Weathering the Storm: The Different Types of Roof Damage

Your roof is one of the most essential parts of your home. It protects you and everything inside from the elements – rain, snow, wind, and more. But over time, all that exposure can take its toll and cause damage. Knowing the common types of roof damage can help you identify issues early and make repairs before minor problems become expensive headaches. In this guide, we’ll look at the various types of roof damage, what causes them, how to spot them, and when you’ll need professional roof repair or total replacement.

Table of Contents

Weather-Related Roof Damage

Mother Nature can wreak havoc on your roof in many ways. From minor surface damage to destruction, here are some of the most common weather-related causes of roof problems.

Hail Damage

If you live in an area prone to hail storms, your roof will likely suffer impacts over time. Hail stones pelt the roof at high speeds, denting and damaging the surface. With large hail, the roof deck beneath can also be fractured. Signs of hail damage include:

Dents and dings on shingles
Burst or broken shingle tabs
Areas of missing granules that expose the mat material
Punctures through the roof surface
Damaged vents, skylights, or other protrusions

If you notice a pockmarked look after a storm, get your roof inspected right away. The extent of damage may not be immediately visible, and hidden fractures can lead to leaks down the road.

Wind Damage

Powerful winds can wreak havoc on a roof. Signs of wind damage include:

Missing, torn off, or folded over shingles
Uplifted flashing around vents, skylights, and edges
Detached gutter sections
Damaged or separate roof deck beneath the shingles
Compromised roof structure in extreme storms

If shingles have come loose or you can see the deck beneath, repair them quickly before water can penetrate inside. Strong winds can also introduce moisture and debris under intact shingles over time, so regular inspections are critical after high-wind events.

Storm Damage

Significant storms like hurricanes and tornadoes can cause catastrophic damage to roofs. Extreme winds, rain, and flying debris can destroy roof surfaces and structures. Signs include:

Large missing sections of shingles and decking
Severe water damage inside the home
Compromised roof framing, trusses, and rafters
Detached vents, chimneys, and other roof elements

With severe storm damage, the entire roof structure and function are compromised. This requires complete roof replacement and repairs to the home structure and interior. Temporary tarping may be needed to prevent further water intrusion while you arrange for roof replacement.

Rain and Moisture Damage

Standing water, heavy rainfall, poor drainage, and moisture infiltration can all damage your roof over time. Signs of rain or moisture-related damage include:

Roof leaks and water stains on interior ceilings and walls
Curled, cracked, or broken shingles
Growth of moss, mold, or mildew on the roof surface
Rotting, soft, or deteriorated roof deck
Corrosion on metal flashings, vents, and valleys

Prolonged moisture is detrimental to all roof types. Ensure adequate roof ventilation, drainage, and overflow outlets. Inspect regularly for wet spots or signs of excess moisture. Make repairs quickly to prevent long-term water damage.

Snow and Ice Damage

In colder climates, accumulated snow and ice puts excessive weight on the roof structure. Signs of snow and ice damage include:

Sagging or collapsed roof sections and framing
Cracked or torn shingles, flashing, and vents
Damaged and leaky seams/joints
Interior leaks as melting snow or ice infiltrate
Excess ice damming along the eaves and valleys

Minimize the risks by clearing excess snow off the roof safely. Improve ventilation to prevent ice dams. Inspect for damage in spring once all snow and ice have melted. Look for any distorted or cracked areas needing repair before the following winter.

Age-Related Roof Damage

Even with proper care and maintenance, roofs deteriorate naturally over time. The age and material of your roof will determine its lifespan and decline.

Wear and Tear

Average weather and aging will cause any roof to wear and tear over the years. Signs of wear on an aging roof include:

Missing, cracked, curled, or broken shingles
Areas of exposed decking as shingle tabs wear away
Granule loss leaving bald spots and degraded UV protection
Flashings becoming misshapen or detaching at seams/joints
Leaks, moisture, and rot in decking or roof structure
Moss, mildew, or algae growth on the roof surface

Your roof’s lifespan depends on material quality, installation, ventilation, and maintenance. Inspect regularly for wear and make gradual repairs to get the most years out of your existing roof.

Deterioration

Certain roof materials can deteriorate quickly due to manufacturing defects, sun exposure, poor ventilation, etc. Signs of deteriorated roofing include:

Brittle, cracked or bald asphalt shingles
Corrosion, rusting, and holes in metal roofing
Cracking and voids in flat roof membranes
Moss and mildew growth indicating excessive moisture
Plastic skylights yellowed/cracked from UV exposure
Leaks and water damage inside the attic and living spaces

If your roof shows material breakdown before its expected lifespan, seek a professional inspection to determine if complete replacement is needed.

