How Is My Roof?

We’re so glad you asked!

Experts recommend professional roof inspections be done annually and after severe storms.

Marathon’s roof inspectors know what to look for and can do so safely. Annual inspections help you catch potential problems BEFORE they become costly repairs, maximize the life of your roof, and give you peace of mind.  

Marathon Roofing offers free, no-obligation, inspections by our team of roofing professionals.

How do you know if your roof has damage?

Most roof damage goes undetected until it gets bad enough to cause damage inside the home.  This is because in order to know its there, you must:

  1. Know what to look for. 

    • It isn’t always as obvious as missing shingles

2. Be able to see it 

    • Split shingles, caused by hail impact, can only be seen by looking at the backside of the shingles.

    • We can’t see every section of our roof from the ground.

    • It can be dangerous to get on the roof for a closer look.  We recommend calling a professional. If you choose to get on the roof, make sure to use proper safety precautions.   

The best way to find out if your roof has damage is to have a trained roofing inspector give you a thorough assessment of your roof.  We know what to look for and have the gear to do so safely.  We can find hidden hail damage by lifting up, examining and re-sealing shingles as needed. A professional roofing contractor will also assess other roofing components for damage, such as flashing, roof vents, skylights, gutters, and chimney caps or covers.

Even minor roof damage can lead to MAJOR and COSTLY destruction.  Any small section of your roofing system that allows water to penetrate can destroy large sections of your house.  The water will continue to infiltrate, soaking the decking below your shingles.  This leads to mold in your attic and much worse. By the time you see a leak on your ceiling, the damage to the structure above is likely extensive.    

We highly recommend having your roof inspected annually and after severe storms.  Call Marathon Roofing. We are here to help.    

Signs your roof needs attention

Attic leaks

Water in your attic may indicate damaged shingles and underlayment

Ceiling stains

Ceiling stains can be caused by many things, one of which is damage to your roofing system. The water causing the stains can also cause mold and mildew.

Roof sagging

Warped or sagging sections of roof indicate deterioration of the plywood below your shingles (aka decking).  This is often caused by poor roof ventilation (see our Roof Maintenance page). Marathon Roofing can fix it.  Give us a call. 

Roof Aging

Curled shingle edges, cupped shingle tabs, bald spots where granules are missing, cracked shingles, or an overall worn look are good indicators that your roof needs to be replaced.

Waiting to replace an old or damaged roof can lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the road.  Follow our roof maintenance suggestions, watch for the warning signs that repair or replacement is needed, and have your roof inspected by Marathon’s professional roofers annually, and after major storms.      

We are happy to talk to you about any of the above concerns.  Remember, we offer free roof inspections by trained professionals.  We’ll inspect your roof, make recommendations, and get you on the schedule for roof repairs or a replacement.  

More Types of Roof Damage

Hail Damage

  • Coastal Carolina sees more than its fair share of storms. About 12 of those storms per year contain hail. So it’s no surprise that mortgage companies require “Wind and Hail” policies for coastal residents. Hailstorms cause serious damage to our property, including roofs. The impact from a hailstone can bruise, crack, and split roofing shingles, potentially leading to water damage inside your home.

    Identifying hail damage on your roof

    After a hailstorm, it’s important to get your roof checked for damage. A professional roofer knows what to look for and whether the level of damage requires repair. A few, minor hail impacts are usually nothing to worry about. On the other hand, a large volume of hail or very dense hail may mean you need a new roof.

    The following information can help you identify hail damage from the safety of the ground. Climbing up on your roof isn’t necessary—and without the safety equipment that professionals use, it can be dangerous. Walking around on a roof that may be damaged is risky and can also cause further damage. Look from the ground, use a flashlight and binoculars (if you have them), or use a ladder to get you to roof level. Move the ladder from spot to spot and work your way around your house.

    Marathon Roofing inspectors can get on the roof to perform a thorough inspection and help you determine how much damage you may have.

    Signs of hail damage around your home and property include:

    -Dents in cars

    -Damaged air conditioner units

    -Evidence of damage to other exterior items

    Signs of hail damage on asphalt shingle roofs include:

    -Divots

    -Round black areas/bruises

    -Loss of protective granules, which may collect in gutters and downspouts

    Not all hail damage is visible from the surface of a roofing shingle. Some hail impacts cause shingles to split which can only be discovered by looking at the back of the roof shingles.

