing or damaged, air escapes through your roof. This means that your heating and cooling bills will be much higher than usual, as they need to make up for what’s lost.

High energy bills can be caused by other factors, however, so they’re not a great indicator of roof damage on their own.

However, if you notice another sign on this list in combination with a surge in your energy bills, it’s highly likely that the problem lies in your roof.

What to Do If You Think You Have Roof Damage

Have you checked off multiple items on this list?

Are you shuddering at the thought of arranging to pay for expensive roof repairs?

Because roof damage has so many accumulating effects, it’s always more cost-effective to get it dealt with quickly. In many cases, you won’t actually need the entire roof replaced, and might get away with simply replacing a few tiles.

Contact a roof repair specialist for a free inspection and quote, and at least you’ll know how much damage you’re looking at.