Did you know roofs of all types can benefit from a cleaning? Using this guide, you’ll understand the benefits of regular roof cleaning and why it’s best to hire a prof.
Soft Spots on Roof: Potential Causes and Prevention Tips
Don’t delay when it comes to repairing soft spots on your roof
Get quotes from roofers near you
No obligation · 100% free
Get quotes from roofers near you
No obligation · 100% free
Need Help With a Project? Connect With a Pro
Soft spots on your roof close when water saturates the sheathing underneath your shingles, creating weak sections that sag or buckle visibly.
Spot repairs for roof soft spots cost $300 to $2,000, while average roof repairs run around $1,100 when you address the problem early.
Your roof needs annual inspections to catch soft spots before they expand, especially after heavy rain or snow that can weaken the underlying sheathing.
Hiring a local roof repair professional provides expert diagnosis of water damage and ensures proper sheathing replacement to prevent further deterioration or collapse.
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Water is your roof’s greatest enemy, and a little bit of moisture under your roofing material can cause some very serious problems. Soft spots on your roof can indicate weak sections of roofing, which can cause significant deterioration or even roof collapse.
Learn what causes soft spots, how to identify them, and why you should repair roof soft spots as soon as possible before you face having to replace your roof entirely.
What Are Soft Spots on Roofs?
From the outside, roof soft spots can look like sections of buckled, wavy, or sagging shingles. You may see a dip in your roof or an area where the roofing material has an inconsistent appearance from the rest of the roof. Inside your attic, you can identify a soft spot if the underside of your roof looks discolored, warped, or sagging.
Soft spots can vary in size from just a few inches to sections several feet wide. It’s not uncommon to have several soft spots in different places on your roof, but you may be lucky enough to spot damage when you have just one small spot.
What Causes Soft Spots on a Roof?
Soft spots form due to water damage, which has several causes. One common cause of this is gaps in your roof’s shingles. When water seeps underneath your shingles or other roofing material and saturates the underlying layer of roof support. If your roof has shingles, it likely has plywood or composite sheeting, known as sheathing or decking, underneath its tiles or shingles.
While shingles have a relatively long lifespan (they can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance), sheathing does not. Over time, sheathing’s exposure to the elements—high heat and humidity, heavy rain, piles of snow, and overall dampness—weakens it and causes it to dip and soften in spots.
They are easiest to notice in the spring when warming temperatures cause shingles and other roofing materials to expand, making dips and buckles visible. Damaged flashing also allows water to seep into your roof decking.
Another reason for soft spots is clogged gutters, which can cause water or ice to back up on your roof. Inadequate ventilation, which prevents moisture from escaping, can also lead to soft spots.
Most Common Asphalt Shingle Roof Problems
The most commonly sought-after asphalt shingle roof repair involves fixing water leaks. Homeowners also want recommendations from a roofer for repairs that prevent damage and keep their roofs in good condition. Other issues include broken, missing, cracked, and loose shingles, water stains, and other related problems.
Are Soft Spots on Roofs a Problem?
Soft spots on roofs are always a problem, but they don’t always mean you need a full roof replacement. This is welcome news—the cost of a roof replacement can be expensive, with most contractors charging thousands to get the job done. Spot repairs are less expensive, often between $300 and $2,000.
But to avoid a full roof replacement, you need to catch the problem early. That’s why regular roof inspections are so important. Hire a professional near you to inspect and clean your roof every year so you can catch any soft spots and address them quickly. Left unchecked, seemingly small soft spots can lead to a seriously leaking roof and even collapse.
How to Fix Soft Spot on a Roof
brizmaker / Adobe Stock
As soon as you notice a soft spot on your roof, call in a pro. Hire a qualified roofer near you to thoroughly investigate the soft spot and make necessary emergency roof repairs or replace your roof as needed.
The roofer will remove damaged shingles and underlying sheathing in the soft spot and replace them with new material. The new roofing material should keep water from coming in while allowing heat and moisture to escape without building up in your rafters, which encourages mold growth and can be a contributing cause of soft spots on your roof.
