Roof Damage In 2023: 7 Types Homeowners Need To Know

Your roof can be damaged in any number of ways, and it’s important to know how to spot it, and the next steps to get it repaired. Whether a storm came through and damaged your roof or its aging materials are not what they used to be, there are seven very common instances of damage that you should know.

Failed Flashing

One of the most common reasons for a roof leak is failed or damaged flashing. Flashing is installed around your chimneys, vents, skylights, and any other entrance to your roof. It prevents those seams from leaking, but if they are installed incorrectly or get damaged over time they can be the first thing to fail and cause leaks.

It’s important to watch for any water spots near the entrance of your chimney or vents in the basement, that can be a tell-tale sign of a leak in your flashing.

Wind Damage

Strong winds can cause shingles to tent up or even blow-off, especially if they are not attached correctly, are wearing away, or your flashing has failed around structures on your roof. Even if the wind flips up your shingles temporarily, this can cause irreversible damage to them because it’s broken their tight leak-proof seal.

If only a small section of your shingles have sustained wind damage, it’s possible you can get a smaller repair in lieu of a full replacement. Look for any uneven spots on your shingles if you suspect wind damage.

Water or Moisture Damage

In areas that experience heavy rainfall, or snow and ice; if your roof does not shed that water appropriately, it can sit and cause pretty severe damage to your roof. Moisture that sits in one spot can weaken your shingles, gutters, and even cause a sunken spot on your roof. These cause leaks by ruining the integrity of your roof or causing spots to give way.

Water damage may require further repairs than just your roof if the moisture has infiltrated your attic or ceilings. So, it’s important to watch for signs early on and ensure your roof is solid. This is especially true in climates that anticipate heavy rainfall, like Florida.

Hail Damage

Though rare, hail that is large enough can cause pretty significant damage to your roof. If hail doesn’t penetrate through the shingles or flashing, it still ends up sloughing off the granules of your shingle which are there to protect them from leaks.

Hail damage can be relatively easy to spot as you’ll see the areas where your shingles are missing granules or have been dented from large pieces of hail. It’s important to get this diagnosed quickly and repair those damaged shingles so your roof is not compromised.

Worn Down Roofing Materials

Unfortunately, roofs aren’t made to last forever. In fact, asphalt shingles, which are the most commonly used in the U.S. have a lifespan of about 15-30 years depending on your climate. As your roof ages, it becomes more vulnerable to things like leaks, damage, cracking, and poor insulation. All of these things, over time, can lead to leaks if left unmaintained.

Do a visual check of your roof and gutters every Spring to ensure it’s still in good shape, especially if it’s nearing or past its expected lifespan. The best thing you can do is get roof maintenance done before it becomes a bigger issue.

Structural Damage

Structural damage could be caused by a tree falling during a storm, large debris landing on your roof, or it can even be caused by your aging home. If your foundation is failing, or your interior walls, those can cause sinks in your roof if left alone. Structural damage is an opportunity to get a full replacement of your roof, but also ensure the attic is insulated, and the flashing installed properly—it can be a full reset, which we can do at Secured Roofing & Restoration.

We want homeowners to know what damage looks like, so they can identify it and call us right away. Our professional team of roofers is readily available for any type of roof damage. If you notice you have any of these damages and are looking for a repair or discuss a roof replacement, give us a call at 407-986-ROOF.