    It’s best to call a roofing contractor to assist in this type of inspection, as we can lift up, examine and re-seal shingles as needed. Marathon’s professional roof inspectors will also assess other components for damage, such as flashing, roof vents, skylights, gutters, and chimney caps.

    Does Hail Damage Require Repair?

    It can be difficult to know how severe hail damage to your roof is. Some hail damage will not affect your roof’s immediate performance and does not require immediate action. Conversely, some hail damage may allow water to pass through your roofing system. If the integrity of your roof has been affected, address the problem right away. Fast action will prevent water damage to your home’s interior.

    All hail damage will impact the longevity of your roof. Hail damage causes asphalt shingles to lose their granules, which protect the asphalt from UV light degradation caused by the sun. While you may not have a roof leak right away, shingles that have lost granules have a higher risk of failing prematurely.

Hurricane Damage

  • North Carolina and Florida are hit by more hurricanes than any other states on the east coast of the United States. North Carolina hurricanes have caused devastating loss of life and billions of dollars in damages.

    The weather elements that commonly occur during a hurricane are high winds, torrential rain, and tornadoes. Any of these elements have the potential to cause significant damage to your roof on their own. When combined, the damage is far more extensive. For example, damage caused by high winds can quadruple when exposed to heavy rains.

    How Heavy Rains Affect Your Roof

    Heavy rain during a hurricane is especially concerning when the roof has pre existing damage. A damaged roof exposed to heavy rains can suffer structural damage. Water can then damage your attic and other areas, once the interior has been exposed to the elements.

    How High Winds Affect Your Roof

    A tropical cyclone reaches hurricane status when it has sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher. These winds can rip off shingles, roof tiles, and even entire roofs. Gutters can be pulled from the side of your home and chimneys knocked down.

    High winds can also cause indirect damage. Tree limbs and flying objects can collide with your roof. The impact from these foreign objects can damage shingles and penetrate your roof, exposing your home to water damage.

    How Hail Affects Your Roof

    We usually do not see hail damage after a hurricane because the warm air melts the hail before it reaches the ground. but it is not impossible. Hail damage will depend on the volume and/or density of the hailstones.

    How Lightning Strikes Affect Your Roof

    Luckily, hurricanes rarely produce lightning because the conditions for lightning usually aren’t present. That being said, lightning has been observed in category 4 and 5 hurricanes, such as Rita, Katrina, and Matthew. A direct strike to your roof will likely punch a hole through it. The penetration can even extend through the attic flooring and damage your first or second floor. Any breach of your roof’s integrity exposes your home to water damage.

    Why it matters

    Even minor roof damage can lead to MAJOR and COSTLY destruction. Any small section of your roofing system that allows water to penetrate can destroy large sections of your house. The water will continue to infiltrate, soaking the decking below your shingles. This leads to mold in your attic and much worse. By the time you see a leak on your ceiling, the damage to the structure above is likely extensive.

    Make Sure your Roof is Ready

    Call the professionals at Marathon Roofing to schedule a roofing inspection before the next hurricane.

Lightning Damage

  • A lightning strike is a powerful event. If lightning hits your house, it can tear off shingles and gutters, puncture the roof, sear surrounding materials, tear through attics, and start fires. We’ve seen it happen.

    NOTE: If you know your house has just been hit directly by lightning, call the fire department. It is common for lightning to start fires in the attic and within walls of homes. These fires may not be visible in their beginning stages.

    Signs Your Roof was Struck by Lightning

    Fire

    A lightning strike creates extreme heat, leaving your roofing material susceptible to catching fire. If it travels through wiring, it can cause an electrical fire from exposed wires anywhere in the house. If this happens, call the fire department as soon as possible.

    A Hole in Your Roof

    A lightning strike can easily punch a hole through your roof. The hole may penetrate into your attic or all the way into your living space. If you suspect that lightning struck your home, safely inspect your roof or call Marathon Roofing and let us do it for you.

    Please note, climbing up on your roof isn’t necessary to inspect—and without the safety equipment that professionals use, it can be dangerous. Walking around on a roof that may be damaged is risky and can also cause further damage. Look from the ground, use a flashlight and binoculars (if you have them), or use a ladder to get you to roof level. Move the ladder from spot to spot and work your way around your house.

