Whether you have a metal, tile, or asphalt shingle roof, it needs to be checked periodically for signs of damage. If you never have the roof checked, the damage could get worse until your roof starts leaking. Here are some types of damage roofing contractors look for when examining these three types of residential roofing. 

Metal Roofs

Homes generally have standing seam metal roofs that have protected seams, so they aren't as likely to leak as exposed-fastener metal roofs. No matter what type of metal roof you have, the roofer will check it for rust.

Rust spreads and eats through metal, so removing the rust is an important part of metal roof maintenance. Your metal roof will also be checked for puncture holes and scratches. The roofing contractor will also check the flashing for signs of damage.

Tile Roofs

Tile roofing is some of the most durable roofing available, but tiles can be cracked by impacts. When roofing contractors check tile roofs for damage, cracks are one of the most important things to search for. If cracks are along the edges of the tile, the tip of the tile might break off. When this happens, the roofer might be able to attach the broken piece with adhesive, so the roofer may search for the chip.

Roofers may also look for moss on tile roofs since moss is damaging because it grows under the tiles and keeps the deck moist, which can lead to rot. Your roofer will probably check the deck of your roof for water damage no matter what type of roof you have. They might do that by looking in your attic at the roof and feeling the roof as they walk on the deck.

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

An asphalt shingle roof might show damage a little earlier than metal or tile roofing, especially if your home has budget strip shingles. Signs your roofing contractor may look for include shingles with cracks, curled edges, blisters, bruises, and nail pops. They'll also look for missing shingles and shingles that are no longer held tight against the roof. These can flutter in the wind and get ripped off.

Another thing the contractor will note is the amount of lost granules. Granules provide protection for the shingles, so when the granules wear down, your roof can be damaged more easily. Since leaks may be difficult to spot from the surface, roofing contractors often look inside homes for signs of a water leak.

If your roofer finds water stains on the walls or ceiling, they know water is leaking in from the roof unless you have a plumbing leak. Metal, tile, and shingle roofing are common types of roofing for residential use, but your home might have something else.

Each type of roofing sustains damage in its own way. If you're not sure what to look for or you don't like to climb on your roof, call a roofer to check your roof for you.

Reach out to local roofing contractors to learn more.