Key Danger Signals and Inspecting Your Roof

Don’t get caught with sudden, costly repairs. Keep a close eye on your roof and find out how to spot problems – including the 7 key danger signs below– before they severely impact your wallet.

Why wait for the drip, drip, drip of a damaged roof it’s a good idea to inspect your roof regularly, particularly if you live in areas of the country that experience extreme weather. You can inspect your roof yourself by either climbing on your roof or by using binoculars from the ground.

If you choose to go up on the roof yourself, remember to always utilize proper safety equipment to prevent falls or injury. See our Safety section for more details.
Damaged roof shingles repair

1. A Leak in the Attic

After a strong storm or wind-driven rain, take a look in the attic for signs of leaking. It could indicate damaged shingles, inadequate underlayment, or deteriorated flashing.

2. Blistering or Peeling Interior/Exterior Paint

Moisture trapped in the house due to poor ventilation can cause exterior paint to peel and blister

3. Stains on Interior Ceilings and Walls – Mold or Mildew Growth

Stains, or even worse mold, can be caused by leaks from outside the house or moisture trapped inside

4. Exterior Decay in Sheathing and/or Siding

Excess moisture can also contribute to decay

5. Missing, Cracked, or Curled Shingles

Cry, cracked, or easily broken shingles have reached the end of their useful life, which signals that it is time to invest in a new roof.

6. Excessive Energy Costs

Inadequate ventilation can possibly drive up your household cooling costs by trapping hot air in the attic. Attic moisture can also drip into your insulation, reducing its effectiveness.

7. Dark/Dirty Looking Areas on Your Roof

Vegetation, fungus, mold, or algae growth can cause dark stains on your shingles. That doesnt necessarily mean you need a new roof, but if you do choose to replace your shingles, ask for StainGuard protection available on many GAF Shingles, including Timberline Cool Series Shingles, Timberline Natural Shadow Shingles, Timberline ArmorShield II Shingles, and Timberline Ultra HD Shingles.


(StainGuard protection is available only on shingles with StainGuard -labeled packaging. See GAF Shingle & Accessory Ltd. Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.)

When inspecting your roof, here are some things to look for:

    • Check flashing for damage or inadequate coverage
    • Look under eaves and overhangs for damage
    • Examine shingles for any that are missing, cracked, curled, torn, or warped
    • Look for any open seams or joints
    • Look for popped or rusted nails or stains around nails
    • Look for signs of insects or critter infestation (squirrels love climbing on roofs)
    • Check for sagging or unsound areas
    • Check for rotten fascia and eaves
    • Inspect your sources of roof ventilation to make sure they are not clogged
    • Inspect gutters for sagging or signs of leaks and be sure to remove any leaves or debris
    • Check for dark patches or biological growth
    • Check around pipes and roof penetrations to make sure they are sealed and in good shape, there shouldn’t be any exposed nails around flashings (if so, they should be sealed)
    • Look inside the attic for signs of leaks, dark spots, holes, or sagging sheathing
You can do all this yourself, but if you’re uncomfortable with the idea of walking around on your roof or climbing a ladder in the first place, or you just want a professional inspection done, your best option is always to find a GAF factory-certified Master Elite Contractor near you.