Defects and Flaws

Sometimes, roof damage is linked to flaws in materials or improper installation. Examples of defects causing roof problems include:

Manufacturing defects in shingles leading to cracks/tears
Substandard flashing materials prone to splitting at seams
Poor attic ventilation leads to premature shingle breakdown
Crooked or wavy rows of shingles allow moisture intrusion
Improperly sealed valleys, joints, and protrusions that leak
Weak points in membrane roofs allow water ingress

Review your roof warranty and inspector notes for any underlying defects present at installation. This can help determine if contractors are liable for repairs or replacement costs.

External Causes of Damage

Beyond weather and age, other external factors can damage your roof from the inside out. Awareness of these potential causes allows you to prevent them through proper home care and maintenance.

Falling Debris

Objects falling onto the roof can fracture shingles, degrade materials, and lead to punctures. Potential debris includes:

Overhanging tree branches and dislodged limbs
Sports balls, toys, and aerial drones hitting the roof
Tools and materials dropped during DIY roof work
Nearby construction debris carried by winds
Chimney caps, antennas, and other objects detaching from the roof

To prevent damage, inspect the roof and clear away any loose items after high winds. Trim back overhanging trees regularly. If you hear a loud impact on the roof, check for punctures or fractures.

Animal Infestation

Wild animals and pests can infest the roof, causing structural and surface damage. Signs of critter damage include:

Chewed openings and tunnels on the roof exterior
Nesting material found in the attic or under shingles/flashing
Droppings and urine stains on the roof
Noises from activity within the roof structure

Nuisance animals like raccoons, squirrels, and rats may occupy areas under shingles, eaves, or flashing. Remove any food sources and seal potential entry points to deter them humanely.

Algae and Mold Growth

In warm, humid climates, dark, shady areas of the roof can accumulate algae, mildew, and mold growth. Signs include:

Black or green staining on shingles or flat roof membranes
Soft/degraded areas of roofing undergrowth
The musty odor from microorganisms present
Higher moisture leads to leakage and water damage

Improve ventilation and sunlight where possible. Use biodegradable cleaners formulated to safely remove mildew and algae. Re-treat and re-coat affected areas to prevent recurrence.

Nearby Trees and Vines

Large overhanging tree limbs can rub and fracture your roof. Vines growing on the house can use the surface to climb onto the roof. Damage caused by nearby vegetation includes:

Punctures and tears in shingles/membranes from falling limbs
Displaced or cracked flashing areas
Vines detaching shingles and digging into roof materials
Blocked gutters, drainage, and vents from encroaching branches
Excess moisture, shade, and debris from overhanging trees

Trim back any tree limbs within 10 feet of your roof. Remove vines carefully to limit material tearing. Clear away leaves and debris to allow proper drainage.

Poor Maintenance and Repairs

Neglecting routine roof maintenance can cause damage over time. Insufficient repairs may also introduce weaknesses or new leaks. Poor maintenance and DIY repair mistakes include:

Putting off minor repairs until a major replacement is needed
Improper shingle nailing that allows lifting, cracking, and wind damage
Patching leaks without addressing the source of water infiltration
Sealing over roof penetrations incorrectly, resulting in interior leaks
Using substandard materials for flashing, seams, and temporary patches
Not cleaning out gutters, drains, and ventilation, exacerbating leaks and moisture issues

Follow all manufacturer instructions when making roof repairs. Hire qualified roofing professionals for complex repair work, flashing installations, and replacements. Invest in regular inspections, maintenance, and tune-ups to maximize your roof’s lifespan.

Interior Factors Causing Roof Damage

Specific issues inside your home can also compromise roof integrity from underneath. Be aware of these interior risk factors to limit preventable roof damage.

Inadequate Ventilation

Proper attic and roof ventilation prevents premature roof aging and moisture accumulation. Signs of insufficient ventilation include:

Condensation buildup within the attic space
Sheathing and decking rotting from excess moisture
Peeling shingles and softened roofing materials
Mold, mildew, and algae growth on the roof exterior
Ice dams along eaves as moisture cannot escape

Have a roofer assess your attic ventilation needs. Install additional vents, fans, and exhaust pathways as needed. If possible, reduce humidity levels inside the home.

