How to Assess Roof Damage Before It’s Too Late

The average asphalt roof will last at least 20 years but could last a lot less if you let roof damage go untreated.

Every storm from wind to rain to hail is a potential hazard for your roof. After a weather event, don’t wait, make sure you know how to spot roof damage.

Not all roof inspections need to be done on top of the roof — you can stay safe and sound on the ground. But what should you look for?

Keep reading to find out all the tips you need to spot roof damage.

Different Causes of Roof Damage

Roof damage comes in many different types and flavors. It looks different from one issue to the next.

If you’re brave enough (and safety-conscious) a rooftop inspection can be one of the best ways to determine the type of roof damage you have. For example, hail damage can be one of the worst types but may be difficult to spot from the ground.

It’s deadly to a roof because if the damage goes unnoticed a pinhole leak can quickly funnel water onto the roof deck. Even if the roof deck doesn’t leak, a roof deck that doesn’t dry out begins to rot. This creates soft and sagging roof decking.

If you’re in an area that gets precipitation as snow, all it takes is one snowstorm for that sagging deck to fail dramatically.

Generally, the most common reasons for roof damage are:

• Falling debris — usually trees or boughs
• Hail
• Blocked gutters
• High winds
• Age

What Signs to Look For

Generally, there are a number of common signs of roof damage you can spot easily from the ground.

One of the most common signs is discoloration due to a cyanobacterium called gloecapsa magma. It may seem like discoloration isn’t such a big deal, but the problem goes much further than that. Going unchecked, this little bacteria could cause an early replacement.

In addition to bacteria you can also look for mold, mildew, algae, and mosses that like to grow in moist and shady spots. If some of these penetrate to the roof decking, it could also rot the wood prematurely, causing a much more expensive roof repair or roof replacement issue.

Loose and missing shingles are other easy issues to spot from the ground. Sometimes, though, loose shingles lie flat until a strong wind.

From On Top of the Roof

One that’s not so easy to see from the ground is the initial damage from hail. This post can help you see what it looks like after a hailstorm. Keep in mind, though, there may be several dents or bruises to find.

Another easy way to determine if your roof is aging faster than you’d like is to have a look into your gutters. Your gutters collect debris, including any aggregate that comes off of your shingles in a storm.

Popped-up nails or nails that have punctured your shingles can cause leaks on the eave that over time will cause it to sag, or send water into the attic. Similarly, Flashing that’s cracking is no longer sealed and can cause leaks in skylights and vent stacks alike.

Rain Rain Go Away, Come Again Another Day

A contractor can perform a roof inspection safely and efficiently. They will help you to discuss what you can do to solve any issues without always pushing a new roof on you. Many times, these inspections are done free of charge.

Roof damage is no laughing matter and shouldn’t be put off until tomorrow. Fortunately, you don’t always need to get a ladder to spot some of the more common issues with a roof.

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