Some signs are obvious. Others are easy to miss until they’ve turned into something more expensive. Here’s what to watch for:
- Shingles that are curling, cupping, or cracking — this is a sign your shingles are aging out and losing their ability to shed water effectively
- Missing shingles — even one or two missing shingles exposes your roof deck and creates an open invitation for water
- Granule loss — if you’re finding granules collecting in your gutters or at the base of your downspouts, your shingles are breaking down
- Dark streaking or staining — this is typically algae growth and while it doesn’t always mean immediate failure, it’s a sign worth paying attention to
- Sagging areas — any visible sagging in your roofline is serious and needs attention right away
- Daylight in your attic — if you can see light coming through your roof boards, water can get in too
- Water stains on ceilings or walls — by the time you’re seeing this inside your home, the problem has likely been developing for a while
- Higher energy bills — a roof that’s failing or a ventilation system that isn’t working correctly will show up in your utility costs
If you’re seeing one or more of these, it’s worth having someone take a look. Catching problems early almost always costs less than waiting.