How To Know If Your Roof Needs Repair or Replacement

The roof system is a building's first line of protection. A structure's health and safety are compromised without the integrity of a robust roof system. Storm-related losses, normal wear, and tear, and other third-party-related difficulties can all cause harm. Your roof system, like a car, requires routine maintenance and will require significant repairs as it ages. So, how can you determine when a roof needs to be replaced or repaired?

To organize a visit with a qualified roof inspector, contact an organization like Full Draw Construction. They'll thoroughly assess the roof system and provide a photo-centric report. Ensure the inspector is certified for forensic inspections in specific circumstances, such as a storm-related loss.

Meanwhile, here are some useful hints for spotting potential roof system red flags. These warning signs will help determine whether your roof needs to be replaced or repaired.

​Moisture stains on ceilings or walls in the interior

Perform a visual assessment of the ceilings and walls before, during, and after a rainstorm. Examine closets and rooms that aren't frequently accessed. It's important to know if the material is drywall or plaster because any damage would appear differently on each. Moisture damage to drywall appears as yellow stains or texture delamination. Moisture damage to plaster is more difficult to detect because discoloration is not always the first sign. Moisture ingress causes cracks or efflorescence in plaster (white salt deposits).

Various sources can cause discoloration or moisture damage on walls or ceilings, but it is usually a sign of a significant roof problem. A timely examination and repair procedure will assist prevent further harm​

​Water stains and the presence of light in the attic

The electricity, gas, water lines, and insulation are all located in the attic space of most structures. Because there is usually only one light in the attic, a powerful flashlight is required. Begin your inspection right above any internal moisture spots you may have noticed. Dark water stains may be visible, indicating the grain pattern in the wood. Those stains indicate that there may be an active leak.

You might even detect daylight coming through the roofing material if you turn off your flashlight for a bit. Any amount of daylight is a red flag, suggesting a high risk of moisture entry and that the roof should be repaired as soon as possible.

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Moisture damage on the exterior

Moisture intrusion that is not evident inside the structure can be detected by inspecting the outside of the structure. What to pay attention to depends on the type of siding on the structure. Siding discoloration is a warning sign of a problem with the roof. Ensure the eaves are thoroughly inspected for water streaks on the shiplap or the fascia board's backside. When it comes to moisture incursion, remember that being proactive is more cost-effective than being reactive.


If you notice exterior indicators of roof leaks, call a trained roof inspector for a thorough inspection of the roof system. Maintaining the roof system properly will avoid further moisture damage and extend its functional life.

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Roofing materials that are damaged or missing

Any past difficulties should be "up traced" to the roof system's position. Roofs should only be installed by trained personnel. There are apparent indicators of faults on the roof, such as cracked shingles, broken tiles, or missing roofing material.

Any exposed mechanical fasteners securing the roofing material, such as staples or nails, are common red signs. To avoid moisture entry, all mechanical fasteners should be covered and sealed. Widespread damage, such as thermal cracking or granular loss, indicates that the roofing material has reached the end of its useful life.

After a large storm, Oshkosh WI Roofing Contractors can undertake an examination of the roof system to check for damage.

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Damaged Flashings

Inspecting and repairing the flashing on the roof system is one of the most common maintenance tasks that owners overlook. Skylights, exhaust vents, plumbing vents, chimneys, and other roof penetrations require flashings. Roof penetrations are particularly prone to debris accumulation and have a higher risk of allowing moisture infiltration. Regularly cleaning debris off the roof is an important part of proper roof maintenance. This will assist in good drainage.

If debris is left in place, it will act as a dam, obstructing proper water flow and causing rainwater to flow unexpectedly. The flashing (usually made of lead, galvanized steel, aluminum, or other materials) protects the projecting components by diverting water away from the penetration. All roof penetrations should be re-sealed every two years, as proactive maintenance will extend the roof system's functional life. The joint between the roof penetration and the flashing must be sealed regularly to maintain a leak-free roof system.

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Unwanted Organic Expansion

Organic growth appears on the roofing material as the roof system ages. Organic growth has a hard time growing in the south aspects of the Northern Hemisphere because it is scorched by the sun. The northern faces of a building are the most likely to generate algae. If shade trees surround the structure, organic growth can cover the entire roof. Algae forming between the shingles indicates a developing roof problem.


Organic growth, including debris, can obstruct appropriate drainage, resulting in moisture incursion and the possibility of dry rot. Organic growth is usually an indicator of old age, although it can also have other reasons

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​Roofing materials that are deteriorating

​Your roof system will deteriorate beyond repairability, necessitating a complete roof replacement. Because the roof has attained the end of its life expectancy, doing reactive repairs owing to a leak is no longer cost-effective. Homeowners may attempt to repair or replace a roof that requires replacement. However, certain older roof systems may not be repairable, and any attempt to do so could cause more harm than good.


A roof should be changed every 25 years as a matter of thumb. Most roof systems will need to be fully replaced or undergo a considerable refurbishment. The roofing material selected has a big role in determining when your roof needs to be replaced. It's easy to spot deteriorating shingles, for example. The moisture barrier on a tile or metal roof, on the other hand, is hidden and can only be determined by a complete examination of the entire roof system.


A roof is an important part of any structure. Schedule an inspection with Full Draw Construction, the industry leader in Roof Inspection training and performance. Get in touch with the Best Roof Repair Service In Oshkosh right away.