Typical signs
- Curled or missing shingles or excessive granule loss.
- Lifted flashing, cracked sealant, exposed nails or staining below a penetration.
- Leaks after wind-driven rain or after ice backup.
Where it is often found
- Sloped roofs, wall-to-roof transitions, chimneys, vents, dormers and valleys.
What it can mean
- End of service life.
- Incorrect flashing detail, discontinuous underlayment or delayed maintenance.
What to check next
- Inspect from the ground and inside the attic.
- Check for rust tracks, exposed fasteners, protective membranes and ventilation.
Reasonable immediate actions
- Protect the interior, divert water and avoid walking on a slippery roof.
When to stop and call a professional
- Steep slopes, dangerous access, widespread failure, rotten substrate, deterioration around a chimney or insurance involvement.
Prevention
- Seasonal visual inspections, debris maintenance, proper ventilation and early repair of details.