Some types of roof damage are obvious, such as shingles littering the yard, rusted gutters, or roof leaks. Others are less noticeable, such as missing granules on the edges of your roof shingles or black streaks of mould, lichen, or moss. Unfortunately, if roof damage signs go unnoticed, they can have significant implications for your home’s structural integrity.
Our guide explains the various forms of roof damage and what you can do if you think your roof is in danger. Here are some subtle and not-so-subtle symptoms of roof damage to observe for.
Types of Roof Damage
Small preventative measures, such as checking your roof at least twice a year, will help you spot minor roof issues before they turn into a costly repair or a full-blown emergency. After all, repairing minor issues now is much more cost-effective than discovering three years later that the problem has worsened and you need to replace the whole roof.
What is our recommendation? Schedule a semi-annual roof inspection and keep an eye out for the following types of roof damage warning signs:
1. Shingle Roof Damage
The shingles are typically the source of one of the most common types of roof damage. It’s no surprise, given that these are the first line of protection against the elements such as wind, rain, and heat.
Even if you don’t live in an area prone to strong storms, you should keep an eye on your asphalt shingles because they can erode over time, causing holes and cracks.
Cupping, curling, and brittleness are other typical characteristics of older shingles. Hardy shingles are susceptible to damage as well; but, in a different way. Under enough concussive force, wood, tile, and slate will all crack or break.
These shingles need special care because they cannot be cut and replaced like asphalt shingles. Although small cracks can be filled with plastic roofing cement, larger breaks will necessitate a complete replacement, which will necessitate some prying and a lot of muscle.
Signs of Shingle Roof Damage
- The shingles on your roof are buckling.
- You find bare spots or granules missing.
- You have a few missing shingles.
- The shingles on your roof are curling.
2. Flashing Damage
Roof flashing comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, since it is intended to protect the roof’s weakest points. Flashing can be seen everywhere where a large amount of water can get in, such as around valleys, chimneys (Not in Malaysia), or along the drip line.
The damage to this section of the roof can be disastrous. Since these areas are frequently worn down over time due to the continuous movement of water, heat, and wind, further damage after a major storm is likely.
The flashing isn’t always damaged by anything, but it can also be installed incorrectly. Improper flashing can easily fall apart or completely fail to perform its function.
Signs of Flashing Damage
- Water leaks in your home
- Sagging or buckling
- Roofing flashing tears or degradation
- Mould or staining on fascia boards
- The flashing is rusted.
3. Downspouts and Gutters
Gutter cleaning should be done every two years or so. Failure to do so will result in a variety of issues, from tiny holes to entire pieces of it falling off. You can inspect the weakest points first, just as you would the roof itself, since these are the ones most likely to crack under pressure.
If you have sectional gutters, this is where two parts meet, which is especially true at corners. Other types of gutters, especially those that are one continuous piece, should be inspected in areas where a lot of leaves and liquid collect, such as near valleys or the bottom of an incline.
It’s also a good idea to inspect the area directly behind the gutter. If a gutter screw can’t hang on to good wood, it’s not doing any good. This is the ideal storm waiting to happen on a windy or rainy day.
Signs of Downspouts and Gutters
- During heavy rainfall, there is a visible overflow.
- Water in the basement for no apparent reason
- Gutters that are sagging or failing
- Telltale signs of water inside the house
4. Roof Ventilation Damage
Many forms of roofs have ventilation to enable the warm air from the attic to escape to the outside. Over time, these areas will be harmed. Damage to the vent itself is possible, but it’s more likely that the screening has been pierced.
Regardless of the cause of the damage, both will allow insects and animals into your attic and allow them to nest, further damaging your roof. Other times, the obstruction is caused by plants such as vines or tree branches. This is one of the types of roof damage that requires a frequent inspection to make sure no pests are making a home out of yours.
Signs of Roof Ventilation Damage
- Home Temperatures That Are Too High
- Attic Flooded, Frosty, or Leaky
- Paint is peeling or blistering
- The exterior of your home is rotting or decaying.
- Mould, algae, and fungus will grow in your attic if there is too much moisture.
5. The Structural Wood Could Be Damaged
This types of roof damage involves the underlying wood structure. The wood itself is the overall foundation of a home’s roof. Wood damage appears out of nowhere; it is normally the result of damage occurring elsewhere.
A constant leak can cause wood to mould or rot, exacerbating the problem and allowing it to spread in your house. Termites may enter the roof wood and eat away at it from the inside.
Any of these issues have the potential to rapidly spread across your home. If you and your family are constantly sick from difficulty breathing, coughing, sneezing, or skin irritation, it’s possible that mould is growing along with the wood in your ceiling and walls.
Signs of Structural Wood Damage:
- Water is leaking in your home
- Mould is growing along with the wood in your ceiling and walls
- Termites are entering the roof wood
Repair or Replace Your Roof?
All of the above issues will frequently be resolved with minimal effort. However, if the damage is severe enough, the roof can need to be completely replaced. It’s not a big deal if a few shingles are broken or curling （For more information, see “. How to keep shingles from blowing off roof?”); However, if there are several cases around the roof, you may want to consider a full tear-out.
Roof damage that ranges from obvious sagging to buckling – a wave-like pattern that older shingles may form – should be a major source of concern. If your home has multiple leaks, the damage isn’t coming from a single source and will need a complete overhaul.
The age of the roof is the most obvious sign that it needs to be replaced. The lifetime of a roof varies greatly depending on the environment, the quality of construction, types of roof damage, and the material used – the latter of which is likely the most significant.
Final thought
Curled shingles or ripped flashing are examples of minor damage that can be quickly fixed. Other types of damage caused by negligence can necessitate a little more courage. Wood rot and multiple flayed-up shingles are examples of this type of damage.
When inspecting your roof, look at all of its components, including the shingles, flashing, and wood, as well as gutters, skylights, and ventilation.
Roof Repair Malaysia can get the job done right when it comes to roof repair in the Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, and Penang area. Homeowners rely on us because we provide high-quality goods at a reasonable price and unrivaled customer service.
Begin your roofing project today by getting a free online quote and contact us now.