As a homeowner, you need to maintain your roof. After all, it protects your interiors from wind, rain, snow, and even the sun. When it starts showing signs of wear and tear, it’s more than just an eyesore. Neglected roof issues can spiral into bigger problems, such as water damage or even structural damage. However, it isn’t always easy to spot these signs of damage.
In this article, Deschutes Roofing explains the importance of a healthy home roof and highlights the subtle signs of roof damage.
What Is Roof Damage?
Roof damage is more than just a leaky ceiling. It involves any kind of deterioration that affects the performance of your roof, compromising its sole purpose of protecting your home from outdoor elements. This can range from damaged shingles and tilting roof decks to moss growth or discoloration. Peeled-off paint, ceiling stains, or granules in the gutter can also signify extensive damage.
For this reason, it’s crucial to hire a roofing expert for roof repairs. Otherwise, these issues can escalate, and parts of your roof may succumb to the forces of nature or even collapse, causing a threat to the safety of your loved ones.
Subtle Signs of Roof Damage
Let’s take a closer look at some hints your home roof might be giving you that are easy to miss:
- Curled or lifted shingles. When shingles curl or lift, it’s a sign that your roof has lost some of its integrity. This reduces its efficiency in keeping rain and snow from entering your home. Curling and lifting shingles are also telltale indications that your roof is getting old or worn out. For an old roofing system, it’s best to consider a roof replacement.
- Blistering, buckling, or splitting shingles. These are often signs of moisture buildup in the underlying roof deck. This is usually caused by poor ventilation or broken seals around roof penetrations like chimneys and skylights. If not addressed right away, the moisture can seep in and cause further damage.
- Missing or damaged tiles or shingles. If shingles are missing or damaged, this likely threatens the integrity of the roof. If left unchecked, it can cause more extensive damage to the roof and even the entire building. Loose or broken tiles can also increase the chances of water entry. For this reason, repairing or replacing the damaged tiles should be done as soon as possible to ensure that your roofing system is functioning as intended and maintaining the safety of your home.
- Missing or damaged flashing. If your flashing is missing or damaged, your roof is more susceptible to water damage and leakage. This is often caused by intense weather like hail or high wind, which can tear up the metal and sealant, leaving your roof vulnerable to water damage. If neglected, this damage can expand and cause problems in other areas of your building structure.
- Moss growth. Moss growth can indicate multiple issues in your roof, such as roofing material decay, poor ventilation, and an improper roof slope. This moss growth can eventually lead to further damage, allowing water to seep in and cause further damage or even structural failure. Regular inspections and moss removal should be conducted to ensure that your roof is in good condition.
- Animal infestation or nests. Animal infestations or nests on your roof indicate roof damage. Not only are these pests a nuisance, but they can also erode parts of your roof, resulting in structural instability. These infestations are caused if the sealant around roof penetrations is missing or broken, which allows animals to enter your roof and make it their home. Additionally, these colonies can build up, increasing the risk of structural failure.
- High energy bills. If your energy bills are significantly increasing, one reason can be roofing damage. If your roof is experiencing issues, your HVAC system needs to work twice as hard to compensate for the lost insulation or cracks in the roof deck due to damage. An energy-efficient home requires an airtight and well-insulated roof, so be sure to check your roof for any signs that could compromise your energy bills.
- Leaks in the attic or ceiling. This is a crucial sign of roof damage, as it shows that water has been able to penetrate the roof. Ignoring the leak or just patching it up will only serve as a temporary fix and may end up causing more extensive and expensive damage in the future.
- Discoloration or staining of the roof or walls. These discolorations or stains may be a sign of extensive internal or external damage. It can be caused by water infiltration, moss growth, or sun exposure damaging the sealant or paint on the roof. In some cases, it could even point to a chimney or venting issue, as heat and smoke can weaken the sealant surrounding roof penetrations. Ignoring these discolored surfaces can lead to further damage or cause safety hazards.
- Granules in the gutters and downspouts. Asphalt shingles contain granules that are designed to protect the roof from UV radiation and other factors. When these granules accumulate in the gutters and downspouts, it means the shingles have begun to degrade, which reduces the performance of your roof and increases its susceptibility to water damage and leakage. As such, if you notice granules in the gutters or downspouts, it’s a sign of roof damage and should be addressed immediately.
The Importance of Professional Roof Inspections
While some of these signs might seem easy to spot, chances are that a more serious problem could be missed or misdiagnosed with a self-inspection. Hiring a skilled roofing contractor to inspect your roofing system ensures a comprehensive assessment of your roof’s condition, spotting hidden areas of potential damage that might get overlooked by the untrained eye.
Remember, a professional opinion always outweighs a “quick look” at your roof. Roofing experts are also equipped with the knowledge to prevent further damage during inspection.
Let Us Assist You With Your Roofing Needs
Deschutes Roofing & Insulation in Bend, OR, is ready to help you keep your roof in top shape. No matter the level of damage or type of repair required, we’ve got you covered. We’re here to make sure minor roof issues are fixed before they escalate into bigger problems.
To get started, call us at (541) 313-5944 (Bend), (503) 967-9590 (Portland), (541) 246-6860 (Eugene), (503) 468-7663 (Lake Oswego), or (503) 928-8750 (Beaverton). You may also fill out our contact form on our website.