What are signs of roof damage?
Wind, weather, falling branches, and even animals can cause damage to a roof. Inspect your roof regularly for any of the following signs of damage:
● Interior water damage: look for ceiling stains
or wet wood
● Sagging: inspect both roof and interior
ceilings for sagging
● Overflowing gutters: if your gutters are
blocked by leaves, ice or debris, they
cannot effectively get water off your roof,
causing the water to pool on the roof
and leak into the house.
● Damaged, loose or missing shingles: if
shingles look cracked or seem to be
curling, water can get under them and
cause even more damage to the roof,
insulation and interior
If you’ve admired the fringe of sparkling icicles along your roof, look out for ice dams as well!
Ice dams are a common source of winter leakage. They form when warm air from your house melts the undermost layer of ice or snow on your roof. The melting water trickles toward the gutters on the roof’s edge but freezes on exposure to cold air.
The ridge of ice that forms from this refrozen water blocks the water behind it from finding its way off the roof. The water then pools on the roof and leaks under the shingles or through the roof trim into the house.
Damage from ice dams is often invisible. You may see the water stains on your walls. You won’t see the water damage and mould in wall cavities behind the drywall. Attic leaks also wet your insulation, making it less effective and driving up your energy bills.