Recognizing the Signs of a Failing Roof System

Indicator 1: Decaying shingles and/or siding. Possible cause: Poor/inadequate attic ventilation; excessive aging. Decaying and curling shingles are a primary indicator of the need to fully replace your roof system.
Indicator 2: Missing, cracked, or curled shingles. Possible cause: Shingles have reached the end of their designed life span; poor quality shingle; structural shift of the home or rafter system.
Indicator 3: Dark, "dirty-looking" shingles. Possible cause: Environmental pollutants, vegetation has accumulated on roof system, fungus or algae; loss of granules due to algae and/or age of shingles; excessive wear.
Indicator 4: Stains on interior ceilings and walls or mold and mildew growth. Possible cause: Inadequate or faulty underlayment allows leakage or poor ventilation causes condensation; deteriorated pipe vent; shingles were not installed correctly over a valley; flashing on chimney is damaged or deteriorated.
Indicator 5: Blistering and/or peeling of interior and/or exterior paint. Possible cause: Excessive temperature or high humidity due to poor attic ventilation; improper installation of shingles allowing no overhang.
Indicator 6: Leaking in attic after wind-driven rains. Possible cause: Leaky or inadequate shingle underlayment. Improper installation of gutter system or excessive debris in gutters.
Indicator 7: Leaking in attic after ice or snow build up. Possible cause: Inadequate shingle underlayment allows water from melting ice/snow dams to leak into attic. Improper installation of any flashing above the leak area.
Indicator 8: Excessive energy costs Possible cause: Insufficient attic ventilation causes heating/cooling system to run excessively. In both hot and cold weather, insufficient attic ventilation may cause moisture in the attic to become trapped and condense on the rafters. This condensed moisture can drip down onto the insulation and reduce its effectiveness. Excessive energy costs can result.