From shingles littering the yard to rusted gutters or roof leaks, some signs of roof damage are easy to spot. Others — like missing granules on the edges of your roof shingles or black streaks of mould, lichen or moss — are much less obvious. Unfortunately, when roof damage signs go unnoticed, this can have serious consequences for the structural integrity of your home.
Our guide breaks down the different types of roof damage and what to do if you suspect your roof may be in trouble. Here are some subtle and not-so-subtle roof damage signs to look out for.
Types of Roof Damage
Taking small preventative steps, like inspecting your home’s roof at least twice a year, can help you detect minor roof problems before they become a costly fix-upper or full-scale emergency. After all, fixing small problems now is much more kind to your budget than finding out in three years’ time that the problem has escalated and you need to replace your entire roof.
Our advice? Schedule in semi-regular roof inspection and keep an eye out for these warning signs of roof damage:
#1 Damaged roof flashing
What is roof flashing?
Roof flashing is thin sheets of aluminium or galvanised steel, installed beneath your shingles. This flashing runs over the joints in your roof’s construction to help protect your roof’s internal structure from water damage. Roof flashing damage is most commonly found around chimneys, skylights, vents that penetrate the roof, or anywhere that two joints of the roof meet.
Signs of roof flashing
- Unwanted water leaks in your home
- Buckling or sagging
- Tears or deterioration of your roof flashing
- Rust on the flashing
Why weak or damaged roof flashing is a problem
If your roof flashing is not firmly in place or fastened correctly, it will not provide your roof with adequate water resistance. Over time, the tar used to seal your flashing can corrode, leaving your roof vulnerable to nasty leaks. Damaged flashing can also make your roof more at risk of wind damage. Routinely replacing your roof’s water sealant will keep your roof watertight.
#2 Roof wind damage
What is roof wind damage?
Wind damage is any destruction to your roof caused by strong winds. This kind of damage is dangerous because it can go unnoticed and accumulate over time.
Signs of roof wind damage
- Missing, curling or broken roof shingles
- The nails holding your roof shingles come loose
- Damaged gutters
- Damaged fascia
- Scattered or heaped debris, such as tree branches and twigs, weighing down the roof
Why roof wind damage is a problem
Strong winds, especially in the presence of weak flashing, can tear off your roof shingles or tiles, leaving vulnerable parts of your roof exposed to the elements. As wind damage worsens, it can become quite expensive to fix.
#3 Roof hail damage
What is roof hail damage?
Hail damage is one of the most destructive types of roof damage. This type of damage is notoriously more difficult to spot.
Signs of roof hail damage
- Bruising or small, shallow dents created by hail hitting vulnerable sections of the roof
- Debris, such as tree branches and twigs
- Circular cracks from large pieces of hail
- Broken or missing shingles
- Roof punctures or cracks
- Missing granules on roof shingles
Why roof hail damage is a problem
When a roof shingle is hit by hail, the shingle will suffer damage which makes your roof more vulnerable to leaks. As your roof’s shingles or tiles break or fall off, wind-driven rain and hail can easily seep below and deal water damage to your roof’s internal structure.
#4 Roof water damage
What is roof water damage?
Roof water damage can occur in the form of leaks, resulting from heavy rainfall or hail.
Signs of roof water damage
- Roof leaks
- Missing roof shingles
- Stained ceiling or walls
- Cracks
- Loose tiles
- Failed roof sealants
- Torn underlayments
Why roof water damage is a problem
Moisture from a roof leak can leave your home vulnerable to mould infestation. Roof water damage can cause decay, rot, mildew, mould and moss – and invite a host of pests to take advantage of your weakened roof and house structure.
#5 Roof weathering and ageing
What is roof ageing?
Roof ageing occurs slowly but constantly. To extend the life of your roof, it’s important to keep on top of roof maintenance and repair minor damage when it occurs.
- Signs of roof weathering and ageing
- Fragile or worn roof shingles
- Asphalt shingles have missing granules
- Shingle edges show signs of decay such as curling, cracking or cupping
- Rust
- Black or green moss, mould or algae
- Cracked or crusty sealant
- Blistering paint
Why roof ageing is a problem
If left unchecked, roof ageing can lead to significant structural damage. Severe shingle cracking signals that the shingles have reached the end of their lifespan and require replacement.
#6 Roof fungus damage
What is roof fungus damage?
Homes in regions that experience humid weather, such as Queensland, often have mould, mildew, algae or moss growing on the rooftop. These will be most severe on shaded sections of the roof that are exposed to damp or rainy weather. This doesn’t always mean you’re destined for a roof restoration, nor does it mean your home has water or moisture damage.
Signs of roof moss damage
- Black, brown and dark-green blotches (mould)
- Black to light grey and even pink powder (mildew)
- Black-green speckles (algae)
- Green carpet with a fuzzy texture (moss
Although it may seem harmless, moss can damage the structural integrity of your roof and cause significant damage over time by growing in between and separating shingles, and triggering water leaks.
#7 Roof Damage Repair
If you have concerns regarding your roof it is best to have it inspected by a professional. A roofing professional can help give you peace of mind. By getting the necessary repairs done before they become serious structural damage, you can protect your home from significant damage and reduce the cost of roof repairs.
Need to have your roof inspected for damage by professionals? Contact us on (07) 3623 4422 for a quote.