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A roof pitch that’s too shallow won’t shed runoff as quickly, so you have an increased risk of water intrusion through the seams between your roofing materials. In colder climates, snow and ice will accumulate more easily on your roof, which can add enough weight to cause roof collapse and structural damage to your home.

Hail damage on a roof varies depending on the roofing material. On asphalt shingles, it can appear as dark or white chalky circles where granules have been knocked off, or as cracks, dents, or bruises. For wood shingles, hail may cause the wood to split and crack. On metal roofs, hail damage is often easier to spot and looks like dings and dents. The age and condition of your roof can also affect the appearance of the damage. Regardless of what you see, it's recommended to have a professional inspect your roof after a major storm to fully assess the extent of the damage.

The most common defect in a flat roof is leaking. Flat roofs have minimal slope, so water pools more readily on a flat roof than on a sloped roof, and the risk of the waterproof membrane failing increases with exposure. Tears and punctures from foot traffic and blown debris are other common problems, especially with single-ply roofing membranes like TPO and EPDM roofs.

It’s a good idea to conduct a DIY attic inspection at least once a year to look for signs of water damage, pest infestation, and damage to the underside of the roof decking. If you suspect any problems, call in a professional to confirm and come up with a solution. You should also hire a pro to inspect an attic before purchasing a home, and you can have an inspection done as a seller to entice buyers to move forward with an offer or purchase.