Roof Damage Signs to Document

Visible clues to document

Photograph both a close view and a wider view that shows location and scale. Note whether the condition appears active, repeated, recently repaired, or associated with weather or system use.

• Missing, lifted, cracked, curled, or visibly deteriorated roofing materials.
• Damaged flashing, penetrations, gutters, fascia, valleys, or roof-to-wall transitions.
• Interior staining, attic moisture, daylight, sagging, or repeated patching.

What the clues may—and may not—mean

Similar-looking conditions can have very different causes. Surface appearance alone cannot confirm severity, concealed damage, material composition, structural movement, leakage source, or health risk.

Reasonable next steps

• Do not climb a wet, steep, damaged, icy, or otherwise unsafe roof.
• Document conditions from the ground or accessible interior areas.
• Request roof-level evaluation and written scope from a qualified professional.

Who to contact

For a property-specific assessment, contact a qualified roofing contractor or licensed inspector; use a structural engineer if framing movement is suspected. Ask for findings in writing and request a defined scope before authorizing invasive testing or repair work.