3 Hidden Signs of Roofing Damage

Worrying about your roof should not be a full-time job, but you should be aware of where potential problems may develop. Since replacing a roof is one of the most expensive repairs you will face as a homeowner, extending the life of your existing roof can save you vast amounts of money. Some roofing issues are easy to spot with an exterior examination, but others can be more subtle.

If you can access your attic, climb up and start checking your roofing from below. By performing a quick inspection, you may be able to spot these three signs of hidden roofing trouble before they lead to disaster.

1. Signs of Moisture

Moisture may be commonly associated with leaks, but it can develop in an attic through other means. As hot, humid air rises through your home, it can find its way into even a well-insulated attic space. When this happens, the moisture present in the air can result in damage or mold growth. Left unchecked, it can impact structural elements or your roof decking.

Proper attic ventilation helps to prevent moisture from forming by allowing air to escape throughout the year. Without adequate ventilation, your attic can develop problems from both humidity and heat. If you notice mold or other signs of moisture in your attic, it can be a clear indicator that you have a problem with blocked or improper ventilation.

Of course, moisture can also be a sign of water leaking in from outside of your home. If sections of your roof or attic walls appear wet, it may not always be easy to track down the source. Water can leak from failed roofing shingles or loose flashing, but travel a significant distance along the decking before entering your home.  

2. Daylight Peeking In

You may think that sunlight peeking through a roof indicates a severe problem, but this is not always the case. If you can get close to the source of the light, check for visible signs of water nearby. The area may be dry if it has not rained in a while, but you should see evidence of prior water damage such as staining or mold.

If you have an older shake roof, then some light may be visible from inside the attic. If you see light inside your shake roof, you should ask these three questions:

• Are there nearby signs of water damage?
• Does the gap appear large enough for animals to enter the attic?
•  Do the shingles near the affected area appear to be in good condition?

As long as there are no additional signs of damage, then a small amount of visible light through a shake roof may not be a cause for concern. If you are still worried, contact a skilled roofing contractor to evaluate the situation.

3. Damaged Decking

Determining the state of your roof decking from outside can be a challenge, but you can look for clues from inside the attic. In addition to visible signs of moisture, look for wood that appears to be sagging or misshapen. If you push on your decking boards, you should not feel any noticeable give or weakness. All of these may be signs of rot.

While you do not need to walk through your attic and touch every part of the ceiling, you should perform a cursory inspection. Make a note of any issues that you discover, and check the exterior in those areas for loose or damaged shingles.

If you do discover a problem with your roof, Ratliff Enterprises, Inc., can help to fix it. Give us a call to schedule a roofing evaluation today!