Top 11 Roof Damages and How to Prevent Them?

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

Roof damage is any deterioration, defect, or compromise to the roof structure or roofing materials that affects its performance, integrity, or safety. As waterproofing experts, we have seen these 11 types of roof damage in our service life.

Missing or broken shingles
Curling or buckling shingles
Cracked or damaged flashing
Roof leaks
Ponding water on flat roofs
Ice dams (in cold climates)
Mold, algae, or moss growth on the roof
Sagging roof structure
Hail damage (dents and bruises)
Wind damage (loose or uplifted materials)
Damaged or clogged gutters

To stop those roof damages home homeowners should inspect the roof at least twice a year, keep clean gutters and downspouts, use high-quality roofing materials, ensure proper attic insulation, install waterproofing membrane underlayment, avoid external forces on the roof, and use UV-resistant coatings on the roof.

1. Missing or Broken Shingles

Missing or broken shingles are sections of roofing material, such as asphalt, wood, slate, or composite that have either dislodged or cracked due to external impact or wear. These compromised areas expose the underlayment and roof decking to direct weather, weakening the roof’s water-tight integrity and accelerating structural deterioration.

Roof shingles become damaged or go missing due to high wind uplift, poor installation practices such as improper nailing, impact from debris like falling branches, natural aging and brittleness, or use of substandard materials. Once exposed, these weak points can lead to severe issues, including roof leaks, mold and mildew growth, damaged insulation, wood rot, and unsightly ceiling stains over time. At Aqviz, we’ve seen entire roof systems degrade prematurely just from neglecting a handful of damaged shingles.

So, as waterproofing experts, we recommend these 5 methods to prevent damage from missing or broken shingles:

Inspect the roof after every major storm for signs of shingle displacement
Use high-quality, impact-resistant shingles rated for local wind and weather conditions
Ensure the correct installation of roofing with proper nail placement, spacing, and alignment
Trim back overhanging branches to minimize debris impact on the rooftop
Install a wind-resistant, waterproof underlayment on the roof to protect beneath the shingle layer

2. Curling or Buckling Shingles

Curling or buckling shingles are warped or deformed roofing pieces that lift, ripple, or bend away from the roof surface. This distortion breaks the flat, protective roofing layer needed for a watertight seal, leaving vulnerable spots where wind-driven rain or moisture can infiltrate. In our field experience at Aqviz, curling usually appears at the edges, while buckling forms vertical ridges across the shingle body.

Shingles curl or buckle due to poor attic ventilation, improper roof deck installation, aging and thermal cycling, moisture trapped under shingles, or using mismatched replacement shingles. These flaws often lead to critical problems such as wind uplift, water leakage, mold growth under the membrane, shortened roof lifespan, and visible roof sagging.

So, as waterproofing experts, we recommend these 5 methods to prevent roof damage from curling or buckling shingles:

Maintain balanced attic ventilation to release trapped heat and moisture
Use compatible, high-quality shingles with proper installation techniques
Replace damaged roof decking before installing new shingles
Avoid roof-overs; always strip old shingles before reroofing
Ensure shingles are stored flat and installed promptly to avoid material distortion

3. Cracked or Damaged Flashing

Cracked or damaged flashing are compromised metal strip or waterproof membrane installed around roof joints, chimneys, valleys, vents, and skylights. Flashing serves as a water barrier at roof transitions, where different materials meet or surfaces change direction. When it cracks, corrodes, or pulls away, these vulnerable joints become direct entry points for water.

Flashing damage occurs due to seasonal expansion and contraction, corrosion from standing water, poor sealing during installation, aging sealants, or impact damage during maintenance. We’ve seen these failures lead to ceiling leaks, fascia board rot, attic mold, compromised insulation, and structural beam deterioration. Even a small crack around a vent pipe flashing can cause long-term damage if left untreated.

We recommend these 5 methods to prevent roof damage from cracked or damaged flashing:

Inspect flashing joints annually, especially after winter or heavy storms
Use rust-resistant materials like aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel
Apply high-quality roofing sealant to seal flashing edges properly
Avoid stepping or placing weight on flashing during roof work
Replace aged or corroded flashing during re-roofing or major repairs

4. Roof Leaks

Roof leaks are one of the most common and damaging roofing problems, caused by breaches in the roofing material that allow water to penetrate the interior of the home. Leaks often start small and go unnoticed until visible damage appears inside.

Roof leaks due to missing shingles, clogged gutters, flashing failures, poorly sealed valleys, or damaged underlayment. Once water breaches the surface, it can soak insulation, rot roof decking, create ceiling stains, trigger mold outbreaks, and weaken structural framing. At Aqviz, we’ve traced hundreds of leaks back to simple issues that snowballed into thousands in repair costs.

