Soft Spots on Roof: Potential Causes and Prevention Tips

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. 

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

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.