5 Methods to Identify Roof Damage

Did you know that a roof replacement can cost up to $50,000? Many people ignore roof damage, hoping to avoid that price tag. But, if you repair roof damage as soon as it pops up, you can save tons of money in the long term!

The key to early treatment is early detection. So, with that in mind, in this article, we’ll be going over all the signs that you have roof damage. Read on to learn more! 

1. Check Its Age

The average roof lasts about 30 years. But, this number is subject to change based on your local weather and the material your roof is made of. 

Be sure to check your home records to see when your roof was initially installed. If it’s been about 20 years, it’s worth calling a roofing company to check for damage that has accumulated. 

2. Obvious Shingle Damage

If you have shingles that are visibly cracked, damaged, or buckling, they might need replacement. Broken shingles are not just a cosmetic issue, they can lead to serious water damage that can compromise the structural integrity of your house.

Likewise, if there’s obvious drooping or sagging of the house, you likely already have some deep damage to your roof. This is a symptom of rot and excess moisture in your roof and is a precursor to a total roof collapse.

3. Mold Growth

If your roof has signs of moss, fungus, or mold, it’s probably trapping excess moisture. The mold itself can be a health risk by causing respiratory issues for you and your family. But, it can also be symptomatic of something larger.

Repeated roof storm damage can cause leaks that can make your roof retain moisture, causing rot. This can then cause mold, which might even be your only visible sign of damage! 

4. Storm Season 

If you live in a stormy area, you know that hail damage on the roof can be very obvious. But, that’s not always the case. Just because your roof looks fine, doesn’t mean it is fine.

So, if you’ve had a serious storm season, it’s worth getting an inspection for storm damage on the roof. This is the only way to know for sure if you’ve had some invisible but detrimental damage.

5. Gutter Rust

If your gutter is rusting or leaking, it can be a sign of a leaking roof too. A rusted gutter indicates extra moisture in the roof, so it’s worth getting it checked out for storm or wind damage to the roof.

And, if your gutter is leaking, it’s usually a sign that your roof has been expanding and contracting, which can cause your seams to weaken and open. 

Be Proactive About Roof Damage

Now that you know a few of the signs of roof damage, you can keep your eyes peeled. Remember, the sooner you get storm damage roof repair, the cheaper it will be and the longer your roof will last. 

If you enjoyed this article, we have lots more tips for homeowners on our blog. Check it out for more!