It’s easy to think that you would definitely know if something was wrong with your roof. Some types of roof damages are very obvious – if a strong wind rips off a chunk of your roof, you’ll notice it. Obvious leaks are another easy-to-spot sign of roof damage. But some signs of a roof problem are not so easily recognized, and learning to spot them can help you catch roof problems early. The earlier you spot the problem, the better your chances of minimizing the damage – and the repair bill. Take a look at some of the lesser-known signs of roof damage.

Water Spots

Have you noticed yellow spots on your ceiling or water stains on your exterior walls? These are both signs of possible roof damage. The yellow spots on the ceiling come from water leaks. While you may not actually puddles of water on the floor or feel dripping, you may still have a leak. Slow leaks are harder to pinpoint than large, obvious leaks, and water doesn’t necessarily follow a straight path down. If the water is running along the roof panels or plumbing pipes, you could see water damage on your ceiling from a leak without actually seeing the water. Look for the stains to darken or grow after a storm – if it’s a leak in your roof, this is what you’ll see.

Water spots on the exterior walls are a sign of rusted or damaged flashing. The roof’s flashing is meant to direct water away from the exterior walls to avoid water damage, but if the flashing is loose or compromised, the water will run down your walls, causing stains. Like ceiling stains, these spots will appear larger and darker following a storm.

Health Problems

Even if you can’t see it, mold above your head could be making you sick.

Where there’s roof damage, there will eventually be moisture, as rain finds its way beyond the exterior part of the roof. And where there’s moisture, there can be mold growth. However, when mold develops underneath your shingles and spreads slowly into your home, you may not see it immediately. However, you may be able to tell the problem exists by your family’s health.
Many people have an allergic reaction to mold that manifests itself in symptoms like sneezing, coughing, runny noses, and itchy or watery eyes. Mold can also trigger asthma attacks in people who suffer from asthma. Additionally, there is a condition called Toxic Mold Syndrome that may result in symptoms beyond just the usual allergic reactions – dizziness, anxiety, memory loss, and intestinal problems are all possible. If you or your family members have unexplained health problems, you should have your house – and especially your roof – checked for mold.

Clogged Gutters and Downspouts

Damaged gutters can spell big trouble for your roof.

If your gutters and downspouts seem to clog more frequently than normal, it could be an indication that your gutter system is in need of repair. Even worse, the clogging can result in more damage by causing water to back up and pool on your roof, leading to water damage.

You can protect your roof by having the gutters cleaned and repaired if necessary, and by using a gutter helmet to prevent items other than water from entering the gutter system and causing clogs. But if you’ve already had multiple clogs, you should have your roof evaluated to make sure that it hasn’t been compromised. Moonworks can provide you with quality roof repair and gutter maintenance. Contact us at 1-800-975-6666 to Get a free estimate.