Roof Damage? Know The Signs

The sound of nail guns on roofs is a sure sign of summer in Minnesota. Should your roof be next? Knowing common signs of roof damage can go a long way toward answering that question.

Check the attic

If your roof has sprung a leak, the first place that will be affected is your attic. Look for water stains, black marks, or mold. If you find any, be sure to call a professional to take a closer look at your roof. A good tip is to make sure there isn’t any light getting into your attic. If light can get in, water can, too.

Ceiling stains

If you notice water stains or discoloration on upstairs walls or ceilings, you likely have a leaky roof. Leaks can be very tricky to track down, so it is best to have an expert take a look.

You’ll want to do so sooner rather than later, as leaks can damage ceilings, destroy insulation, compromise the integrity of your home’s framing, or result in dangerous mold.

What’s in your gutters?

Are there flecks in your gutters that match your shingles? They’re called granules, and if your shingles are missing too many of them, it can be problematic. Granules protect shingles from the sun’s UV rays. Without them, your shingles will deteriorate faster.

If you’re noticing more granules in your gutters after a heavy rain or hailstorm, you’ll want to have your roof inspected for damage.

Other signs of damaged shingles

Shingles can show wear in many ways beyond missing granules. They may be curled, cracked, or missing altogether. Excessive sunlight can cause cracking and curling, as can improper venting in the attic, ice dams, and age.

Strong winds can lift shingles right off your roof—especially if they’ve been up there for a while, if they exhibit one of the aforementioned defects, or if they weren’t installed correctly in the first place.

Shingles may also appear dark, dirty, or wet. This is a sign that shingles are allowing moisture to be trapped, which could lead to leaks. Damaged shingles are not only eyesores, they’re also signs of a roof in need of attention.

Faulty flashing

Flashing is just as important as shingles when it comes to protecting your roof.

Flashing is a flat, thin material (like galvanized steel) which is used up against walls, roof vents, and chimneys, as well as in roof valleys. Its purpose is to keep water moving away from these key areas to prevent infiltration.

Make sure your flashing isn’t loose. If it is, it’s not doing its job of keeping the water out. Curling, cracking, and corrosion also compromise the flashing, which compromises your roof itself. A small crack can be temporarily fixed with caulking, but larger cracks are cause for concern that should be addressed by a professional.

Past its prime

If your roof is getting up there in age, it becomes more susceptible to the types of damage listed in this article. In Minnesota, the average life expectancy of a roof is 18 to 20 years. Between the icy, cold winters and the hot, stormy summers, our climate is simply unkind to roofs.

Being aware of this fact and knowing common signs of damage is key to keeping a quality roof over your head.

In doubt? Ask an expert.

If you’ve spotted one or more of these signs of damage, if you’re concerned about the age of your roof, or you’re simply unsure of its condition, contact the team at Keyprime Roofing! We’re experienced roofing specialists and can recommend the right remedy for your unique situation.

To learn more, give our Golden Valley, MN office a call at 952-426-0132 or request a free quote online. Questions? Concerns? Send us a message, and we’ll be in touch.