Common Residential Roof Problems

1: Interior Leaks

Leaks that are visible inside the house are the most important to address quickly. If you are seeing brown spots on your ceiling, or if water is dripping into the home, you should schedule a professional evaluation immediately. Leaks quickly lead to mold and rot, and can cost additional thousands if not resolved quickly.

2: Curled Shingles

Curled shingles occur when hot air from an attic forces the shingles to curl away from the home. Curled shingles cannot adequately protect a home from the weather, and they also are a sign of inadequate roof ventilation. Inadequate roof ventilation can cause a roof to wear out years prematurely, drive up cooling bills, and shorten an air conditioners life span. Homes with curled shingles should be inspected immediately.

3: Buckled Shingles

Buckled shingles occur when hot air from an attic forces the shingles to buckle away from the home. Buckled shingles cannot adequately protect a home from the weather, and they also are a sign of inadequate roof ventilation. Inadequate roof ventilation can cause a roof to wear out years prematurely, drive up cooling bills, and shorten an air conditioners life span. Homes with buckled shingles should be inspected immediately.

4: Missing Shingles

Missing shingles expose your roof and home directly to inclement weather. In addition to being unsightly and unpleasant to look at, missing shingles is one of the leading reasons for water damage to homes. A home with missing shingles should be inspected at once.

5: Damaged Flashing

Damaged flashing is a significant problem for a roof. When flashing isn’t properly sealed against a roof, it instead creates a highway for water to seep into a home. If leaks haven’t been discovered yet, they are in the process of developing. Damaged flashing should be looked at by a professional roofer immediately.

6: Granule Loss

Granule loss often occurs to shingles as they age or when they’ve been exposed to extreme amounts of weather. When shingles begin to lose their granules, the roof becomes weaker and less capable of protecting a home from future storms. Leaks often can result. Roofs with granule loss should be inspected.

7: Lack of Ventilation

A lack of ventilation can lead to a number of troubles for a roof. Vents allow air into a home’s attic; as a result, it keeps it cool in the hot sun. Without vents to create circulation, the air inside the attic gets extremely hot and will bake the roof’s shingles causing them to deteriorate at a rapid pace. Also, the hot air in the attic forces its way into the living space of a home. Consequently, air conditioners must work harder. That added stress can result in an air conditioner breaking down much sooner than anticipated. Roofs without proper ventilation should be inspected immediately, so that the problem can be rectified.

8: Algae

Algae is the dark streaks currently clinging to your roof. Algae can often grow on roofs for long periods of time. In addition to being unsightly and aggravating to remove, it could mean your roof may have other issues. While not directly tied to leaks, they may be present. Roofs with algae should be inspected by a professional.

9: Mold

Mold is extremely difficult to detect. It can only be seen by looking into the attic of a home. It can often occur due to water leaking through a roof. Should mold be discovered, it should be removed immediately—-it’s a very serious health risk. In addition, a roofing professional should inspect the home for leaks and additional damage.

10: Roof Rot

Roof rot is a true sign that a roof (or portions of a roof) are in serious decay. A rotted roof truly cannot protect a home from the elements. If water damage hasn’t been discovered in the home yet, it will soon. Rot should be addressed immediately by a professional.

Click here for a detailed roof inspection checklist.