What Are the First Signs My Roof Needs Repaired?

Your roof protects everything beneath it—your family, your belongings, and your home’s structure. But roof damage isn’t always obvious until it becomes a major (and expensive) problem. To help homeowners understand what to look for, we spoke with Paul Browne, Production Manager at McCoy Roofing, about the first signs your roof may need repair.

What are the most common early warning signs of roof damage that homeowners should look for?

“Normally, it’s lifted shingles or blistered shingles,” Paul explains. “You might also notice waves in the roofline, which is another sign something isn’t holding up.”

Are there interior signs that could point to roof damage?

“One of the biggest indicators we see is water stains on the ceiling,” Paul says. “That usually means there’s a leak around flashing or even condensation issues. Either way, stains are something you don’t want to ignore.”

What kinds of roof damage often go unnoticed until it’s too late?

According to Paul, the same problems—lifted or missing shingles—can let water slowly seep in. “That water builds up and destroys decking and insulation, and it can even cause mold,” he warns. “Ceiling stains also get ignored too often. By the time a homeowner calls us, there’s usually more damage than they realize.”

If a homeowner spots one of these signs of roof damage, what should they do first?

“The first step is to call somebody for an inspection,” Paul advises. “Sometimes the cause isn’t even a leak—it could be airflow issues or ventilation problems from bathroom vents. But in many cases, it is a leak somewhere, like a missing shingle or even a popped nail. The important thing is finding the cause quickly before it spreads.”

The Bottom Line

Roof damage doesn’t always show itself right away, but ignoring the early signs can turn small issues into big repairs. Lifted shingles, ceiling stains, and waves in your roofline are all signals it’s time to take a closer look.

McCoy Roofing offers free inspections to help homeowners identify problems early and keep their homes protected. Contact us today to schedule your inspection.