Signs of Roof Damage

As a top-rated roofing company and licensed contractor in Arkansas, we have helped a lot of customers with roof damage by repairing the damage and if unrepairable – replacing the roof and any other damaged components. We wanted to share some info related to causes of damage, roof age, roofing materials, and signs of possible roof damage. A roof is a very important part of your home or business. It does a lot more than just protect from the elements – it works with other components to protect your home. Roofs and gutters help guide water away from the home to gutters which expel water away from the house to properly drain.

Common Causes of Roof Damage in Arkansas:

Hail damage – Hail is common in our great state. Arkansas was ranked as 3rd out of 10 for Hail Claims in 2022 by Statefarm Insurance. The hail event on June 14, 2023 impacted 93,575 properties in Arkansas and 16 other states. A little bit of hail damage may not cause any damage or leaks, but repeated hail or long time periods or large sized hail and extreme wind can cause significant damage.
Wind Damage and Fallen Trees – During storms or high winds, unhealthy trees will break and fall during winds that exceed 39 miles an hour or sometimes even lower wind speeds. Healthy trees may also fall or break due to severe winds or high wind speeds. Trees can damage the roof, underlayment, decking, attic, and related structural components depending on how and where the tree falls.
Chimney Leak – Chimneys are usually stone or brick columns that passes through a roof or sometimes the side of the home. Chimneys have flashing to prevent water from entering the structure. If flashing was installed incorrectly or has worn over time, it stops preventing water. Water starts entering the inside of the home around the flashing around the chimney.
Improper Installation or Low Quality Products – When roofs are not installed properly, you may have a water leak, shingles may curl or slide up, water can penetrate through nail holes, or has an uneven appearance. Or sometimes, components of the roof are missing such as flashing, ice and water shield, vents, boots, or other components of the roofing structure. Sometimes the attic isn’t vented properly or or poor-quality products are used. Incorrect installation and/or low-quality products cause issues and shorten the lifespan of the roof.
Clogged Gutters – We see a lot of damaged fascia, siding, decking, etc because gutters are full of leaves and the water is backing up under the shingles. Clogged gutters can allow water to pool and overflow instead of draining down and away from the home, which could lead to leaks in the roof and ceiling, water damage around the clogged gutters, or mold growth because of the standing water. Standing water can also bring in insects like mosquitos who love standing water. The water that pools from the clogged gutters can also pool around the foundation which can lead to serious structural issues and cracks. To prevent this issue, we recommend inspecting and cleaning gutters every 3 to 6 months or more (depending on type of gutters, if have guards or filters, and the number of trees around the structure).
Poor Maintenance – A roof like with the rest of the home needs proper maintenance to make sure it meets its lifespan and protects your home or business. Small things with a roof like a shingle coming loose is an easy fix but if that shingle is not replaced – it can cause much more severe damage in the long term. We recommend having a roof inspection annually.
Storms and Tornados – Storms and Tornados can cause roof damage and in some cases much more intense structural damage like pulling off parts of the home. In March of 2024, severe weather, tornadoes, and wind caused damage through Northwest Arkansas. Sometimes storms are unpredictable. If you get damage from a storm, please ensure your safety first. Then, you will want to cover the damaged area with a tarp to prevent further water damage. To most home owners, this may tough since proper shoes for roof climbing are needed, plus a tarp and tie downs may not be immediately accessible. Elite Home Solutions can help you secure your roof, please call us if you need help.
Birds, Animals, and Insects – Roofs protect your home or business, but to animals, birds, and insects – your roof, attic, eaves, or other part of the structure may look like a great home for their family. These pesky creatures can cause roof damage and other structural damage, so it is very important to look for signs such as access points and listen for sounds of uninvited guests in your roof or attic.
Roof Age and Reduced Resilience - Roof Age and Roofing Materials – Roofs help maintain temperatures and an old or damaged roof can cause energy costs to increase as energy efficiency has been reduced from damage or age. As roofs age – the roof becomes less resilient and not as able to fight against harsher storms. The shingles or roofing material will be a factor in the longevity of the roof and how it ages – regular shingles will not last as long as architectural shingles. Metal and tile roofs also compare differently to either type of shingle – under most circumstances will outperform and last longer than traditional shingles. However, not everyone likes the price point or sound of metal roofs or the look of tile roofs. Roofing materials can impact roof age along with other factors such as climate, harsh storms, hail activity, and other geographical and climate related factors. As roofs age, roofs will become weaker and more easily prone to potential damage. Sometimes roof damage is very obvious and other times it isn’t. We have customers who have lost the whole top part of their homes – not just their roofs, but the decking, but the attic and surrounding structural components. Thankfully, our customers were safe but their home was not. They knew immediately when they arrived that there was roof damage to their home during the storm. For other clients, there was a storm and there are no leaks, but a little while later ceiling stains appear. And sometimes, a shingle in the yard – is just that – a random shingle that wasn’t installed properly. The best way to determine if you have roof damage is to schedule an inspection. We will climb on the roof and look at your roof to asses damages, if any. We also utilize tools to help us capture measurements and review damage severity. Like we said, sometimes damage is more apparent than other times – here are some common things to look for when looking for roof damage at your home or business.

Signs of Potential Roof Damage:

· Missing Shingles

· Curling Shingles

· Roof Sagging

· Clogged Gutters

· Damaged Flashing

· High Energy Bills

· Leaky Chimney

· Ceiling Stains

· Shingle(s) in Yard or Excessive Granules in Gutters or Granule Loss

· Water Leaks

· Attic Leaks

· Ice Dams

· Pest Infestation

· Moss on Shingles

If you have noticed some of the signs above, please reach out to us to schedule a free roof inspection. We are here to help – we have experience repairing, installing, and replacing roofs in Northwest and Northeast Arkansas. We are also a licensed contractor and understand how your roof and other elements of your home work together to protect one of your biggest assets – your home or business! We are a top-rated roofer, have a talented team, and value quality workmanship. We offer warranties on our services and products.

Common Causes of Roof Damage in Arkansas:

Signs of Potential Roof Damage:

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