Roof damage manifests itself in a number of ways. Some of them such as leaks, missing shingles and wet spots are typically quite obvious and easy to spot. However, there are some signs that are a lot more difficult to spot. These smaller signs might go unnoticed by the untrained eye and end up causing a lot of damage to your roof in the long run. Before you call the professionals, learn to know what to look for so you can spot these warning signs early on. Here are some of the least apparent and hidden signs of damage your roof could be suffering from.

Rodents running around your roof

Animals running around your roof may not seem to be a plausible sign of roof damage, but it can prove fatal. Animals are always on the lookout for small, dark and easy-to-hide in holes and spaces. A tiny crack in your roof or the most minor of openings will suffice. If you begin hearing scratching noises or cries, you have an animal infestation. In such a case, you need to immediately alert pest control to avoid an outbreak. If left untreated, these animals could make their way into your home and wreak havoc.

Whistling sounds inside your home

If you often hear windy or whistling sounds in your home, chances are that you have a crack in your roof. Small, but persistent, this type of roof damage can create an airflow that is hard to pinpoint without carefully inspecting your roof and home. This is especially true if your home and roof are weather sealed and yet you hear sounds. Don’t wait until the problem persists. The minute you hear the faintest sound, inspect your roof by yourself or call for help to detect the source of the noise and seal it up immediately. This is even more important if you live in an area with strong winds and a small crack could worsen and turn into a bigger one, cause shingles to fall off, and in a worse case scenario, these winds can ultimately compromise your roof and thus safety of your home.

In addition, whistling sounds and increasing energy bills go hand-in-hand. If the cold or hot air you’re paying for is leaving your home through a small crack, it can definitely cause your energy bills to spike. Addressing the issue immediately will help bring your energy costs come back to normal.

Black spots or discolouration

Discolouration or black spots are signs that moisture is trapped inside your roof. Several homeowners, however, tend to overlook or ignore black spots. But left undressed, this seemingly harmless issue can adversely affect your roof’s lifespan. Black spots require immediate professional help and should not be ignored. With time, they could worsen and lead to more significant problems like mould and larger leaks.

Buckling shingles

Missing shingles are a sure sign of roof damage. However, what is most challenging to notice are shingles that have begun to buckle. Buckling is a result of asphalt shingles not laying flat and curling up. Buckling shingles can lead to leaks. They also expose the underlying wooden portions of your roof to moisture, which can lead to rotting and deterioration. To avoid this, make sure you inspect your roof at least once a year.

Nails lying outside your house

Nails are one of the critical accessories used to install your roof and expand its longevity. There are several reasons behind screws coming loose, be it wind, interference from animals running along your ceiling, etc. However, if you happen to find displaced screws lying around your home, this can also be a sure sign of roof damage. Even if they don’t reach the ground, they could get trapped in the getters or pipes and cause problems for you later. Besides, a missing screw could mean shingles are free to move, buckle or fall of completely, leaving the underlying layer exposed to further damage.

You are now aware of several signs of damage that are not obvious or go unnoticed by the naked eye. If you are not mindful of whether or not your roof has sustained any damage, it would be a good idea to contact a professional roofing partner such as Dura Roof. They will be able to immediately locate the source of your problem and provide the right solution to maintain your roof and keep it looking great for years to come.