9 Interior Signs Of Roof Damage: What To Look For + Next Steps

Americans spent over $550 billion in 2022 on home renovations. A lot of this money was spent on roof repairs, too! Many people aren’t aware of the interior signs of roof damage.

If you aren’t able to recognize these, you run the risk of:

• Property damage 🛠
• Injury 🤕
• Inconvenience 😡
• Lower home value 💰

The good news is that recognizing a damaged roof is more straightforward than you might think. Let’s explore the key signs you need to keep an eye out for.

1. Missing Shingles

This is one of the most notable signs of roof damage. After a large storm, it’s not uncommon to miss a few shingles. Unfortunately, this can evolve into a larger issue over time.

Leaks are much more likely to form without the presence of high-quality shingles. Even if you notice only a handful of damaged or missing shingles on the roof, take action as soon as possible!

2. Mold Growth

Interestingly, many people are unaware that mold growth is a sign of roof damage. This is particularly true if you notice growth where your home’s exterior walls meet the roof. This often means that there’s an issue with water drainage.

If water accumulates in this area, it can eventually cause mold to grow. Unfortunately, you might find it tempting to clean the mold on your own and forget about the problem. In truth, it won’t go away until you call a professional

3. Broken Gutters

Your gutters should remain fastened to your roof so they can properly drain water that builds up. If you notice that your gutters are broken, pulling away from the roof, etc., this is a big deal that needs your attention.

An experienced roofer can quickly assess the issue and make the appropriate changes. It never hurts to inspect your gutters from time to time, so get in the habit of doing this to prevent roof damage in the future.

4. Ceiling Sagging

If you don’t do anything about ceiling sagging, you can weaken the structure of your entire roof. This could damage the roof supports and lead to a ton of property damage!

The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be for a roofer to repair the issue. In extreme cases, you might need to replace your entire roof. So, take ceiling sagging seriously.

Don’t be someone who writes it off as normal and tries to forget about it.

5. Ceiling Stains

Stains or discoloration on your ceiling is a telltale sign of water damage. This could even occur from a relatively minor roof leak.

Leaks sometimes go unnoticed for months and eventually evolve into an issue like this. So, the ceiling stains you witness are actually the result of a problem that’s been around for a while.

6. Loose Step Flashing

Step flashing provides a barrier between your roof shingles and surfaces on your roof. It exists between shingles and chimneys, for example.

If step flashing begins to loosen, water can flow directly into the siding of your home. Mold could grow, leaks could develop, and your siding could fail entirely.

7. Light in the Attic

Hail can easily cause damage to your roof. This is true even for smaller storms. If you notice sunlight poking through your roof into your attic, your roof has damage that needs attention.

These holes can become bigger over time, allowing larger leaks to form. Leaving them unchecked can also cause substantial damage to your shingles.

8. Venting Damage

Ventilation systems allow hot air to escape from your house and prevent moisture from accumulating.

If the vents in your home are damaged, water could enter your attic and begin to pool. Keep in mind that vent damage doesn’t always indicate an underlying issue with your roof. In many scenarios, though, a broken vent means that your roof needs attention!

9. High Energy Bills

One of the largest contributors to energy bills is how you use your heating and cooling systems. Most people are responsible for their usage, meaning they only change the temperature of their home while they’re in the house.

Damage to your roof could cause warm or cold air to escape your home. This will make your system work harder than it needs to, driving up your monthly bill. If you’ve noticed a large spike in your energy usage, check for the above signs on this list.

If you notice a handful, there’s a good chance that you need to call a roofing contractor right away.

Next Steps

To take action, get in touch with a professional. This should be an individual or firm that has plenty of experience in the industry.

They should be highly communicative and offer warranties to back up their work. Many reputable professionals provide access to examples of their past work, as well.

Take a bit to browse these projects to see if they’re right for your needs. The last thing you want is to hire someone who will do more harm than good!

Don’t Ignore Interior Signs of Roof Damage

Recognizing interior signs of roof damage goes a long way when it comes to repairing your roof. Consider the above information so that you can get started with your project as soon as possible.

This will help you keep your home safe and comfortable. Reach out to us today at Buckworth Roofing to see how we can help. Our team has all of the tools and resources required to get you started on the right track.