We know what you’re thinking… what does roof damage have to do with house painting? When you see as many houses as we do, you see the same issues over and over again.
We often have projects where we are repairing and painting the aftermath of a leaky roof. Water spots on the ceiling, rotten wood in the eaves, damaged sheetrock – these are all common repairs that take place after a leak has been repaired.
The health of your roof is vital to the health of your entire home, whose main purpose is to protect you from the elements. With a failing roof, your home becomes less efficient at this job. But how do you know?
Check out these 8 telltale signs of roof damage!

1. Shingle Appearance
One of the most obvious signs that your roof is in need of repair is the appearance of the shingles.
Fortunately, needing new shingles doesn’t indicate large scale roof damage. Damaged shingles result from simple wear and tear on any home and are very common, if not inevitable.
However, if shingles are left in disrepair for too long, it will absolutely lead to more severe damage to your roof and home.
If your shingles are starting to look bare or discolored, it’s a good time to evaluate having them replaced. Additionally, if your shingles are misshapen and curling or bowing due to water and sunlight, you know it’s time.
2. Age
How old is your roof? When was the last time your shingles were replaced or repaired?
If you don’t know the answer to these questions, it’s likely you’re about due for a roof evaluation.
Basic life expectancy of roofs is governed by what type of shingles you have. Basic composition shingles will last 12 to 20 years, while a metal roof can last 50 to 75 years.
However, there are many other factors that effect roof life expectancy. Where you live and the elements your home is exposed to may be the most important. It’s not incredibly uncommon for summerly hailstorms to necessitate yearly repairs.
Fortunately, homeowner’s insurance goes a long way to cover hail damage, but an insurance company will drop you if you cash in on it too frequently, regardless of if it’s your fault or not.

3. Sagging Roof
File this one under the ‘duh’ category… but if your roof is sagging, you have a problem. A sagging roof is a huge threat to the structural integrity of your house and you and your family’s safety. This kind of roof damage is serious. If you even think you notice it starting to dip, call someone immediately.
Sagging roofs can be caused by many things. Of course, water leakage over time can weaken the framework, making it unstable. Additionally, weight-related issues or inadequate construction can also be a factor.
Roof repairs done improperly by stacking multiple layers of shingles can be too much weight for your roof support. In northern climates, excessive snow and ice build-up can over-burden a roof. Luckily that is not an issue here in Central Texas, but heat, wind, hail, and rain can take their toll.
Finally, if your roof’s original construction wasn’t built strong enough, it will eventually fail over time.
4. Residue from Shingles in Gutters
One of the most neglected chores in a household is gutter maintenance. Even if you don’t live next to giant trees, you gutters can still be easily clogged.
This chore is important because it can notify you when your roof needs to be repaired.
Within the dirt, leaves, and gunk, you may find a build-up of the granules from your shingles. If you don’t have rain gutters on your house, look on the ground around the house at the dripline for the granules. This is a sign that your shingles are nearing the end of their life.
Aside from adding aesthetic appeal, the granules are there to protect the shingles from harsh sunlight. Over a period of time without adequate granule coverage, the sun will significantly damage your shingles.

5. Water Damage
Unfortunately, roof damage often presents itself as water damage within your home. In the U.S., insurance companies spent over $2.5 billion on water damage claims.
This can be a very serious problem requiring immediate action. Water stains appearing in the attic are the most common signs of water leakage through the roof and can lead to drywall damage and rotting wood.
However, a sagging ceiling is a more urgent sign of serious roof damage. You may notice small areas in your ceiling that appear to bubble out or dip.
Using a broom, gently push against the area. If there is currently water or moisture present, call a roof repair company immediately. Once the leak is repaired, then contact a paint and repair specialist such as SurePro Painting.
6. Paint Damage Near the Roofline
An improperly installed roof may not allow appropriate ventilation. In this case, moisture will linger after any precipitation.
Improper ventilation will cause all kinds of problems over time, including weakening the structural integrity of your roof, moisture seeping into the interior of your home, and damage to exterior paint near the roof.
Paint cracking, bubbling, and peeling near the roof is a strong indication that the roof wasn’t installed correctly and your house has a moisture problem.
7. Windows and Doors are Getting Snug
A sign most people don’t relate to roof damage is snug windows and doors.
If over time, your windows and doors seem to be getting tighter, you may be in need of roof repair.
As your roof weakens, it begins to sag and shift. This leads to shifting and weight displacement across your entire house, most noticeably at openings such as doors and windows.

8. Damage to the Valleys of Your Roof
Sometimes, only localized sections of your roof need to be repaired.
These valleys or crevices of your roof are the places where rain, snow, sleet, and hail flow down. These areas are exposed to a concentrated amount of moisture, therefore they are more susceptible to damage.
These areas should be observed closely to ensure the vitality of your roof, as a leak here would mean serious water leakage in your home.
If You Suspect Roof Damage, Don’t Put It Off
Home repairs are kind of like festering wounds. The longer you ignore the issue, the worse the damage will be.
Roof damage can be the most severe of all home disrepair issues. A roof letting moisture in can affect the entirety of your house. Once again, if left unchecked, these problems will only get worse.
Therefore, be wise and act quickly when it comes to roof damage! Hire a roofing contractor and make sure you’re in good shape.
To see our home repair services, check out our Residential Service page! Have repairs from a leaky roof that need to be done?