It has certainly been a nasty winter here in Colorado with plenty of snow and even a bomb-cyclone. Taking the brunt of things has been your roof.

So, if you want to avoid a nasty surprise like water coming through your roof and into your home, use this roof check-up guide to determine if your roof needs to be repaired or even replaced.

GreenPoint Roofing has over 20 years of experience in the roofing industry here in Colorado. Our team has put together this list of sure signs that your roof needs some attention. Tackling an issue with your roof is easier and more affordable if you do it early. The following roof symptoms are easy-to-spot visual signs that any homeowner can check for themselves.

1. Splitting or Cracked Shingles

Number one in our roof check-up guide is examining your shingles. When exposed to weathering or dramatic temperature changes, shingles can suffer from ‘thermal splitting.’ Over time the surface of the shingle shrinks, but if the side exposed to weathering shrinks at a different rate to the inner side of the shingle, you may see lines on the shingles were the asphalt coating has cracked. This splitting or cracking can happen in any direction or a vein pattern.

2. Sagging or Bowing Roof

A visibly sagging roofline indicates a severe structural problem with your roof. Sometimes a bowing roof is not visible from outside, but you may notice cracks in your ceiling drywall. This can indicate that the rafters or roof sheathing are not fully supporting the weight of the roof.

3. Creasing Shingles

Creasing shingles happens when there are gaps that allow winds to get under the shingles and bend them upwards, creating protruding creases along the shingle. If the shingles are improperly installed, or if the underside has protruding nails, it’s possible that the sealant will not fully adhere the shingles, leaving them vulnerable to gaps and creasing.

4. Separating and Broken Seals

You may notice shingles that have lifted and are separated from their adhesive strips or seals. High winds or loose nails can allow shingles to break away from the sealant between each layer. This compromises the structure’s waterproofing abilities and the roof should be repaired without delay. Don’t ignore this issue from our roof check-up guide.

5. Cupping Shingles

Cupping shingles are usually caused by exposure and weathering over time, or by ice dams. The surface of the shingle warps, leaving a concave center with raised edges forming a cup shape. Cupping shingles make your entire roof look shabby, and they can be fragile and prone to breakage.

6. Ceiling Water Spots

Water stains on your ceiling are a clear sign that your roof is failing at protecting the interior of your home from the elements. At this point, you don’t even need our roof check-up guide. You just need to take action. Leaks in your roof can quickly lead to mold and rotting interiors. Check your attic or crawlspace for the source of the leak and use a container to collect any dripping water while you wait for a roofing professional to fix the problem.

7. Buckling Shingles

Buckling shingles do not lay flat on your roof as designed. They warp or buckle outwards, usually as a result of the roofing underlayment wrinkling or moving around. They can also buckle due to poor ventilation and trapped moisture. When shingles do not lay flat, they allow more moisture and winds to enter the spaces, worsening the problem and damaging the underside of the roof.

8. Damaged Flashing

Flashing is the watertight layer of metal protecting the base of chimneys or other protruding objects where they meet the roof’s shingles. If you notice broken, uneven, curling or shifted flashing, your roof will be vulnerable to water entry and damage over time.

9. Rotting Shingles

Rotten shingles are a sign of advanced damage to your roof. If your shingles are breaking apart, flexible and moist to the touch or easily disintegrate when manipulated, act quickly to get your roof replaced. This often occurs in organic-based shingles which are no longer on the market.

10. Missing Granules

Roofing shingles are covered in granules to help protect the asphalt coating from the damage associated with UV rays and to make them fire resistant. If you notice that your shingles are balding or missing granules from their surface, you can expect rapid deterioration. When inspecting the roof, check in the gutters for an accumulation of shingle granules.

11. Blistering Shingles

Shingles can blister when there isn’t sufficient ventilation or insulation. Trapped moisture in the shingle expands the outer asphalt and leaves behind a pockmarked area. Blistering shingles typically happens within a year of the roof’s installation and can lead to significant loss of asphalt if not addressed.

12. Algae, Moss, and Lichen

Dark streaks of algae, green moss, or white spots of lichen are living organisms that can thrive on damp roofs. Shaded roofs in humid climates are more susceptible to damage from living organisms. While they do not usually cause more than superficial damage, they can ruin the appearance of a roof and should be cleaned or removed by a professional to prevent further damage.

13. Missing Shingles

Heavy storms can sometimes leave your roof with a few missing shingles. We’ve included this in our roof check-up guide because you’ll need to get them replaced as soon as possible to prevent water from reaching the underside of the roof and causing permanent damage. If your roof has a lot of missing shingles, it may be time for a complete roof replacement.

14. Curling, Brittle Shingles

Curling shingles are typically found in older or worn roofs. They are a sign that the roof is approaching the end of its lifetime. When you see shingles curling upwards and away from the surface of the roof, they are no longer providing the necessary protection. Leaks and water damage beneath the shingles can quickly follow.

If you notice any of the symptoms included in our roof check-up guide, do not ignore them. While they may seem like minor or cosmetic issues, they are often a clear sign that your roof is no longer serving its purpose. When your roof cannot adequately protect your home, you are putting at risk the very structure of the house, along with your possessions and the people living inside.

GreenPoint Roofing offers professional inspections to analyze roofing damage. If deemed necessary, we can repair or entirely replace your roof. We offer a lifetime workmanship guarantee on all shingled roof replacements. In addition to our roofing contractor services, we can also assist you in making a claim on your home insurance for damages covered by your policy. For more information, or to schedule an inspection, please feel free to get in touch with our experts.