Structural Settlement

Over time, minor shifts in the home’s structure can manifest as roof damage. Causes include:

Settling foundation
Weakening load-bearing walls or supports
Deteriorating rafters and trusses
Poor initial structural design or construction

Signs of structural settlement impacting the roof include:

Sagging roof ridge or center
Wavy, crooked, or separating roof deck panels
Doors/windows out of square from a building frameshift
Cracked drywall seams and floors inside the home
Leaks correlating with areas of sag or separation

Have a structural engineer inspect the first signs of settlement. Reinforce compromised framing before addressing roof covering repairs.

Plumbing and Vent Stack Leaks

Leaky plumbing pipes and vent stacks in walls, attic, and roof space can lead to moisture saturation and water damage. Signs include:

Discolored or softened decking around stack areas
Interior water spots correlating with plumbing runs
Standing water in attic spaces near plumbing vents
Dripping water at protrusions on the roof surface
Rusting, cracks, or holes on plumbing flashings

Inspect all plumbing pipes, joints, and stacks for deterioration or cracks. Repair or replace leaky sections promptly. Ensure proper flashing installation around protrusions through the roof.

Chimney and Skylight Leakage

Cracked or deteriorated masonry, caps, and flashings around chimneys and skylights commonly allow water intrusion. Signs include:

Discolored or crumbling masonry mortar joints
Spalling, missing or broken masonry bricks/stones
Rusting, warped, or unsealed metals
Standing water or moisture stains on the surrounding roof
Leaks from ceiling areas under chimneys or skylights

Ensure metal components are adequately sealed. Repair or repoint any compromised masonry. Install new step flashing if leakage persists from under adjacent shingles.

Conclusion

Weathering the Storm

Your roof endures a lot of abuse from the elements year after year. Knowing what to look for allows you to identify damage early and repair the necessary roof. Address minor issues promptly before they escalate into costly headaches. A roof replacement may be needed for severe storm damage or an overhaul of an aging roof. Work with professional roofing contractors for reliable installations, complex repairs, and regular maintenance. Protect your roof, and you’ll protect one of the most valuable assets of your home – the structure underneath.

FAQs

What causes premature roof damage?

Severe weather like hail, high winds, heavy snow/ice
Prolonged moisture exposure from poor drainage
Lack of maintenance and repairs over time
Defective materials, improper installation
External factors like falling debris, overhanging trees
Interior issues like leaks, inadequate ventilation

How often should I inspect my roof?

Inspect your roof thoroughly at least twice per year – spring and fall.
Do a quick visual inspection after severe storms.
Hire a roofer to do an annual maintenance inspection.
Check interior ceilings for any signs of water damage regularly.

How can I tell if roof damage is minor or major?

Minor damage involves a few shingles, small isolated areas, or surface debris you can clear. Significant damage includes structural compromise, large missing sections, extensive leaks, or pervasive issues requiring total replacement. Assess the exterior roof surface and interior attic/ceiling when determining the extent of damage.

When is DIY roof repair not recommended?

Avoid DIY repairs for:

Significant damage beyond a few shingles
Areas needing skilled work like flashing, vents
Signs of structural/framing issues
Anything requiring roof access expertise
Major repairs needed before a storm

How soon should I make roof repairs?

Make temporary repairs immediately if there are signs of water intrusion or structural instability.
Have a roofer inspect moderate damage within 1-2 days to assess required repairs.
Schedule non-emergency repairs within 1-2 weeks of damage occurring.
Do not delay minor repairs, as they can worsen into more significant issues over time.

What does hail damage look like on a roof?

Hail damage on shingled roofs appears as dents, dings, and fractures in the shingles. You may see cracked or broken tabs, bald spots where granules are missing, and puncture holes through the shingle surface. A pockmarked, dimpled look indicates extensive hail hits.

How much hail damage to replace roof?

If 10% or more of your roof’s shingles are damaged by hail, insurance companies usually recommend full roof replacement rather than spot repairs. The underlying roof deck can also become compromised, necessitating complete tear-off and re-roofing.

How to tell if your roof has hail damage?

Signs your roof suffered hail damage include visible dents and dings, areas of missing shingle granules exposing the mat, and damage around vents or skylights. Inspect the attic for signs of punctures through the deck. Many hail hits are not visible from the ground, so professional inspection is recommended.

What size hail will damage a roof?

Hail 1 inch in diameter and larger typically causes noticeable damage to shingled roofs. However, smaller hail at high speeds can still fracture and degrade shingles over time. Severe hail 3/4 inch or larger warrants close inspection of the roof.

How to tell if the roof has hail damage?

The most reliable way to check for hail damage is by hiring a professional roof inspector. They can examine the roof up close, identify hidden signs of hail impact, and may use tools like lift equipment, moisture meters, and borescopes in their inspection. Homeowners can look for visible dents and shingle cracks that indicate hail strikes.