Signs of Roofing Damage That You Could Easily Miss

Common Signs Easy To Miss On Your Houston Roof

Minor issues with your home’s roof are often thought of as “out of sight, out of mind.” However, if you ignore the common signs of damage that are easy to miss, it could mean much bigger problems down the road for your Houston home.

Learning how to read easy-to-miss signs is essential in prolonging the lifespan of your roof. For example, finding a leaky roof could mean you need to arrange for a roof repair before the small leak turns into a major issue.

Here are several signs to look for, any of which could mean you need a roof repair in the near future.

1. Damage To Flashing

Flashing is the metal around your chimney, skylights, and other roof elements. Most people never think to look at their flashing, and some flashing is not visible. Lifted, bent or dented flashing can lead to water pooling and leaking through the roof into your home.

2. Wet Insulation

Wet insulation is a huge indicator that your roof has damage, as insulation should never be wet. The problem is that most people do not check their insulation unless they are already noticing leaks throughout their homes.

3. Missing Shingles

When strong winds roll through our Houston area, this can cause shingles to blow off the roof. If you see shingles in your yard, or a patch of bare roof (you may see felt, a synthetic underlayment or wood), you definitely need a roof repair for your leaky roof.

4. Small Blisters On Shingles

If you see blisters or divots on your shingles, it could mean you have hail damage. This may reduce the effectiveness of your shingles.

Blisters or divots can be a huge sign that a roof repair or replacement is in your future. Houston Roofing & Construction can help you determine if your roof has damage.

5. Gutters And Downspouts That Are Not Working

The gutters and downspouts around your home are meant to direct water from your roof away from the home. If your gutters are not functioning properly, it could just mean your gutters need to be cleaned. However, it could also be a sign that your roof is damaged.

Many people who have roof leaks often report that their gutters are not draining as much water as they would expect. If your shingles are nearing the end of their life, they aren’t able to retain their granules, and you may see evidence of this in your gutters or at your downspouts.

6. Pest Infestation

Mice and other rodents can cause roof problems. If you see an opening at the edge of your roof, this may be an opening for a rodent to gain access to your attic. Some rodents also like to chew on the stacks on your roof (these are vents for your plumbing and HVAC equipment), which can also open up your attic space to the elements. If you see any of this evidence or hear sounds of an animal in your attic space, you should definitely have a roof repair performed.

7. HVAC Is Working Harder

As we know, Houston heat requires a sound AC system. The ventilation in your attic can prevent your AC from working at full capacity. If your home isn’t properly ventilated and/or insulated, you may see it in your electric bill. Houston Roofing & Construction can help you determine if your roof is ventilated as recommended.

8. Stains Around Bathroom Fan

Almost every bathroom has a fan installed in the ceiling, and when you start to see water stains around this area, it could signal that the vent cap on the roof is damaged. When damaged, this can cause leaking in through the vent.

9. Sagging Areas Of Roof

If part of your roof appears to be saggy, this could mean you have rotted decking (the plywood that makes the floor of your roof). You may be able to get a simple repair done to replace the rotted decking, which can improve the life of your roof.

What To Do When You See These Signs?

If you notice any of these signs on your roof, then it is best to call a professional roofer. Addressing a repair at the first sign of a problem can help you avoid a roof replacement in many cases.

We don’t recommend getting onto your roof, so it is best to have a roof inspection performed to determine if these signs are something to worry about.

Free Roof Inspections Are A Call Away

If your Houston, TX roof is showing any of these signs, then a roof inspection is your best bet. Here at Houston Roofing & Construction, we offer free inspections, so contact us today or give us a call at 832-237-3737.