When you are a homeowner, you often take for granted the fact that the roof over your head protects you from the elements outside. However, roofs are not completely infallible and do require maintenance from time to time. And after a few decades, they often need to be replaced.

To be sure that your roof does not fail you when you need it most, get to know more about some of the signs of roof trouble to watch out for. Then, you can get the roofing repairs or replacement you need before your old, damaged roof causes your entire a home a world of trouble.

Buckling Shingles

One of the major signs that you are having roofing trouble is buckling shingles. If your shingles are buckling, it means that they are rising up or have ridges in them. This can occur if your roof was not installed properly, but it can also occur over time with exposure to moisture and the elements. 

Mold or Algae Growth

Another sign of roof problems and damage is mold or algae growth. Mold and algae are moisture-growth problems. This means that they require pooled water to grow and thrive. If you have algae or mold on your shingles, you may have a leak in your roof that leads water to pool up underneath your shingles.

The near-immediate result of this moisture is mold or algae growth. However, that pooling can worsen over time and may lead to further problems - including water damage in the attic and flooding.

Clogged Gutters

While you may not realize it, clogged and blocked gutters can be a sign of roof trouble as well. The gutters and the roof of your home are closely linked. When your gutters get clogged and blocked, the debris in your gutters has to go somewhere.

Oftentimes, the debris is pushed up onto the roof or under the shingles along the edge of the roof. When this happens, it can cause a lot of damage. Shingles are dislodged, and the underlayment of your roof is exposed. This can lead to leaks as well as mold and mildew growth underneath the shingles.

Broken Shingles

Broken shingles are also a sign that you need to repair or replace your roof. These shingles may have pieces missing entirely or might be split, cracked, or chipped. Sometimes, the signs of broken shingles can be subtle and will require you to closely inspect your roof for such damage.

Damaged Flashings

The flashings of your roof are the metal elements that cover the joints in your roof. They may be located along the edges of your roof, around the chimney, and around exhaust ventilation from fans in your home. Damage to these metal elements can also be a sign of roof damage that requires attention.

Damaged flashings may appear cracked and dry. When this cracking happens, rust and other corrosion can set in, which makes leaks and other similar problems more likely to occur.

Water Stains on Your Ceilings

Not all of the signs of roof damage are exterior. Sometimes, the first sign you will notice is in the interior of your home. Water stains on your ceilings can start out as areas of discoloration. Often rustcolored or yellowish, these stains can start out small and will likely grow and spread - particularly in rainy or wet weather.

When you have water stains on your ceiling, then you have a serious roof problem on your hand. The leakage has gotten severe enough to get down through the attic space and into your ceilings. That water can then flood the ceilings and cause cracks and cave-ins, which causes major damage throughout your home.

Knowing these signs of roof trouble to watch out for, you can be sure that you contact a roofing contractor as soon as possible to help you deal with your roofing problems. Contact us at Rain-Flow Systems, LLC for more information.