They will also make sure your gutter system works correctly to efficiently route water off your roof, which is another way to prevent soft spots.
Tips to Prevent Roof Soft Spots
Keeping your roof in good condition is the best way to ensure it doesn’t develop soft spots. If you live in a particularly rainy area, you’ll want to keep a close eye on your roof to spot any potential problems before they can cause damage. If you notice any missing or damaged shingles, call a local roof repair company to fix the problem right away.
An annual roof inspection is a great way to identify and prevent conditions that could lead to soft spots. A licensed roofer will know just what to look for and will be able to make any necessary repairs before big problems develop.
Repairing Soft Spots on a Roof Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
Unless you’re a professional roofer, you shouldn’t attempt to DIY your roof replacement. Roof repairs and replacements are costly, and there are many opportunities for mistakes, so saving a few bucks on professional help isn’t worth the risk. Roof repairs cost $1,100 on average but are worth protecting your investment in your roof.
If you notice soft spots on your roof regularly, it’s possible that your previous roofer incorrectly installed your shingles or used improper materials. Hiring a top-notch roofer to replace your roof may eliminate moisture issues and save you money in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roofing services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.3★ avg. • 121 total reviews
- Carla M.
Mitchell and the crew were top tier i am so happy with my new roof
Home Genius Exteriors - Chance R.
D1 Roofing delivers outstanding service from beginning to end, backed by a strong warranty and expert teams. I highly recommend them for their excellence in meeting and surpassing expectations with unmatched communication. Choosing D1 Roofing was flawless decision
Division 1 Roofing LLC - Jeremy P.
This place took $25,000 for a flat roof job with a five-year warranty and never returned to fix the leaks that were caused by their work. These people are not professionals and should not be doing this type of work. They incorrectly changed the pitch of the roof, and caused more damage than...
- David B.
The technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimney - Kevin S.
I am really impressed with their timeliness and turnaround. Mitchell came out, and we decided to move forward with their pricing. Our roof was on within a week, and we could not be happier with their team! Amazing company, great prices and honest, dependable craftsmanship. I highly recommend...
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio - Rob B.
Manuel Calvillo is the best option in the area for roofing and you won't be disappointed.
- Julie K.
They damaged multiple items on my property, including a marble slab used as a table top, tried to hide it, and refused to pay or replace. Arrived day one without a ladder to access roof & delayed a day. Left a mess in back yard; didn't wear face masks; no show by owner to property to see damages
Grants Tree Service - Marcia L.
I've hired Gary/Cherokee Roofing for two different homes, work quality, responsiveness, and completion have been great both times. And the prices quoted were very competitive. I would definitely hire again.
- Paul F.
Lyle did a great job removing asbestos shingles from our front porch roof. They worked together with our roofer to make sure that the new roof was able to be installed on the same day that Lyle removed the asbestos shingles.
Lyle Environmental - Paul F.
Bradley Builders did a good job replacing the roof on our front porch. They color-matched the existing shingles on the rest of the house and installed a metal ridge roll since we live in a historical neighborhood. They did the job while we were out of town. When we got back, everything was...
Bradley Builders, Inc.
The homeowners guide to roofing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Worried your roof might be compromised? Learn about the seven most common signs your flat roof needs to be replaced to stay ahead of the damage.
It can be challenging to find and fix a leaking flat roof, but it is not impossible. We’ve got you covered with 10 steps for hunting down the source and initiating flat roof repair.
Why is hail damage bad for a roof? You’ve probably heard horror stories about what hail can do, but let’s dig deeper into what’s really going on.
Perhaps you have noticed that your new roof shingles appear uneven or bulgy. Here are some reasons why it’s happening and what you can do about wavy roof shingles.
There are many reasons a roof might leak, so it can be a tough problem for homeowners to address. Use this guide to get to the bottom of your leaky roof.