Is My Roof Damaged? The Subtle Signs: Part 2

In the last blog, we covered some of the less obvious signs of a damaged roof that you might find while inspecting your home indoors. While it’s pretty easy to notice the patch of missing shingles or the obvious rotted fascia board, there are other signs of damage that can easily be overlooked. Homeowners need to educate themselves on even the most subtle signs so that they can avoid extensive damage that requires costly repairs and risks their health.

This week, we will be looking at clues that you might find during an inspection outdoors. These clues will let you know that your roof needs a closer inspection and might need the attention of a professional.

Curling Shingles

As a rule of thumb, it’s recommended that homeowners perform a roof inspection twice a year. In the fall, you’ll want to ensure your roof is prepared for winter weather. In the spring, you’ll be assessing your roof for any signs of damage that occurred under snow, ice, or blown objects.

While you’re walking around to inspect your home, a sign to look for is curling shingles. Shingles that curl up are easier to spot when looking at your home’s roof, but make sure to take a closer look. Sometimes, shingles curl underneath themselves instead.

A poorly ventilated attic may allow moisture to build up, and this moisture infiltrates the decking and causes shingles to shift and curl. Shingles that are curling downwards might be less obvious, but they can still create gaps and spaces that allow rainwater to infiltrate your home’s structure.

Nesting Animals

It might be difficult to find the next sign during your inspection, so it’s important to keep an eye and ear out regularly. An increase in animal activity is a clue that your roof might be compromised.

While it may be cute to watch the squirrels scamper about, they’ve most likely found your roof attractive due to a new hole that has formed. Squirrels and other creatures will use holes as a nest or storage space.

If you are hearing sounds of animal activity in the walls or attic at any time of day or night, you will want to get a roof inspection immediately. Not only will the invading critters do more damage, but their droppings can also be dangerous to your health.

Damage and Growths on Exterior Walls

If you begin to notice mold or dark spots on the exterior walls, it could be due to water entering the roof and traveling underneath the siding. This mold often occurs at locations where a roof meets a vertical wall and the flashing needs to be repaired. Buckled siding can also be a sign of water infiltration at the roofline.

Since we expect the paint to peel more quickly in areas vulnerable to UV damage, accelerated peeling of the paint under the shade of the eaves can be a sign of roof damage. Damage to the drip edge or gutters could cause water to run down the exterior walls. The area under the eaves is especially vulnerable, as it will stay wet longer due to shade from the roof.

Watch Where You Walk

While mowing or working on your gardens, you may find the occasional roofing nail. Don’t assume that this unexpected find is unimportant. Nails will work their way out of damaged shingles and are a serious sign that something is going on with the roof.

Moisture infiltration along with the freeze/thaw cycle can push nails out, allowing the shingles to loosen and causing further damage.

Also, keep an eye out for shingle granules that may appear in your walkway or driveway, especially after a rainstorm. The occasional shingle granule is not unusual, but little piles building up are a sign that the shingles are losing their surface coating. Shingles might start to degrade due to age, hail damage, or bucking and shifting caused by moisture.

Use Advance Inc. As Your Local Roofing Experts

If you have noticed any of these signs of potential roof damage, don’t hesitate to call a professional for roof repair. Hesitating to address concerns can lead to them worsening over time and eventually becoming both expensive and risky to your health and safety.Contact us today to set up a visit for a professional roof analysis. With over 32 years of experience, we have seen it all and are happy to help.