Signs Your Roof Needs Repair

Signs You Can See from the Ground

You do not need to climb a ladder to catch most warning signs. Walk around your house after a windstorm or during your seasonal maintenance check and look for these.

• Shingles that are curling, cracking or cupping at the edges
• Missing shingles or bare patches where the surface granules are gone
• Granules collecting in gutters or at the base of downspouts (a sign shingles are wearing thin)
• Sagging areas on the roof plane
• Moss or dark streaking on north-facing slopes
• Flashing that looks rusted, lifted or has visible gaps around chimneys and vents

Signs Inside Your Home

Some of the most important warning signs show up inside the house, not on the roof itself. Brown or yellow stains on ceilings or upper walls almost always mean water is getting in somewhere above. A musty smell in the attic, visible daylight through the roof deck, or damp insulation are all signs that should not wait for the next scheduled inspection.

If you notice a spike in your heating or cooling bills with no other explanation, poor attic ventilation or insulation gaps related to roof condition can be part of the cause.

When to Call for an Inspection

Any active leak, storm damage, or a roof older than 15-20 years that has never been professionally inspected is worth a call. Catching a problem early is almost always cheaper than waiting until it causes interior damage.