Your roof might be trying to tell you something. If you live in Knoxville, knowing roof inspection signs early can prevent serious issues. Roof inspection should be a regular part of your home maintenance plan.
Here are the top five signs it’s time to get a professional inspection.
I’ll never forget a stormy night in West Knoxville when a client called me at 10 p.m., panicked about a leaking roof—that’s when I knew I had to teach homeowners about RCV policies.
–Daniel Hood, VFL and Owner of Daniel Hood Roofing Systems
Top 5 Roof Inspection Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
1. Leaks (Interior) – A Major Roofing Issue to Watch
Leaks manifest as water stains, damp spots, or damage on ceilings, walls, or around skylights that are the most often noticed from inside. While the leak itself isn’t seen from the ground, interior signs prompt a ground-level inspection for causes like damaged shingles or flashing.
Why it Matters:
Leaks can lead to structural damage, mold, and repairs if ignored. A professional inspection is crucial to identify the source, especially after heavy rain and storms.
2. Missing Shingles
Visible from the ground as gaps in the roof’s shingle pattern, often noticeable with binoculars. This can occur after storms, improper roofing or just due to age.
Why it Matters:
Missing shingles expose the roof to water infiltration, increasing leak risks. It’s a clear sign for professional assessment to prevent further damage.
3. Massive Amounts of Degranulation from Downspouts
Degranulation refers to the granules from asphalt shingles that appear in gutters or the bottom of downspouts. These gritty granules are usually found when cleaning or from a professional roof inspection
Why it Matters:
Granules protect shingles from UV damage. The loss of the granules suggests the roof is nearing the end of its life, typically after 15+ years, and may need replacement. A professional roofer can perform a roof inspection to confirm and estimate the remaining lifespan.
4. Buckling or Curling Shingles
Visible from the ground, especially with binoculars, shingles appear warped, curled at the edges or buckled (wavy). This is unfortunately a sign of deterioration that is often due to age, moisture, or a poor installation job from an inexperienced roofer.
Why it Matters:
Buckling or curling indicates the shingles are losing integrity, potentially leading to leaks. A professional can assess by inspecting the area to determine if a repair or replacement is needed.
5. Algae, Moss, or Lichen Growth
Visible as dark streaks, green patches or growth on the roof. These are often more noticeable on north-facing slopes or shaded areas with lots of tree coverage. It indicates prolonged moisture retention, which is especially hard to escape from in humid East Tennessee!
Why it Matters:
Algae, moss and lichen can trap moisture, leading to shingle decay and leaks. A professional roof inspection is recommended to address underlying issues, such as poor drainage or ventilation. An unexpected detail is that the growths might just look cosmetic but is a critical indicator of moisture problems. If ignored, this can potentially lead to costly repairs, which may shock homeowners who are only focused on obvious damage.
If you suspect roof damage, check out our Emergency Roof Repairs for repair options.
FAQ: What Every Homeowner Should Know
💲 WHAT DOES THE AVERAGE SHINGLE ROOF COST IN KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE?
- The average cost is between $25,000–$35,000 but varies depending on the size of your roof, the type of materials needed and the type of home.
- The cheapest roof is the one purchased now. Material costs have risen 20% – 40% since COVID.
🧱 HOW MUCH DO ROOFERS CHARGE PER JOB?
- Full replacements typically range $25,000–$35,000.
- Labor costs: $200–$350 per square (100 sq. ft.) varying by job size.
👷 HOW TO FIND A GOOD ROOFER?
- Look for 10+ years of experience, locally owned, licenses, insurance, certifications (NRCA), warranties, strong reviews and a website offering quality materials and warranties for East Tennessee weather.
🚩 HOW TO TELL IF A ROOFER IS LYING?
- Demanding full payment upfront.
- Storm chasing – Salespeople who travel and target areas after storms to offer free inspections and pressure homeowners to file claims for a new roof.
- Pressure tactics – Immediate contracts or misrepresenting claims 🚩🚩🚩🚩
- Lack of licensing, Insurance or Online Presence. Do your research and verify credentials before allowing anyone on your roof. If an uninsured roofer is injured on your roof, you could be held liable for their medical expenses, lost wages and potentially legal action if they sue you.
🧐 WHY DO ROOFERS GET A BAD REPUTATION?
- Though reputable companies exist, common complaints including pushy sales tactics, poor workmanship and insurance scams.
- However, reputable companies DO exist, prioritizing quality and transparency.
🛠 Benefits of Roof Repair:
- ✅ Cost-Effective (Short Term)
- Repairs are usually cheaper upfront than a full replacement.
- Ideal for minor or localized damage like a few missing shingles or a small leak.
- ✅ Faster Turnaround
- Most repairs can be done in a day or less, minimizing disruption.
- ✅ Extends Life of Existing Roof
- Strategic repairs can prolong the life of your current roof by several years.
- ✅ Less Waste
- Repairing uses fewer materials, making it a more sustainable option.
- ✅ Good for Newer Roofs
- If your roof is still relatively new (under 10–15 years), repairs may be all you need.
🛠 Benefits of Roof Replacement:
- ✅ Long-Term Investment
- A new roof provides decades of protection (20–50 years depending on materials)
- ✅ Increases Home Value
- Boots your homes resale value by 60% ROI, increases curb appeal and adds value during appraisals.
- ✅ Improved Energy Efficiency
- New roofing materials offer better insulation and lower utility bills.
- ✅ Fixes Hidden Issues
- Replacing your roof lets you address any underlying problems like rot, mold, or structural damage that you didn’t even know you had.
- ✅ Better Warranty
- Most new roofs come with manufacturer warranties and installation guarantees. Making roof inspections more achievable!
- ✅ Peace of Mind
- You won’t have to worry about surprise leaks, needing repairs, or storm damage for quite some time.
At the end of the day, roofing isn’t just about shingles and nails.
It’s about protection, comfort, and peace of mind.
Whether you’re repairing or replacing, you can trust our team at Daniel Hood Roofing to handle the job with care and expertise so you can get back to what matters most.
Need help deciding? The experts at Daniel Hood Roofing Systems are ready to inspect your roof and provide honest, professional recommendations—call now for a free estimate!
By Daniel Hood, VFL and Owner of Daniel Hood Roofing Systems
As Knoxville’s top roofing expert, I’m a licensed general contractor and public adjuster who’s helped hundreds of homeowners navigate insurance claims after hail and windstorms. A former University of Tennessee football player, I bring the same grit and preparation from the field to every roofing project at Daniel Hood Roofing Systems, ensuring your home is protected with the right coverage.
Crafted by Daniel Hood with help from AI tools to polish the details, this article reflects my 15 years of roofing expertise.