So, as waterproofing experts, we recommend these 5 methods to prevent roof damage from roof leaks.

Schedule annual professional roof inspections and post-storm checkups
Keep gutters and downspouts clear to prevent water overflow
Seal all roof penetrations with compatible, UV-resistant roofing sealants
Maintain proper attic ventilation to prevent moisture buildup under the roof
Repair or replace compromised roofing materials immediately

If your roof is still leaking, this 10 Ways to Stop Roof Leaking guide will help you to troubleshoot it.

5. Ponding Water on Flat Roofs

Ponding water on flat roofs are water that remains pooled for more than 48 hours after rainfall. Unlike sloped roofs, flat or low-slope roofs lack gravity-assisted drainage, so improper pitch or blocked drains can cause standing water, increasing the load on the roof and accelerating deterioration.

Ponding occurs due to poor slope design, clogged internal drains or scuppers, compressed insulation, or deteriorating roof membranes. Over time, stagnant water can lead to blistering of the roof surface, membrane breakdown, algae growth, increased UV damage, and eventual roof collapse if structural sagging occurs. We’ve replaced entire flat roof sections at Aqviz because years of ponding went unresolved.

So, as waterproofing experts, we recommend these 5 methods to prevent roof damage from ponding water:

Ensure proper slope design (minimum 1:48 or ¼ inch per foot) during installation
Install and maintain internal drains, scuppers, or tapered insulation systems
Clear debris from roof drainage points regularly, especially after storms
Apply a reinforced waterproof roof coating or membrane to resist water absorption
Conduct bi-annual inspections to monitor low spots or developing dips

6. Ice Dams (In Cold Climates)

Ice dams are ridges of ice that form at the roof edge, typically above the eaves, when snow melts and refreezes. The warm attic air melts the underside of the snow layer, and as that water runs down, it refreezes at colder roof edges, creating a barrier that traps water. This leads to pooling and roof seepage beneath shingles.

Ice dams result from inadequate attic insulation, poor ventilation, roof heat loss, and temperature fluctuations. We’ve seen major damage from ice dams such as roof leaks, soaked insulation, drywall collapse, and rot in fascia boards. In some cases, heavy ice has even pulled down gutters and shingles.

So, Aqviz, we recommend these 5 methods to prevent roof damage from ice dams:

Improve attic insulation to maintain consistent roof temperature
Ensure proper soffit-to-ridge ventilation for continuous airflow
Install heated cables or ice melt systems at roof eaves
Use waterproof membrane underlayment in vulnerable ice dam zones
Rake snow off the roof after heavy snowfall to prevent buildup

7. Mold, Algae, or Moss Growth on the Roof

Mold, algae, or moss growth on the roof occurs when moisture lingers on shingles, especially in shaded or humid areas. These biological intrusions can degrade roofing materials and trap water, weakening the roof’s protective layer and causing premature aging.

Such growth thrives due to poor drainage, organic debris like leaves, constant shade, or humid climate conditions. At Aqviz, we’ve removed roofs where moss rooted beneath shingles, causing lift and leaks, or where black algae stained the entire surface. Beyond the aesthetic issues, these growths hold moisture that breaks down even durable shingles over time.

So, as waterproofing experts, we recommend these 5 methods to prevent roof damage from mold, algae, or moss:

Trim overhanging branches to reduce shade and improve roof drying
Clean roof surfaces regularly with non-damaging, eco-safe roof cleaners
Install zinc or copper strips near the ridge to naturally inhibit growth
Improve drainage by keeping gutters and downspouts clear
Use algae-resistant or mold-resistant shingles in high-humidity areas

Read More About: Mold and Mildew Growth and House Problems

8. Sagging Roof Structure

A sagging roof structure is a visible depression or dip in the roofline, indicating that the structural support has weakened. This condition often suggests overloaded framing, deteriorated rafters or trusses, or prolonged exposure to moisture.

Roof sagging develops due to water infiltration from leaks, excessive snow load, rotted wood, termite damage, or improper construction. We’ve seen sagging roofs caused by years of water accumulation from clogged gutters or hidden rot beneath an unventilated attic. If untreated, sagging leads to cracked walls, roof leaks, and total structural failure.

These 5 methods to prevent roof damage from a sagging structure:

Conduct regular roof inspections to detect early structural changes
Address water leaks immediately to prevent wood rot in rafters or decking
Reinforce aging roof framing with sistered rafters or support beams
Ensure proper attic ventilation to minimize moisture retention
Avoid overloading the roof with snow, equipment, or added layers

9. Hail Damage (Dents And Bruises)

Hail damage includes dents, bruises, or granule loss on shingles and roofing materials caused by high-velocity hail impact. While some damage may be cosmetic, more severe strikes can crack shingles, expose the underlayment, or compromise the roof’s ability to shed water properly.

