Don’t be taken off guard by a roof leak. Often, homeowners don’t think about their roofs until something goes dramatically wrong. But by the time you have a leak the damage has been going on for weeks, months or even years.  

It may not be easy to spot damage to your roof from the street, but there are signs to look for that might point to bigger problems. 

How old is your roof? 

How long a roof lasts depends a lot on how it was installed, what it’s made of, and environmental factors like weather.

A good rule of thumb is that if your roof is 15 years or older, it may be time to look for problems. Most types of roofs will start to decay around 15 years, so don’t let a decaying roof sneak up on you. 

Take a look at the shingles 

If you see any missing or torn shingles, that’s a sign that there could be further damage you don’t see. Look for shingles that are curled around the edges, have a split in them, or are missing altogether.

Any of these will dramatically affect your roof’s ability to withstand water damage and could lead to serious (and expensive) rot problems.

Also, once one shingle is damaged, the surrounding shingles are at much greater risk for damage. One missing shingle could even lead the surrounding shingles to break or blow away in a storm! 

Rusty flashing 

Flashing is the metal that is installed around chimneys, vents, and skylights, as well as in the valleys where parts of your roof meet.

If the flashing is rusted in spots, it’s not doing its job keeping out water, and there could be worse damage lurking beneath the surface. 

Check your gutters 

Your gutters are meant to help direct rainwater away from your house, and they may sometimes become clogged with bits of debris from trees and other vegetation.

But take a look at some of that debris. If there is paint or bits of shingle, that may be a sign that your roof needs attention. 

Interior walls and ceilings 

Have you noticed water spots or peeling plaster inside your home? If you have any signs of water damage, don’t wait to act.

Even if you can’t see any immediate damage to the roof, water may be making its way in and the longer you wait, the worse (and more expensive) it can get. 

What do I do if I see signs of damage? 

The best thing to do if you see any signs of damage is to call in a professional. The friendly professionals at Eagle Watch Roofing will give you a free quote and help you determine what needs to be done to make things right. Contact Eagle Watch Roofing to get your free quote today. 

Once you’re ready to make the repairs, Eagle Watch Roofing will get the job done from start to finish. If there’s an insurance claim Eagle Watch Roofing professionals will meet the adjuster on your property and represent you to make sure you get the coverage you deserve. 

Be sure to check out our ‘About Us’ page to learn more about our services. You can also visit our ‘Testimonials’ page to see what our satisfied customers are saying about us! 

Remember, don’t wait for the leak. Beat the leak with Eagle Watch Roofing.