7 Roof Warning Signs

If your roof could talk, what would it say? While it likely wouldn't have too many adventures to tell, it might tell you that it needs help. Below are the top 7 signs that your roof may need a repair or replacement:

• Damaged or missing shingles – Shingles don't last forever. Some may become damaged due to age while others could suffer from pounding rain, excessive walking on the roof, high winds, and other causes.

• Dark splotches – Patches of dirty looking shingles could be due to mildew, fungus, vegetation, rot, loss of granules, or environmental pollutants.

• Interior staining and/or mold growth – High humidity inside the home can cause water stains and mold and mildew growth, and this is often due to poor roof performance.

• Blistering exterior paint – Again, high humidity levels in the home due to poor roof ventilation is likely the culprit.

• Shingle, sheathing, and siding decay – Again, poor attic ventilation is likely to blame. Roof leaks in the attic, particularly after driving rain – Roof leaks in the attic are often due to deteriorated flashing or compromised shingle underlayment.

• High energy bills – High energy bills could be a sign of poor roof ventilation, air leaks, and general roof inefficiency.