Roofing
Updated November 6, 2026
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Safety
Roof work is dangerous. Never climb onto a wet, icy, or steep roof, and avoid walking on damaged decking that may not support weight. Stay clear of power lines near the roofline, use a harness rated for roofing work if access is required, and keep ladders on stable, level ground. For anything beyond a visual inspection from the ground or from inside the attic, contact a qualified technician rather than attempting the work alone.
Before the visit
Before a roofing appointment, clear vehicles and fragile items away from the work area, unlock any gates, and secure pets indoors. Move outdoor furniture and grills away from the drip line. Gather any prior roofing repair invoices, warranty paperwork, and insurance claim documents. Take photos of visible damage, note when leaks first appeared, and clear access to the attic so the technician can inspect decking and insulation. Trim back branches touching the roofline if it can be done safely from the ground.
Repair vs replace
Roofing repair is usually appropriate when damage is limited to a small area: a few missing or cracked shingles, localized flashing failure around a chimney or vent, a clogged or detached gutter section, or an isolated leak with intact surrounding material. If the roof is relatively young and the decking underneath is sound, patching, resealing, or shingle replacement can extend its life. Repairs also make sense when preparing a home for sale or addressing storm damage before it spreads.
When to replace
A roofing replacement is typically the better option when shingles are curling, buckling, or losing granules across large sections, when leaks appear in multiple rooms, when daylight shows through attic boards, or when the roof has reached or passed its expected lifespan. Sagging rooflines, widespread rot in the decking, and repeated repairs that keep failing are also strong indicators that replacement will cost less over time than ongoing patching. Extensive storm or hail damage across the whole surface usually points the same direction.
Common issues
| Symptom | Likely causes | Safe check | Stop when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water stains on ceilings or walls | Failed flashing, cracked shingles, punctured underlayment, or compromised pipe boots allowing water intrusion | From inside, mark the stain's edges and monitor whether it grows after rain; check the attic above the stain for damp insulation or dark streaks on decking | The ceiling sags, bulges, or drips steadily, or electrical fixtures near the stain spark or flicker |
| Missing, cracked, or curling shingles | Age-related wear, wind uplift, hail impact, or improper original installation | View the roof from the ground with binoculars after a storm and look for bare spots, lifted edges, or debris piles of granules at downspout outlets | Large sections of shingles are gone, or the exposed underlayment or decking is visible |
| Granules collecting in gutters | Normal aging of asphalt shingles, storm abrasion, or UV deterioration of the protective coating | Inspect gutter bottoms and downspout discharge after rain; a light dusting is typical on older roofs, but heavy piles suggest advanced wear | Bare patches appear on the shingle surface or granule loss is concentrated in specific areas |
| Sagging roofline or dipping ridge | Water-soaked decking, rotted rafters, failing structural supports, or excessive layered roofing weight | Step back to the property line and sight along the ridge and eaves; compare both sides for waves, dips, or uneven planes | Any sag is visible from ground level or the dip is worsening between observations |
| Daylight visible through attic boards | Missing shingles, deteriorated underlayment, separated flashing, or holes from pests or fallen branches | Visit the attic on a sunny day, turn off the lights, and look for pinpoints of light along the roof deck; note locations with a flashlight | Large openings are visible, or the surrounding decking feels soft or spongy underfoot |
| Damaged or rusted flashing around chimneys and vents | Corrosion, sealant failure, thermal expansion, or shifting of the chimney or vent stack over time | Use binoculars from the ground to look for bent, lifted, or rusted metal at roof penetrations and where the roof meets walls | Flashing is completely detached, or water is actively entering near the chimney or vent |
| Moss or algae growth across roof surfaces | Persistent shade and moisture, debris buildup, or poor ventilation trapping humidity on the surface | Observe from the ground for green or black streaking; note whether growth follows shaded areas or spreads across sun-exposed sections | Shingles lift, crack, or shed under the growth, or moss is thick enough to hold standing water |