The Top 10 Most Common Roof Problems

Last updated on May 10, 2024

Having problems with the roof of your home? Locating them is half the solution. So here are the top 10 most common roof problems that you may encounter.

Are you having any of these?

What's Inside

Improper Installation

If the roof isn’t built well in the first place, then you’re guaranteed to have problems. To save money and make a buck off of victims, unlicensed, uninsured, and inexperienced roofing contractors advertise their services after a storm to homeowners who may or may not really need the repairs.

wooden roof

Animals and Insects

If you spend any time outside you’ll notice that your roof gets frequent visitors, such as birds and squirrels. And while pit stops or scamperings across your roof won’t do any damage, when animals begin to burrow in your roof, then they can find a way into your house. 

Tree Damage

To avoid this you will want to regularly cut back your tree branches and limbs, and cut down leaning trees. When leaves fall they can collect on the roof and in your gutters. If you have a flat roof, then leaves collecting can lead to mold, rot, and decay of the integrity of your roof.  But the other reason is that these are the most likely culprits of damage in a storm as they become flying projectiles. 

Hail Damage

roof weather damage

According to Jacksoncontractingsite.com, dents and other damage in your roof due to hail are among the most aggravating things that can happen to a homeowner. 

Wind Damage

High winds can either pull away shingles and flashing. After a bad storm, it’s important to check your home’s exterior for broken or damaged roof flashing or missing shingles. 

Storm Damage

Your roof can become damaged by flying projectiles, such as tree branches and limbs. After a bad storm, it’s important to check the ceiling throughout the interior and exterior of your home for damage, including:

  • Water spots on a ceiling
  • Curled or missing roof shingles
  • Wet walls 
  • Water issues around the exterior of the house 

Clogged Gutters

house gutters

When your gutters become clogged with organic debris such as leaves, water is unable to flow away from your home. Rather, it will spill over the side of your gutters and pool around the bottom of your hall which can cause foundational damage or other structural issues, not to mention basement flooding that can lead to major issues with mold and mildew.

Issues with the Basement

While not part of the roof, when you have a roofing problem you generally also notice a problem with the basement. That’s because the roof has a very important job of keeping water out of the house and foundation. If water is in your basement, then it’s likely that the problem started with your roof. 

Issues with the Attic

attic

Due to its proximity to the roof, this is the first place where you will notice problems on the inside of your home if your roof needs repairs. If you notice a strong musty smell, then call a roofer. 

Small Granules Falling

Asphalt shingles can crumble and fall away, leading to little bits and granules that can clog storm drains, cause problems for your gutters, and lead to bald patches on the roof. The problem is that these granules are necessary to block UV rays from your roof, so call a roofer right away.