Key Danger Signals

by | Mar 9, 2022 | Blog, Roofing | 0 comments

Don’t get caught with sudden, costly repairs. Keep a close eye on your roof and find out how to spot problems – including these 7 key danger signs – before they severely impact your wallet.

A leak in the attic.

After a strong storm or wind-driven rain, take a look in the attic for signs of leaking. It could indicate damaged shingles, inadequate underlayment or deteriorated flashing.

leak in the attic
Blistering or peeling interior or exterior paint

Blistering or peeling interior or exterior paint.

Moisture trapped in the house due to poor ventilation can cause exterior paint to peel and blister.

Stains on interior ceilings and walls – mold or mildew growth.

Stains, or worse, mold, can be caused by leaks from outside the house or moisture trapped inside.

Stains on interior ceilings and walls

Exterior decay in sheathing and/or siding.

Excess moisture can also contribute to decay.

Exterior decay in sheathing and/or siding.
Missing, cracked, or curled shingles - Kirkness Roofing

Missing, cracked, or curled shingles.

Dry, cracked, or easily broken shingles have reached the end of their useful life, and its time to invest in a new roof.

Dark, dirty-looking areas on your roof.

Vegetation, fungus, mold, or algae growth can cause dark stains on your shingles. That doesnt necessarily mean you need a new roof, but if you do choose to replace your shingles, ask for StainGuard protection available on many GAF Shingles, including Timberline Cool Series Shingles, Timberline Natural Shadow Shingles, Timberline ArmorShield II Shingles, and Timberline Ultra HD Shingles.
(StainGuard protection is available only on shingles with StainGuard -labeled packaging. See GAF Shingle & Accessory Ltd. Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.)

Dark, dirty-looking areas on your roof.
Excessive energy costs.

Excessive energy costs.

Inadequate ventilation can possibly drive up your household cooling costs by trapping hot air in the attic. Attic moisture can also drip into your insulation, reducing its effectiveness.

How to Inspect for Damage

Why wait for the drip, drip, drip of a damaged roof Its a good idea to inspect your roof regularly, particularly if you live in areas of the country that experience extreme weather. You can inspect your roof yourself by either climbing on your roof or by using binoculars from the ground.

If you choose to go up on the roof yourself, remember to always utilize proper safety equipment to prevent falls or injury. See our Safety section for more details.

Here are some things to look for:

  • Check flashing for damage or inadequate coverage
  • Look under eaves and overhangs for damage
  • Examine shingles for any that are missing, cracked, curled, torn, or warped
  • Look for any open seams or joints
  • Look for popped or rusted nails or stains around nails
  • Look for signs of insects or critter infestation (squirrels love climbing on roofs)
  • Check for sagging or unsound areas
  • Check for rotten fascia and eaves
  • Inspect your sources of roof ventilation to make sure they are not clogged
  • Inspect gutters for sagging or signs of leaks and be sure to remove any leaves or debris
  • Check for dark patches or biological growth
  • Check around pipes and roof penetrations to make sure they are sealed and in good shape, there shouldn’t be any exposed nails around flashings (if so, they should be sealed)
  • Look inside the attic for signs of leaks, dark spots, holes, or sagging sheathing

You can do all this yourself, but if you’re uncomfortable with the idea of walking around on your roof or climbing a ladder in the first place, or you just want a professional estimate done, your best option is to contact Kirkness Roofing Inc.

Recent Blogs

How Long Will New Gutters Last

If you’re investing in new gutters—or even just thinking about replacing old ones—it’s fair to ask: how long will they last? After all, gutters aren’t something you shop for every year, and once they’re installed, most of us hope we won’t have to think about them...

Will New Gutters Add Value to Your Home

When you think about upgrades that add value to your home, your mind probably goes straight to kitchen remodels or bathroom renovations. And while those are certainly solid investments, there’s one underrated project that’s often overlooked—your gutters. That’s right....

Preparing Your Roof for Repair in Billings

When your roof needs work, it can feel a little overwhelming. You know it’s important. You know it’s necessary. But you might also be wondering—What should I do to get ready? Whether it's storm damage, a slow leak, or simply age catching up to your shingles, preparing...

Tips for Removing Mold and Algae from Roof in Billings

If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve glanced up at your roof and noticed dark streaks or greenish patches that weren’t there before. Maybe you’ve even thought, “That can’t be good…” and you’re right to be concerned. Algae, mold, and mildew are more than just an...

Exploring Vulnerable Areas of Your Roof

Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements, shielding your home from rain, wind, snow, and sun. While roofs are built to be strong and durable, some parts are more prone to wear and tear than others. Exploring vulnerable areas of your roof can help...

Does Your Roof Need Cleaning?

Roofs are built to withstand the elements, but over time, even the most durable materials can collect dirt, debris, algae, and moss. These buildups aren’t just unsightly—they can actually shorten your roof’s lifespan. So, does your roof need cleaning? In most cases,...