Most roof problems start small and quiet. By the time there’s a stain on the ceiling, water has usually been getting in for a while. Here’s what’s worth watching for.
1. Shingles that are missing, curled or creased
After a windy storm, walk around the house and look up. A missing shingle is easy to spot. A creased one is not: wind can lift a shingle, fold it back and break the seal without tearing it off, and from the ground it can look almost normal.
2. Granules in the gutters
Asphalt shingles are covered in small granules that protect them from the sun. It’s normal to lose a few, especially on a new roof. A lot of granules collecting at the bottom of the downspouts, or bare dark patches on the shingles, can mean the roof is wearing out or took hail.
3. Trouble around vents, pipes and the chimney
Most leaks start where something comes through the roof. Rubber pipe boots crack in the Texas sun, and flashing around chimneys and walls can pull loose. You usually can’t see this from the yard.
4. Stains, damp spots or daylight in the attic
If you can get into the attic safely, look up on a sunny day with the lights off. Daylight coming through, damp insulation or dark streaks on the wood are all worth a call.
5. Sagging or soft spots
A roofline that dips, or decking that feels soft underfoot, can mean moisture has been getting into the wood underneath. That one shouldn’t wait.
6. The roof’s age
If you don’t know how old your roof is, it’s worth finding out, especially before you sell a house or renew your insurance. Your closing papers, the previous owner or a permit record can sometimes tell you.
The easy way to know for sure
Plenty of what matters only shows up from on top of the roof. Book a free roof inspection and we’ll go up, photograph anything that needs attention and tell you plainly whether it needs fixing now, needs watching or is fine.