10 Signs Your Roof Needs Attention

Roof problems often start small. A cracked tile, a loose flashing or a patch of rust can let water in long before you see a drip inside. These are ten signs you can look for from the ground or inside the home, without climbing onto the roof.

1. Broken, Slipped or Missing Tiles

What to look for: Gaps in the tile pattern, cracked corners, tiles sitting out of line or pieces on the ground after wind.

Why it matters: A damaged tile can expose the sarking and roof structure underneath. Water may then travel before it shows up on a ceiling.

What to do: If you can see damage from the ground, send us a photo or arrange for a roofer to have a look.

2. Loose Ridge Capping or Cracked Mortar

The ridge capping runs along the high points of many tiled roofs. Cracked or loose bedding and pointing can let tiles move and allow water through in wind-driven rain.

What to look for: Cracks beside the ridge tiles, missing mortar or pieces that have fallen into the gutter.

What to do: Repointing may be enough when the tiles and roof underneath are still sound. A closer look will show whether any ridge tiles also need resetting.

3. Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls

Brown or yellow marks on a ceiling or wall are often the first indoor sign of a roof leak.

Don't ignore: Even small stains can indicate significant water intrusion. Water may travel along beams and pipes before appearing, meaning the actual leak could be far from where you see the stain.

What to do: Catch any active drip, move belongings out of the way and take photos. If the water is near lights or wiring, keep clear and call a licensed electrician as well as a roofer.

4. Sagging Roof Lines

A roofline that dips or sags can point to a problem with the structure underneath. Possible causes include:

• Compromised roof decking or structural supports
• Water damage or long-term movement
• Age-related structural failure
• Foundation settling affecting the roof structure

What to do: Keep clear of the affected area and arrange an inspection. A structural engineer may also be needed, depending on what the roofer finds.

5. Daylight Through the Roof

If you can see daylight through your roof boards when looking up from your attic, you have holes that need immediate repair.

Where to check: Look around chimneys, vents, and other roof penetrations. Even small holes can let in significant amounts of water.

6. Higher Energy Bills

Unexplained increases in your heating or cooling costs could indicate poor roof ventilation or insulation problems caused by roof damage.

The connection: Roof leaks can damage insulation, reducing its effectiveness. Poor ventilation can cause your HVAC system to work harder, increasing energy consumption.

7. Damaged Flashing

Flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and other roof penetrations is crucial for preventing water intrusion. Look for:

• Cracks or holes in metal flashing
• Loose or missing flashing pieces
• Rust or corrosion on metal flashing
• Separated joints or seams

8. Moss or Algae Growth

While moss and algae might seem purely cosmetic, they can indicate and cause serious problems:

In humid climates: Moss retains moisture against the roof surface, potentially leading to rot and deterioration of roofing materials.

Prevention: Improve attic ventilation and consider zinc or copper strips to prevent future growth.

9. Gutter Problems

Your gutters can reveal a lot about your roof's condition:

• Rust particles: May indicate deteriorating flashing or metal roof components
• Tile or mortar pieces: May point to damage higher up the roof
• Heavy leaf buildup: Can slow drainage and hold moisture
• Water overflow: Could indicate improper roof drainage

10. Age of Your Roof

Finally, consider your roof's age:

• Metal roofing: 40-70 years
• Tile roofing: 50-100 years

Age alone does not tell you whether a roof needs replacing. Installation quality, maintenance, exposure and the condition of the roof underneath all matter, so an older roof is worth checking more closely.

When to Call Empire Roofing

If you've identified any of these warning signs, don't wait for the problem to worsen. Empire Roofing provides:

• Roof repairs for leaks, broken tiles, flashings and damaged sections
• Help with urgent problems when you call during business hours
• Restoration and replacement advice when a repair may not be enough
• Insurance claim assistance to help you navigate the process
• Preventive maintenance programs to catch problems early

It is also worth looking over the roof from the ground after severe weather, especially if you heard movement or saw debris come down.