How to Spot Hidden Roof Damage Before It Leaks

The ideal time to replace a roof is before it actually starts leaking into your living space. Once water penetrates the drywall, a $10,000 roofing job can quickly become a $20,000 structural repair.

Check Your Attic First

The most obvious indicators of roof failure are found in the attic, not on the shingles themselves. On a sunny day, enter your attic and turn off the lights. If you can see daylight piercing through the roof boards, water can enter through those exact same gaps. Additionally, look for dark water stains or mold growth on the underside of the plywood decking.

Exterior Warning Signs

From the ground, inspect your roof with binoculars. You are looking for:

• Curled, cracked, or completely missing shingles.
• Granule loss in your gutters (the roof looking "bald" or shiny).
• Sagging areas on the roof ridge, indicating structural rot beneath.

If your roof is over 20 years old and exhibiting any of these symptoms, it has reached the end of its functional life. Contact a local professional for a thorough inspection before the next major storm hits.