Leaks and holes caused by falling debris are the most obvious signs of a damaged roof, and most homeowners know to watch for them. There are also more subtle hints that your roof is damaged, which are trickier to spot.
If you don’t recognize the subtle signs of roof damage, then you can’t take the necessary steps to fix it. This leads to worsening issues, and sometimes even a scenario where replacement is the only option. Avoid this costly outcome by checking your roof for these 10 often overlooked signs of damage.
1. High Utility Bills
A spike in your utility bills might seem unrelated to your roof, but it can be one of the first signs of a ventilation issue. Your HVAC system works to keep your home comfortable, and hot air trapped in your attic can make the system work overtime. This situation leads to higher energy consumption and utility bills.
If you notice your energy bills increasing without a noticeable cause, contact a qualified roofer to inspect your home. They will evaluate the ventilation in your attic and notify you of any recommended repairs to improve airflow.
2. A Musty Smell in Your Home
A musty smell in your home isn’t always a sign of a stuffy house or a signal to buy more air fresheners. It can also be a sign of a slow roof leak.
With a slow leak, water penetrates the shingles through a small crack or gap and accumulates in your attic or walls, creating a perfect environment for mold and mildew. These fungi create a smell reminiscent of a damp basement.
If you notice an unusual smell in your home, take it as a sign to schedule a roof inspection. A qualified professional can find the source of the leak and stop further water intrusion.
3. Mold and Algae Growth
Like a musty smell, visible mold or algae growth inside your home can be a sign of a slow roof leak. Poor attic ventilation can also cause or exacerbate these issues.
If you notice mold or algae growing inside your home, contact a roofer immediately. A competent roofer will address any potential leaks and ventilation issues that create a breeding ground for fungi.
4. Flaking Paint or Peeling Wallpaper
Excessive moisture doesn’t always appear as a mold infestation. It can also reveal itself through flaking paint or peeling wallpaper.
Once again, a slow leak or poor attic ventilation are often to blame for these issues. Improper airflow in your attic traps moisture, leading to condensation on the underside of your roof deck and rafters. This moisture eventually travels through the ceiling and into your living spaces – causing visible damage to walls and ceilings. The most effective way to remedy this type of damage is a roof inspection and a plan to address the root cause of excess moisture.
5. Daylight In Your Attic
Attic ventilation is important, but it generally does not include a window to the outside. That’s why visible daylight in your attic is often a sign of an immediate issue – like loose boards or missing shingles.
If daylight can penetrate your roof’s defenses, then so can water, pests, and debris. These openings can lead to costly damage to the roof and your home’s structure. To minimize the damage, contact a professional roofer immediately after spotting blue sky or sunlight from your attic.
6. Granules In Your Gutters
Most of the signs of roof damage appear inside your home, but one that is visible on the exterior is unexpected debris in your gutters or downspouts. This often appears like course, black sand, and it emerges when the protective coating on your shingles begins to deteriorate.
Roof shingles are coated with tiny particles that protect the core of the shingle from harsh UV rays. These granules naturally become detached as your roof ages, and they often follow the path of rain through your gutters and out of downspouts.
A small amount of granule loss is normal for aging shingles, but a large quantity is a sign that your shingles are reaching the end of their useful life. Your roof will deteriorate quickly without a protective coating of granules, so it is wise to contact a roofer and begin preparing for a replacement when you notice an influx of granules in your gutters.
7. Damaged Flashing
Flashing is the thin material that roofers use to seal joints and transitions in your roof. You often find it around chimneys, vents, skylights, and the places where two roof planes meet. This material is an important part of a roofing system, and it diverts water away from vulnerable areas.
Damaged flashing creates a direct pathway for water to penetrate your roof – leading to costly leaks and excess moisture inside your home. This damage often occurs during a storm or toward the end of your roof’s useful life.
If you notice damage to your roof’s flashing, contact a roofer immediately. This area of your roof can usually be repaired, and doing so can extend the useful life of the entire roofing system.
8. Moss and Algae on Your Shingles
Modern roofing materials are available with copper granules that block algae growth, but a specific type of algae often appears on older shingles when these granules have disappeared. This infestation generally appears as black streaks that are difficult to remove safely.
Similarly, moss tends to grow on roofs that are shaded or have excess moisture. This growth creates a damp environment that promotes rot and decay. Moss can also grow under the edges of shingles, lifting them and creating avenues for water to travel beneath.
Any unexpected growth – whether moss or algae – is a sign to contact an experienced roofer. They can recommend cleaning methods that won’t interfere with your warranties and address the underlying problems that led to the growth.
9. Sagging Roof Deck
One of the most infrequent but serious issues you can experience with your roof is a sagging roof deck. This often appears as a dip in one area of your roof, where you’d normally expect a flat plane.
A sagging roof deck is a sign of serious structural problems that can put you and your family in danger. Contact a roofer immediately if you notice this issue, and they can inspect your roof to determine if it is in danger of collapsing before recommending the appropriate repairs.
10. Missing Shingles
After storms with high winds or prolonged periods without roof maintenance, you may notice gaps in your roof where shingles are missing. These areas are particularly vulnerable to water, which can lead to more serious damage over time.
Contact a roofer if you notice a missing shingle, as these areas can often be repaired before costly leaks form. However, if you have many areas with missing or damaged shingles, you may need to consider a full replacement.
Armed with the information in this article, take a close look at your roof and give your home a sniff test. If you notice anything amiss or any strange odors, contact a qualified roofing professional for an immediate roof inspection. The most reputable companies offer inspections at no cost, so you can have your roof inspected annually to discover any hidden issues before they become costly repairs.
Have Your Home Professionally Inspected by Complete Roofing
At Complete Roofing, our expert roofers are available for complimentary roof inspections if you’ve noticed any of the hidden signs of damage mentioned in this article. We will identify the source of damage, evaluate your ventilation systems, and recommend the right solution to secure your home.
Even if you believe your roof is in good condition, it is wise to have it inspected each year. This allows our team to identify issues as they arise – helping you avoid the symptoms of roof damage including musty smells, irritating mold, and high utility bills.
To schedule your inspection, use the contact information below to reach a local roofing expert.
Installation and Repair Services for Roofs and Gutters are available in the following locations:
- Coastal Alabama Main Office with local agents in:
- Coastal Mississippi Main Office with local agents in:
- Greater New Orleans Main Office with a local agent in: