A healthy roof contributes to a safe and well-maintained home, but not all signs of roof damage are easy to notice. Some issues have obvious cues that homeowners can easily spot, while others are hidden beneath the surface. These hidden issues can be the most destructive since they quietly wear down the roof structure over time. Failing to notice the signs of hidden damage can lead to long-term safety issues and a roof replacement.
This article details the differences between visible and hidden roof damage to help Northern Virginia and Maryland homeowners act early, protect their property, and mitigate their risk for costly repairs.
Examples of Visible Roof Damage
Visible roof damage is often easy to notice, even for homeowners untrained in construction. During casual inspections of their roofs, homeowners should look for these common signs of visible damage:
- Missing, curled, or cracked shingles: Shingles can become cracked or curled due to wind, rain, and sun damage. This can also be a sign that they were not properly installed. An ineffective adhesive seal can lift prematurely and leave the shingles vulnerable to damage.
- Bald spots: Asphalt shingles are layered with granules that protect them from weather damage. Bald spots where the granules are thinner or more dispersed signal that the roof is getting old and losing its protection. Homeowners may also notice these granules in their yard or gutters.
- Water stains: Stains can appear on ceilings as brown patches where water has pooled under the paint and plaster. Walls and ceilings can also crack where the water causes the materials to swell. If the leak is severe enough, lighting fixtures can begin to leak.
- Sagging roofline: A sagging roofline is very noticeable from the ground and can indicate structural damage from moisture exposure, pests, weather damage, or rot.
Visible damage may be worrying, but when caught early, the repairs are usually straightforward. They can involve anything from simple shingle replacements to slightly more demanding processes like flashing repairs.
Examples of Hidden Roof Damage
In comparison, hidden roof damage often indicates a more significant structural issue. This type of damage often impacts the entire structure and can go unnoticed for years before homeowners recognize the signs or hire a roof inspector. Common signs of hidden roof damage include:
- Increased moisture: Moisture can get into the air and materials, causing musty smells, damp insulation, or mold growth. This most commonly occurs in attics.
- Soft decking: While most homeowners will not walk on their roofs to inspect for damage, those who do may feel soft spots in their shingles or decking that could indicate the underlying sheathing is rotting. In most cases, this should be handled by an experienced contractor.
- Hidden leaks: In addition to moisture buildup, slow leaks can seep into drywall, insulation, and other materials, leading to hidden long-term damage even without visible signs. Contractors may use moisture meters to detect unwanted water infiltration.
- Pest infestation: An infestation of pests, including wood-boring insects, rodents, and more, can hide out of sight while damaging eaves, soffits, rafters, insulation, and other materials. This damage often remains hidden until it has progressed into a significant safety concern.
Homeowners should not wait until hidden roof damage warrants a costly repair or causes an accident. Recognizing and responding to these warning signs early is important year-round, not just before storm seasons or at the end of material warranty periods.
How to Monitor Roofs for Both Types of Damage
Homeowners can take several steps to identify and resolve both types of roof damage before they become costly repairs. These steps include:
1. Visual Inspections After Storms
Storms often cause visible roof damage. Hail, wind, snow, and rain can damage shingles, eaves, siding, gutters, and more. Additionally, weather can sometimes worsen hidden damage to the point of being visible.
2. Monitor Attic Conditions
The attic can be used as a barometer for the condition of the roof. If the attic becomes more humid, wet, or moldy, it is likely time for a roof inspection.
3. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
A professional roofing contractor should inspect the roof at least once a year to spot both visible and hidden signs of damage. Many common roofing structures, such as valleys, skylights, and flashing, can hide signs of damage, such as water and debris buildup. Experienced roofers check thoroughly for both visible and structural damage to plan the right repair or replacement process for each home.
Identify and Repair Roof Damage Before it Becomes Serious
While homeowners can confidently inspect their roof for visible signs of wear and tear, they often miss the hidden signs that the inner structure and materials have become damaged and weakened.
At Expert Exteriors, our experienced team of roofing contractors conducts thorough inspections to spot both visible and hidden signs of damage. We collaborate with Maryland and Northern Virginia homeowners to create repair and roof replacement plans for their specific situations at a low cost. We even update materials to higher-quality alternatives for no extra cost.
Contact our team today to inspect your roof for signs of damage before it becomes even more costly to repair.