Those two words together, roof and damage, can make even the most stoic person want to cry in a dark corner of their home. The thought of having to replace a roof can be terrifying, but catching little problems before they become gaping wounds can save you money, headaches, and tissues! There are several telltale signs that your roof is begging for your attention.
Visible dip or sag in roof
One of the easiest ways to know that your roof may have damage is seeing a dip or sagging in any part of the roof. This could be indicative of a few things. It could be water damage, framing issues, or impact damage as the result of a storm. Whatever the cause, it’s important to pay attention to.
Damaged shingles
Another red flag there is deterioration is damaged shingles. This may include missing, warped, curved, or buckling shingles. Again, the culprit could be water damage. A buildup of moisture or improper ventilation could be the perpetrators as well.
Mold and/or algae
Having visible mold or algae growth on your shingles is not only unattractive, but it is problematic as well. Evidence of algae can have the look of dark streaks running down your shingles. Those streaks could also be mold, and it is VERY important to distinguish which of the two this is. Mold can result in severe health issues, so it’s vital to really keep an eye out for this issue.
Soft/spongy spots when walking on roof
It’s good to have a little spring in your step, but not when you’re walking on your roof! If you are not someone that is scared of heights (unlike me, who goes up three steps on a ladder and has a panic attack), then taking a careful stroll onto your roof could help you detect an issue that is not usually visible to the naked eye. If you feel soft or spongy spots in your roof that could suggest there is a concern for structural depletion.
Attic Check
One great way to inspect for roofing issues is to check the attic. Take a good look around up there to see if there are obvious signs of water leakage evidenced by active dripping or large wet spots in the wood. You may also see water stains on ceilings inside the home. Even if there are no current wet areas, look around also for black spots in the wood, as this can be mold and needs to be dealt with sooner rather than later.
These signs are not an all-inclusive list pointing to roof damage, but they are a great place to start. Replacing an entire roof can be extremely expensive, so the best thing to do is have a trusted roofing specialist check out any questionable symptoms you have noted. When it comes to your roof, correcting a minor issue versus ignoring it can save you a lot of trouble and moolah down the road!