Amenity Roofing & Siding

7 Telltale Signs of Roof Damage

roof damage

Most roof replacements cost between $5,587 and $11,687! If roofing contractors uncover mold, removal can tally upwards of $10,000.

Before you dive into a full replacement, you want to know whether you have roof damage and if it can simply be repaired. Roof repairs versus replacements is a hotly debated topic, but what about signs of damage?

Recognizing roof damage early on can save you hundreds (or thousands) in housing repairs and extend the lifespan of your roof. It can keep you and your family safe and avoid ceiling or structural damage to your house. 

Luckily, we have put together a complete guide on seven common roof damage signs and how to recognize them. Keep reading on for more information!

1. Roof Leaks

Obvious roof leaks are when you start noticing water dripping from the ceiling. This is a major sign of roof problems and will likely need an emergency roof repair to avoid extensive damage to your home. Also, look for water stains in the attic.

Regularly checking the attic can alert you to signs of more imperceptible leaks that often go unnoticed and lead to more significant problems. 

2. Sagging Roofing Materials

Sagging roofs are not only unsightly, but they indicate larger problems. If your roof materials sag, you will have an issue with the integrity of your roof. Eventually, a damaged roof with sagging materials could collapse and cause more structural concerns. 

You could have trapped moisture or rotting boards underneath. Unfortunately, sagging roofs will likely indicate you need an entire roof replacement. 

3. Broken Shingles or Flashing

Get in the habit of regular roof maintenance by visually checking your roof after storms or high winds. If you have a steeper-pitched roof, you should leave any physical inspections to a roofing company. They have the safety gear and training to inspect your roof without incident. 

Some simple things you can do is take a pair of binoculars and walk around the outside of your house. Broken shingles might be on the roof or yard and could be localized to small sections. Most flashing is installed around vents, chimneys, or skylights. 

A couple of missing roof shingles are unlikely to create significant problems. Most asphalt shingles have multiple tabs that will help protect your roof from water damage. However, if you don’t fix these minor problems, you could experience further damage to that area with future storm systems, creating a weak point in your roof. 

Replacing a few shingles is a much more cost-friendly option than an entire roof. 

4. Higher Energy Bills

Did you know that your energy bills indicate how well your roof insulates your house? If you start noticing higher energy bills, it could indicate that your roof is aging, making it more susceptible to water leaks or letting cool or hot air escape. 

Improper insulation can also add strain to your HVAC system. Newer roofs have more technological advancements that absorb less solar energy, such as cool roofs.

A simple way to transition to a cool roof is to choose light-colored asphalt shingles. Ask your roofing contractors about the best materials to use in your region for energy savings. 

5. Damaged Gutters

You might not think of damaged gutters as a roofing problem, but sagging or clogged gutters can cause a myriad of problems, such as:

  • Erosion
  • Moisture damage
  • Damaged shingles

Gutters could add strain to your roofing materials and improperly drain water, causing it to pour onto your house and foundation. In the long run, you could have several more housing issues on your hands than a gutter problem.

Updating to seamless gutters can solve many of your problems. Some of the benefits of seamless gutters are:

  • More durable
  • Cleaner look 
  • Fewer leaks
  • Quicker installation
  • Fewer failure points

Although they are quicker to install, it does require more expertise. They also have limited materials and are not available in plastic or vinyl. However, they are an excellent option if you need your entire gutter system replaced. 

6. Mold or Moss Damage

If you start noticing mold or moss damage, you should have professionals check your roof. Mold and moss can lead to several health issues and exacerbate family members who may have asthma or allergies. Mold often grows where there are leaks, such as on roofs or windows. 

It can spread to paint, wallpaper, insulation, carpet, drywall, and more. Signs of mold in your home include persistent stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, or rashes. 

7. Signs of Aging

Frayed shingle edges, cracks, and dark spots are all signs that your roof is aging. Sometimes, the signs aren’t as obvious, such as damaged underlayments. A good rule of thumb is to have your roof inspected annually and ask a professional about your roof’s longevity. 

While roofing materials affect how long your roof lasts, most asphalt roofing starts to fail after 20 years. If your roof is older than 20 years and showing signs of aging, you are probably better of replacing it versus repair work. 

Fixing Your Roof Damage

Roof damage can take on many forms, such as lost shingles, sagging gutters, or missing flashing. In your home, you should watch out for mold, water damage, and higher energy bills. 

When you need help with a repair, ensure you call a reliable and licensed roofing company to handle your roof problems. They can help with roof repairs, replacements, and more. 

At Amenity Roofing, we service various parts of Illinois and provide roof maintenance plans, inspections, and storm damage repair. Check out our complete list of roof repair services to get started with fixing yours!

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