Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs of Roof Damage

Few things are more stressful or frustrating to homeowners than roof damage. Roof damage is quite common in Central Florida due to our area’s frequent summer thunderstorms and sporadic hurricanes.
Read on to learn what signs to look for if you suspect you have roof damage and what to do if you find them.

Common Signs of Roof Damage

The following are the 5 most common signs of roof damage in Central Florida. Remember that this isn’t an exhaustive list and that these signs apply to asphalt shingle roofs rather than metal or tile.

1. Missing Shingles

One of the most obvious signs of roof damage is missing shingles. Whenever your roof experiences high wind events, shingles can detach from your roof, especially if it’s older.

Missing shingles are clearly spotted unless they happen to be in a roof valley or on the part of the roof that’s not visible from ground level. If you see missing shingles, it’s important to get a professional roofing contractor out right away to either replace the missing shingles or re-install a new roof. Depending on what percentage of the roof is missing shingles, simply repairing may not be an option. Failure to replace the missing shingles will result in water damage or further compromise the roof’s integrity.

2. Peeling or Cracking

Another sign of room damage is peeling or cracking. If you begin to notice asphalt shingles “curling” upward or developing cracks across their surface, it’s evidence that your roof needs to be replaced.

This happens over time due to the strong Florida sun, wind, and rain. It’s a sign that your roof has aged and is near the end of its life. Contact a professional roofing company immediately if you notice your shingles are peeling or cracking.

3. Water Stains on Your Ceiling

The presence of water stains on your ceiling is usually due to a leaky roof. Keep in mind that if you have plumbing or HVAC ductwork in your attic, these can sometimes leak and cause staining on your ceiling.

However, if you see stains on your ceiling, especially during or following heavy rain events, it’s a sign that your roof leaks somewhere. An expert roofing company will be able to come out and determine where the leak is located and whether it can be either repaired or replaced.

4. Discolored Shingles

Discolored shingles signify that your roof surface has lost most of its granules due to frequent rain and wind. Granules give asphalt shingles waterproofing and protective properties. As the roof ages, the granules gradually wash away into your gutters and downspouts.

It’s a natural process occurring over several years. You may not have a leaky roof or other issues yet, but if you notice your shingles are becoming more and more discolored, it’s only a matter of time before you begin to see water damage or missing shingles as a result.

5. Sagging

Lastly, another sign of roof damage is a sagging roof. Sagging is an indication that the decking under your shingles is rotting or deteriorating. Decking is the plywood secured to your roof’s trusses. Shingles are then overlayed on the decking–giving your roof structure and support.

Over time, the decking wears out and will begin to sag. If you can see a “dip” in your roof, especially in the middle, you’ll likely need to replace some or all of your roof’s decking. This will require a complete re-roof from a professional roofer.

Have Roof Damage? Contact Big D Roofing in Ocala, FL

If your roof has aged and succumbed to wear and tear, it’s best to call a residential roofing professional like Big D Roofing. Working with a local roofing contractor like Big D gives you the knowledge and expertise you need to make the best decisions for your home. We follow industry best practices and use high-quality roofing materials to give our customers beautiful roofs that will last.

Contact us today to get started on your residential roof replacement.