Time to Repair or Replace: 8 Tell-Tale Signs of a Damaged Roof

Between managing your employees and running your business, your building’s roof is probably the last thing on your mind. 

But it shouldn’t be. 

Without a roof, you wouldn’t have a place for your employees to work or for your customers to gather. You might not have a business at all. That’s why you need to be able to recognize the warning signs of a damaged roof.

We’ve put together this guide to help you learn when your roof needs a repair or, in some cases, a replacement. So let’s get started!

1. The Drains Are Clogged 

Your building’s gutters and downspouts should carry all the water off your roof when it rains. If you don’t see them doing this every time it rains, you have a problem. 

You might have a clog somewhere in the system. While this is an easy fix, you should never put it off. 

Otherwise, water will pool up on the surface of your roof. Over time, this water will deteriorate the surface of your roof and seep into your building. 

If your gutters aren’t clogged and they still aren’t draining the water from your roof, you might have a more serious issue on your hands. All roofs, even flat ones, have a gentle slope to prevent water from gathering in puddles. Your roof may have been installed incorrectly and might not have this slope. 

In this case, you might need an entire roof replacement. 

2. Discolored Walls and Ceilings

If moisture does find its way into your roof, it can seep into the insulation, wood, and drywall, and spread through your entire building. 

Discolored stains on your walls and ceilings mean you have a leak somewhere. These spots might also smell or feel wet or soft. 

Small leaks can be repaired, but if your building has a lot of staining, it might be too late for a repair. 

3. Mold Growth 

Mold growth can come from a number of issues, including damaged plumbing. So if you discover some mold in your building, calling a roof repair professional might not be your first thought. 

But if you find mold growth along with other signs of roof damage, you should make that call after all. 

Mold means there’s moisture getting through your roof. It also means this moisture has been there for a while. You might find mold growing near or in the discolored spots on your walls and ceilings. 

You should address any mold problems right away. Working in a moldy environment can be dangerous for you, your employees, and your customers. 

4. Surface Bubbles 

It can be hard to spot surface bubbles without climbing up on your roof (which we don’t recommend). But if they’re bad enough, you might be able to see a few from the ground. 

These bubbles form when water gets under the surface materials of your roof. This water then has nowhere else to go, so it sits there until it evaporates, which causes the roofing material to blister. 

Most of the time, bubbles in your roof is the fault of improper installation. But whatever the case, it weakens your roof and gives water an easy way into your building. 

5. The Flashing Is Damaged

Flashing seals your roof where it meets with other structures. This can include something like a chimney. If your roof has a few sharp or odd angles, flashing may also seal different sections of your roof together. 

Damaged flashing allows water to work its way through the seams. 

If the flashing is cracked, missing, peeling, etc., you need to call a professional roof repair company. In serious cases, the best fix might be a total roof replacement. 

6. Unexplainably High Energy Bill 

Again, a high energy bill could be the fault of several different issues, such as a broken air conditioning system. 

But many types of roof damage make your building lose a lot of its insulation abilities. Because of this, all your cooled or heated air escapes outside, meaning you have to run your AC/heating system more than usual. 

This can, in turn, make your energy bill skyrocket. 

So if you suspect your roof might be damaged and notice a rise in your energy bill, it’s time to get in touch with a roofing professional. 

7. The Roof Is Sagging 

Sagging roofs are dangerous. 

Your building’s roof should never be uneven. If you notice parts of the roof are sagging lower than others, you should call a roofing professional right away. A sagging roof might mean moisture has eaten away at the roof or that a new roofing material is too heavy. 

Sagging roofs might be on the verge of collapse. 

However, if the sag is small, it should hold. You can probably keep working in the building like normal. But always call a roofing professional to make sure. And whether it’s safe for the moment or not, you’ll have to get a roof replacement. 

8. The Roof Is Getting Old 

Many roofs can last more than 50 years. But it all depends on the material. Some roofs need to be replaced much earlier. 

If your building has had the same roof for over 20 years, you need to get in touch with a roofing professional. They can take a look at your roof and tell you how much longer it’ll last. 

You should do this even if your roof seems fine. 

Old age can weaken your roof, meaning moisture can get into your building and cause all kinds of problems. It’s always better to replace your roof before you have to worry about repairing water damage as well. 

Repair or Replace: Learning How to Recognize a Damaged Roof

The roof is your building’s first line of defense against moisture, heat, cold, wind, and other weathering. If you don’t keep your roof in good condition, the rest of your building will pay the price. 

Have you noticed any of these damaged roof warning signs? We can help! Don’t hesitate to contact us today!