This damage results from the size and speed of hailstones, the roofing material type, roof age, and slope angle. At Aqviz, we’ve seen asphalt shingles lose granules, metal roofs dented deeply, and even underlayment torn by hailstones larger than 1 inch (2.5 cm). Left unaddressed, hail can lead to premature roof failure, moisture intrusion, and insulation degradation.

So, as waterproofing experts, we recommend these 5 methods to prevent roof damage from hail:

Install impact-rated shingles (Class 4) or hail-resistant metal roofing
Perform post-storm inspections to identify hidden impact bruises
Apply protective roof coatings for added resistance on flat or low-slope roofs
Replace compromised shingles immediately to prevent water entry
Use reinforced underlayment that resists punctures and moisture penetration

10. Wind Damage (Loose or Uplifted Materials)

Wind damage occurs when high winds lift, loosen, or completely tear away roofing materials such as shingles, flashing, and ridge caps. As wind catches the edges, it creates upward pressure that breaks the seal and pries materials loose, exposing the roof to water and structural threats.

This damage typically results from poorly installed shingles, old and brittle roofing, missing fasteners, or roofs lacking wind-rated design. At Aqviz, we’ve repaired roofs stripped by gusts as low as 60 mph (96 km/h) when proper wind-uplift precautions weren’t followed. Consequences include roof leaks, underlayment exposure, and rapid moisture deterioration of internal structures.

So, as waterproofing experts, we recommend these 5 methods to prevent roof damage from wind:

Use shingles rated for high-wind zones with reinforced sealing strips
Secure edge flashing, ridge caps, and vent boots with corrosion-resistant fasteners
Inspect after storms to catch early signs of lifted materials
Ensure proper nailing pattern and overlap during installation
Install starter strips and drip edge to reduce wind entry points under shingles

11. Damaged or Clogged Gutters

Damaged or clogged gutters prevent proper drainage, causing water to back up onto the roof or overflow down exterior walls. This leads to fascia board rot, foundation saturation, and even water seepage into the attic or wall cavities. This can be a complete waterproofing problem when leaked water is reached to basement.

Common causes for the damaged of clogged gutters are leaves, debris buildup, cracked joints, sagging sections, or gutters pulling away from the fascia. At Aqviz, we’ve seen standing water back up beneath shingles or soak wooden elements, accelerating mold growth and roof edge decay. Improper gutter slope or downspout blockage can also lead to ponding at the roof perimeter.

We recommend these 5 methods to prevent roof damage from gutters:

Clean gutters and downspouts at least twice a year, or seasonally in leaf-heavy areas
Install gutter guards to reduce debris accumulation and clogs
Repair any sagging, cracked, or loose gutter sections immediately
Ensure proper slope (¼ inch per 10 feet) for water to flow efficiently
Extend downspouts at least 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) away from the foundation

How to Stop Roof Damage?

Roof damage can be stopped by following 10 ways.

Schedule regular roof inspections at least twice a year and after major storms
Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water drainage
Trim overhanging tree branches to reduce debris and impact risks
Use high-quality, weather-resistant roofing materials suitable for your climate
Ensure proper attic insulation and ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and heat damage
Repair small issues immediately like cracked flashing, loose shingles, or sealant gaps
Install waterproof underlayment and flashing in leak-prone areas
Avoid walking on the roof unless necessary, and use protection boards if required
Keep the roof surface clear of debris like leaves, moss, and dirt buildup
Use UV-resistant coatings or reflective shingles to reduce sun and heat exposure

What Roof Types Get Damaged Mostly?

These 10 types of roofs can be damaged the most.

Asphalt shingle roofs
Flat or low-slope roofs
Wood shake roofs
Built-up roofing (BUR)
Modified bitumen roofs
Metal roofs with exposed fasteners
Slate tile roofs (if improperly installed)
Clay tile roofs (in freeze-thaw climates)
Rolled roofing systems
Synthetic shingle roofs (low-quality types)

What Roof Part Gets Damaged Easily?

These 10 roof parts can be damaged easily.

Roof shingles or tiles
Flashing around chimneys and vents
Roof valleys
Ridge caps and hip shingles
Roof edges and eaves
Sealant and caulking joints
Gutters and downspouts
Roof decking under damaged shingles
Skylight perimeters
Roof vents and pipe boots

More than that, there are 37 roof parts. You should know all of these roof parts before building or rebuilding the roof.