10 Sure Signs Your Roof Needs Fixing

Posted on Thursday, July 7th, 2022 | 1,226 views

If your roof is leaking, you basically know it. But if there’s no leak, and you’re still concerned about the condition of your roof, there are many signs that will help you know it’s time to call the professionals.

Your Roof is 15 Years or Older

If your roof is basically 15 to 20 years or older, it may be time to replace it. A well-maintained roof can last about 20 years—but that doesn’t mean you should wait until the end of its lifespan to replace it.

In fact, many homeowners opt for replacement before their roof reaches the 15-year mark in order to prevent inevitable damage and to ensure continued performance throughout the life of the new structure.

If your existing asphalt shingle or slate shingle roof has already been damaged by storms or other external factors, there may be more damage underneath than what meets the eye. And if there is any leakage through your gutters or downspouts (a red flag that something isn’t right), then you need to have them repaired right away so they don’t cause further damage elsewhere in your home.

Shingles are Curling, Buckling, or Blistering

If you notice that your shingles are curling, buckling, or blistering, it’s a good idea to check them for damage. If the shingles are peeling or missing entirely, or if they’re curling and tearing at the edges, this could be an indication of a larger problem with your roof.

More importantly—you should examine all sides of each individual shingle carefully for signs that something is wrong with it. Check for discolouration (such as white splotches caused by UV rays), cracks along either side edge where staples have been placed over time; flaking paint could indicate lead-based paint underneath; wrinkles in drywall where nails have been hammered into joists below; holes made by termites eating away at wood framing beneath basement level beams called “footers” that hold up entire floors above ground level. 

You can read our article on tips to know when inspecting your shingles for ideas on how to inspect them yourself.

Shingles Are Missing

Shingles can be blown off in high winds, taken by animals and children, or even stolen by people who don’t realize what they’re doing.

They may also be taken out of spite or anger, or maybe because the person wanted to get into your house—who’s to say?

In any case, it’ll cost you money to fix the shingles (and should be covered under warranty) so it’s best just to make sure none of this is happening!

Check Your Eavestroughs

You can also inspect your eavestroughs for any signs of water damage. If there are holes or leaks in your eavestrough (or if they’re just worn out), water will run down the outside of your house and pool up on top of the roof.

This can cause leaks inside as well as dangerous mold growth on both sides of the home’s exterior walls.

Moss is Growing on Your Roof

Moss growing on your roof is a sure sign that there’s moisture somewhere in your attic. If you have moss on the top of your shingles, it’s possible that there’s a leak in the attic and water is seeping down into the inside of your home.

Moss indicates that there hasn’t been much sunlight hitting the shingles for long periods of time, which means not enough moisture has been evaporating from those areas to keep them clean and dry. If you have moss, this article explains how to remove it and stop it from growing back.

Light Shines Through the Roof Boards

The roof boards let in light. If you see sunlight or other light shining through your roof, it means that there are holes and cracks in your roof. 

In cases like this you should contact your local roofers to get this fixed as soon as possible because it can lead to leaks or even water damage inside of your home. As we know, water damage can be quite costly to repair, and it can be avoided.

You Have a Damp, Mildewy Attic

If you have a damp, mildewy attic, it’s likely that somewhere your roof is leaking. The first thing you’ll want to do is inspect the roof for any signs of leaks or damage.

You can check for leaks by looking for water stains on walls or ceilings—these will usually be located around windows and doors where rainwater has collected.

Condensation also indicates there’s an internal moisture problem. Simply inspect your windows and other glass surfaces regularly to see if they’re foggy or even dripping with moisture.

If there are signs of leakage inside your home but no obvious external problems like cracks in shingles, then chances are good that there’s hidden damage. This is where only a professional will be able to find out what’s causing all this internal dampness.

You may be able to fix some small leaks yourself if your attic isn’t too high up off the ground, but if these problems are too difficult or unsafe for you (especially if you don’t feel comfortable going up the roof on a ladder), then it’s probably best to call a professional instead.

Your Energy Bills are Rising Without Cause

If you are paying more for energy than you used to, it could be a sign that your roof is leaking. Leaks in the roof can cause your heating and cooling system to work harder and can also make your home feel damp in the summer and winter. Leaking roofs may even damage the wood in your attic or cause water damage to the ceiling.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to check out how much money you’re spending on energy bills before things get worse. A professional can perform an assessment of your home’s thermostat settings so you know where changes need to be made—and it’s possible that making these changes will help save money on utilities without impacting your comfort levels at all.

There’s Evidence of Water Leakage in the Attic or Upper Floors

If you see water stains on the ceiling or walls, stains on your furniture, carpets and other items in the upper floor of a building, your attic is probably leaking water. You can also look for evidence of water stains on drywall, the insulation and the wood framing in the attic or on the upper floors.

The appearance of these signs is an obvious indication that the roof is leaking and needs to be repaired as soon as possible.

The Take Home

If you follow these tips on how to look closely at your roof for damage, you’ll be able to tell when it needs repair. The health of your roof should be taken lightly, as it can damage other parts of your home and make it unsafe for those inside. If you do find damage, don’t hesitate to call your local professionals and have them take a proper look at your roof and assess if any repairs need to be done.