Identifying signs of roof damage

Your roof has a big job to do, as it is a fundamental part of your home. It helps keep you warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and dry during rain and snow. It also plays an integral part in keeping unwanted water and moisture out of the structure and helps preserve the integrity of your entire home. In addition, your roof is a crucial component to the appearance and architectural style of your home.

Consider hiring a professional to conduct regular inspections, at least annually. Having your roof cleaned properly is key to maintaining its lifespan.

Preventing and spotting common types of roof damage

Rain, hail, sleet, and snow may not stop the U.S. Mail from its appointed rounds, but those elements can, over time, stop your roof from doing its job. With the average cost of roof repairs and roof replacement rising, stopping the damage before it occurs is a smart idea.¹

When having a professional inspect your roof for damage, be sure they pay particular attention to these items:

Roof material failure

Flashing is the metal that connects the chimney, vents, and skylights to the roof. Also, it connects porch roofs to the second story. Have a professional inspect the flashing every 10 years to ensure it hasn’t corroded or cracked, that rubber gaskets around plumbing vents haven’t deteriorated, and that the metal collars on vents used with gas appliances remain tight.²

A professional can check the surface of asphalt shingles to ensure their grains are intact. If they’ve been abraded (by weather or walking on the roof) they will recommend replacing the shingles. This is true for cracked tiles, as well.

Tree and wind damage to roof

Tree branches that rustle gently in a breeze can also crack tiles, abrade asphalt shingles, and damage fascia boards if they brush or strike them. Prevent tree damage by keeping branches at least 10 feet from your home and by ensuring that trees can’t hit your home if they fall during high winds. If a tree hits your home, evacuate until an engineer or general contractor ensures your home is safe to inhabit.

After storms, have a professional check your roof for missing shingles, worn spots and cracked or broken tiles. Be sure they look for broken fascia boards and loose metal sheeting.

Attic pest removal

Raccoons may be cute, but they can be destructive by ripping off shingles, nesting in attic insulation, compressing it, and leaving excrement. Squirrels and roof rats may cause similar problems. Inspect your attic once or twice each year to ensure it’s not home to unwanted wildlife. If critters have invaded, contact a wildlife specialist to remove them, then find and seal their entry points and repair any damaged roofing.

Moss on roof shingles

Moss on the roof is more harmful than beautiful. Its spores collect between shingles, growing and spreading to form mats a few inches thick. These mats store rainwater, which moves underneath shingles, soaks the underlayment and, if unchecked, rots the roof sheathing.

If there’s moss on your shingles, have a professional remove it with an air broom. Don’t have the roof power washed, because that can drive water underneath the shingles or tiles. Once the moss is gone, apply a chemical treatment, zinc, or copper solution to kill any remaining moss spores. Alternatively, have a professional install zinc or copper strips at the roof’s peak to kill moss in the coming decades. When reroofing, consider shingles with built-in moss inhibitors.³

How often should a roof be replaced?

Roof replacement can be a costly affair, but it’s essential to maintaining your home’s structural integrity. Consider the following factors when deciding if your roof needs replacing:

• How old is the roof? Some common roof coverings like wood or asphalt shingles will last roughly 20-25 years.
• Are there missing shingles, shakes, or tiles?
• Are there parts of the roof in your yard or gutter?
• Is there curling, lifting, buckled, or broken shingles, shakes, or tiles?
• Is tar streaking and/or algae growth visible?
• Can you see daylight through your roof boards (from your attic)?
• Do you have a leaky chimney?
• Are your energy bills higher than usual?
• Are your neighbors replacing their roofs? Homes in the same neighborhood are often built around the same time in suburban areas.

Roof maintenance and inspection tips

The following questions can help determine if it’s time for professional maintenance or inspection:

• Are there any interior stains?
  If yes, we recommend that you call someone immediately to prevent further damage and mold.
• When was your last professional roof inspection?
  If it’s been more than a year, we recommend that you consider having someone conduct a thorough inspection.
• Does anything appear abnormal on the roof?
  Look for irregularities, especially after a weather event, such as high winds, heavy rain, or snow.
• Are the shingles, skylights, chimneys, and boot pipes in good condition?
  Shingles should not be cracked, missing, or curled; skylights should not be cracked, have condensation or damaged flashing; the chimney should not be cracked; and boot pipes, which help prevent water from entering the home, should not be missing or damaged.
• When was the last time the gutters were cleaned?
  Gutters should be cleaned regularly, as overflowing gutters can cause water to back up into the home and/or cause damage to the roof sheathing, which would lead to rot. Roof rafters are also capable of rotting and growing weaker to exposure of water.
• Is there debris on the roof?
  Leaves should be removed, especially from roof valleys and areas around chimneys. Failure to do so can cause dams, which will trap moisture and can lead to deterioration and possibly moss growth.
• Is moss present?
  Moss should be eliminated immediately since it’s notorious for trapping moisture. If the buildup has reached high levels, it can cause shingles to lift, allowing water intrusion into the home.
• Are there any overhanging tree branches?
  They should be trimmed by a professional since they can rub on a roof or fall and damage the roof system, especially during a weather event like high winds or a snowstorm. If you live in a wildfire-prone area, this is a critical component of creating defensible space around your home.
• If you live in a colder climate, are there any ice dams or snow buildup present?
  Dams usually form at the roof edges and can make it hard for melting snow to drain from the roof. The water then backs up on the roof and finds its way into the home, causing damage to the interior structure. Have snow cleared off your roof and around your gutters and eaves after a winter storm to help prevent ice dams and/or potential collapse.

Caring for your roof helps it last years longer. However, if your roof is damaged by events beyond your control, contact your Nationwide insurance agent. Not a Nationwide customer? Learn more about our reliable home insurance coverage options.