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7 Signs You Need Roof Repair

July 20, 20183 min read
Roof Repair
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roof repair sarasota roofing contractor

Over five million homeowners get new roofs installed each year. But did you know that investing in timely roof repair could save you thousands and extend your roof’s life significantly?

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Roof replacements can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000 depending on the materials and size of the home. While sometimes unavoidable, most major repairs can be prevented with simple routine maintenance and timely fixes.

If you’re in Sarasota or surrounding areas and suspect your roof might be showing signs of wear, read on. Here are seven warning signs your roof may need professional repair.

1. Curled, Cracked, or Missing Shingles

Take a close look at your roof. Are the shingles curling at the edges? Are any cracked or completely missing? These are clear signs your roof is deteriorating and likely needs attention. Shingle damage is one of the most common issues homeowners face, especially after Florida’s intense storms and hurricanes.

2. Shingle Granules in the Gutter

If you notice what looks like black sand or granules in your gutters, your shingles are likely wearing out. These granules are designed to protect your roof from sun damage and weather. Their presence in the gutters is an early warning sign. Learn how to protect your roof through maintenance.

3. Damage Around Roof Fixtures

Chimneys, vents, skylights, and pipes often have flashing around them to prevent leaks. These areas are common points of failure. If the flashing is loose, rusted, or cracked, water can easily seep in. Even minor issues here can become big problems if not fixed promptly.

4. Water or Light in the Attic

After a heavy rain or windstorm, take a flashlight and head up to your attic. If you notice moisture, water stains, or even small beams of light coming through the roof deck, you’ve got a problem. Moisture in the attic can quickly lead to mold growth and structural damage.

5. Sagging Rafters or Roof Deck

A sagging roof deck or bowed rafters usually point to prolonged water exposure. If you notice this, it’s crucial to bring in a professional. Sagging structural elements could indicate rot or weakened supports—issues that can’t be ignored.

6. Stains on Ceilings and Walls

Dark spots on interior ceilings or bubbling paint on the walls are indicators that your roof is letting water inside. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water intrusion also reduces your home’s energy efficiency.

7. Peeling Paint or Mold Near the Roofline

Improper ventilation causes humidity to build up near your roofline, leading to mold, mildew, and peeling exterior paint. These signs usually go unnoticed until a leak occurs. Routine inspections can catch them early and keep your home safe and dry.

Bonus: Higher Energy Bills

If your cooling or heating bills have been climbing unexpectedly, poor attic insulation or roof ventilation could be to blame. A compromised roof affects your home’s energy performance. Learn more in our post on Maintaining a Healthy Roof in Florida.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

If you’ve identified any of these red flags, it’s time to call a licensed roofing professional. Delaying roof repair can lead to extensive and expensive damage, not just to your roof but to the entire structure of your home.

Contact SonShine Roofing today for a comprehensive inspection and expert advice. Our team has over 38 years of experience serving Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties with high-quality roofing solutions. We also offer affordable roof inspections to help you stay ahead of potential problems.

Protect your investment. Don’t wait for a leak to turn into a disaster. Let SonShine Roofing help you extend the life of your roof—before it’s too late.

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General FAQs

Does attic insulation and ventilation really make a difference?

Yes—more than most homeowners realize. Your roof surface can run nearly 100°F hotter than the air on summer days, and attics can hit the high 100s. Without proper insulation and balanced airflow, that heat and moisture can warp beams, fry shingles from beneath, and invite rot. The fix is straightforward: sufficient attic insulation plus soffit intake + ridge exhaust ventilation to move hot, wet air out. 

How do the main roofing materials compare in Sarasota’s climate?

  • Asphalt shingles: Affordable, easy to source, and versatile. Pros: fire/water resistance, low maintenance, ~25-year lifespan. Cons: lighter weight can mean blow-offs in big storms; extreme summer heat can warp/crack; expect occasional repair budgeting. 
  • Clay tile: Classic look, handles heat and salt spray, long-lasting (up to ~50 years). Pros: fire/rot resistance, stays put in wind. Cons: pricey, heavy (may need structural reinforcement), and fragile during handling. 
  • Concrete tile: Popular in Florida and lighter than many expect. Pros: durable (about 50–100 years), low maintenance, fire/water resistance, strong wind performance, color options (can mimic wood/other looks). Cons: somewhat expensive; design options are more limited than premium materials. 
  • Metal roofing: Comes in profiles that resemble shingles/tiles/shakes. Pros: little maintenance, fire/water/insect resistance, stands up to salt spray, reflects heat (can lower cooling bills), up to ~40-year lifespan. Cons: higher upfront cost and more limited design choices. 
  • Slate: Stunning and extremely durable (often 100+ years). Pros: water/rot/fire resistance, high hurricane tolerance. Cons: very heavy (reinforcement likely), fragile to walk on, and the most expensive option here. 

What causes roof leaks?

Leaks usually start at weak points—not just during hurricanes. In Florida, extreme heat and UV make materials expand/contract, turning brittle and cracking over time; even asphalt tar can soften and lose its seal. 

  • Aging roof: Heat/UV cycles degrade shingles and seals, opening paths for water. 
  • Flashing failures: Cracked, rusted, or separated metal around chimneys, vents, valleys, and walls.  
  • Missing/damaged shingles: Wind and storms pull or crack shingles, exposing underlayment and decking.  
  • Clogged gutters: Standing water backs up under edges and soaks materials—especially in rainy season.
  • Skylight leaks: Worn rubber seals or loose skylight flashing let water in at the frame.

Can I see examples of your past work?

Yes. If you browse our Roofing Project Gallery, you will see high-resolution drone videos of our featured projects with links to the materials we used.

How can I extend my roof’s lifespan?

Treat it like preventive medicine.

  • Keep gutters clean so water doesn’t back up under edges and soak the decking—check especially after storms. 
  • Manage trees: trim back overhangs; big branches are a real hazard in wind events. 
  • Insulate the attic to reduce heat transfer that can stress rafters and age materials faster. 
  • Ventilate the attic (intake at soffits, exhaust at ridge) to dump heat and moisture before they warp wood or cook shingles from below. 
  • Do regular roof cleanups/visual checks for debris, missing/curling shingles, or granule loss. 
  • Schedule professional inspections to catch small issues before they snowball. Sarasota heat + summer storms reward proactive care. 

What’s the best roof type for Florida homes?

There isn’t a single winner—it’s about matching material to Sarasota’s heat, humidity, storms, wind, and (for coastal folks) salt spray. Asphalt shingles are budget-friendly and common; concrete and clay tiles bring serious longevity and wind resistance; metal reflects heat and shrugs off salt; slate is gorgeous and ultra-durable but heavy and costly. The “best” choice balances your budget, aesthetics, structural needs, and how exposed your home is to wind and sea air.  

Do you employ subcontractors?

No, we do not employ subcontractors. All of the crews we employ are W-2 employees and on our payroll.

Are you licensed and insured in the State of Florida?

Yes, we are licensed by the State of Florida, which you can verify here. We also carry comprehensive liability insurance.

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