    Shingles Falling Off

    Shingles falling off of your roof can be a sign that lightning has struck. However, this can also be the result of extreme wind. Take a look at the shingles to see if they look singed or burned, as these are surefire signs that lightning has hit.

    Leaking

    As mentioned, lightning can easily punch a hole through your shingles and the plywood underlayment, allowing water in. If you notice any type of dripping after a bad storm (or any other time) it’s important to have a roofer take a look.

    Electricity’s Out or Electronics Don’t Work

    If lightning has struck your roof, then it’s possible the damage traveled to your home’s wiring. Anything electronic in your home is susceptible to damage from a lightning strike. The power surge can destroy computers, televisions, appliances and other electronics.

    Identifying the Damage

    A lightning strike is a frightening experience. If it happens to your home, the actions you take can save your home from further damage. If your roof suffers lightning damage, call Marathon Roofing. We can assess the damage, give you your options, and make the professional roofing repairs to restore and protect your home.

Wind Damage

  • Wind is one of Mother Nature’s most unpredictable and powerful forces. Hurricane-force winds (74 mph or greater) or gale-force winds (between 39-54 mph) can cause significant damage to your home’s roof. High winds can remove or tear shingles, leaving the underlayment, roof deck, or waterproofing material exposed to the elements.

    During less severe storms, sudden, sharp gusts of wind can lift, crease, and curl shingles. Singles overlap one another to create a water-tight seal. Lifting, creasing, and curling can break this seal, potentially leaving your roof vulnerable to damage from wind-driven rain.

    If you’re concerned about potential roof damage from wind, here’s a crash course on how to spot signs of roof damage. Please note, climbing up on your roof isn’t necessary—and without the safety equipment that professionals use, it can be dangerous. Walking around on a roof that may be damaged is risky and can also cause further damage. Look from the ground, use a flashlight and binoculars (if you have them), or use a ladder to get you to roof level. Move the ladder from spot to spot and work your way around your house.

    Signs of Wind Damage to your Roof

    Some signs of roof wind damage are obvious while other signs are harder to detect. After a severe wind event, highly visible damage will include the following:

    -A puncture from a fallen tree limb

    -Large areas of exposed underlayment (plywood decking) where shingles have been blown off

    -Mangled or missing sections of flashing

    -Missing hip and ridge shingles

    Other signs may be harder to detect, but you can spot them if you know what to look for. As always, keep safety in mind with anything you do. If you are unable to safely check your home’s exterior or interior, please contact Marathon Roofing. We are professional roofing contractors.

    Outdoor Evidence of Roof Damage

    Walk your home’s perimeter to check for pieces of shingles and scan the roof for:

    -Areas where shingle edges look raised, indicating the seals have been broken

    -Narrow lines near asphalt shingle edges, indicating they were flipped up and creased

    -Scratch marks across the roof caused by wind-borne debris

    -Damaged ridge or soffit vents

    -Cracked or otherwise damaged chimney flashing

    -Raised, torn, curled, or cracked shingles along the roof edges

    -Deposits of debris such as tree branches or broken glass on the roof or in the gutters

    Indoor Evidence of Roof Damage

    You can check for potential signs of wind damage inside your home by inspecting your attic and finished living areas. For attic inspection information, see our Roof Maintenance page.

    In your finished living areas, look for discolored patches on the ceilings and walls. This is a warning indication that water is getting in through wind-damaged areas on the roof.

    Why it matters

    Even minor roof damage can lead to MAJOR and COSTLY destruction. Any small section of your roofing system that allows water to penetrate can destroy large sections of your house. The water will continue to infiltrate, soaking the decking below your shingles. This leads to mold in your attic and much worse. By the time you see a leak on your ceiling, the damage to the structure above is likely extensive.

Did you identify your roof damage correctly?

Correctly identifying the type of roof damage present is important.  Correct identification allows for the correct action plan, which may involve warranty or insurance claims. The experienced roofing professionals at Marathon Roofing can differentiate hail damage from other types of roof damage, such as

  • Cracking caused by UV damage from the sun,

  • Scuffing damage from the original shingle installation

  • Wind damage

  • Aged, worn-out shingles

Once the damage is identified, Marathon Roofing can give knowledgeable advice on the next steps to getting your roof repaired or replaced.