What Are the Most Common Roofing Problems Homeowners Should Watch For—And How Are They Fixed?

Roof issues have a way of showing up when you least expect them, and when they do, it's hard not to worry. Whether it's a leak or a few missing shingles, even small problems can feel overwhelming. What can I do about it? Is it serious? Can I fix it myself? Can it wait?

At Happy Roofing, we've worked with hundreds of homeowners who were asking the same questions. That uncertainty of roof issues can be stressful, and while it's natural to want a closer look as soon as possible, inspecting or repairing your roof yourself can be dangerous if you're not trained or equipped for it. Your safety matters, and there are safer ways to understand what's going on than to climb onto your roof yourself.

The good news is, you don't have to take that risk. In this article, we'll walk you through the most common roofing issues and explain how professionals typically handle them. While roof problems can feel stressful at first, understanding what's involved when it comes to remedies can go a long way toward putting your mind at ease.

Table of Contents

• The Most Common Roofing Problems Homeowners Face
• Common Roof Problems and Their Solutions
• What to Do If You're Experiencing Roof Problems
• When Does a Roof Need to Be Replaced Instead of Repaired?

What Are the Most Common Roofing Problems Homeowners Face?

Leaks, moisture damage from poor drainage, lifting or missing shingles, and sagging areas are some of the most frequent issues homeowners deal with. 

These problems can develop slowly due to age or show up suddenly after damaging events like heavy storms. The important thing is recognizing them early, before they lead to more serious (and costly) damage.

Leaking or Damaged Flashing

One of the most common and frustrating roofing problems homeowners face is water leaking around the flashing (the thin metal strips that seal vulnerable seams like roof edges, chimneys, vents, and skylights).

When flashing becomes cracked, rusted, or was never installed correctly, it can allow water to seep underneath the shingles and into the home. These leaks are especially common in older roofs and can sometimes go unnoticed until the damage has already begun.

Below is an example of chimney flashing during installation:

How Is Roof Flashing Fixed?

A roofing professional will typically reseal or replace the flashing, depending on its condition, and check the surrounding shingles, underlayment, and roof decking for any signs of water damage. Most leaks that stem from flashing failure are noticed as water stains on ceilings near chimneys, walls, or vents.

What happens next depends on the extent of the damage:

• Isolated damage: A targeted repair is often enough to correct isolated roof flashing issues. A roofing contractor removes only the necessary siding and shingles to access the faulty flashing. After replacing and sealing the flashing, everything is reinstalled without disturbing the surrounding area.
• Widespread or structural damage: Visible rot or multiple problem areas may point to deeper issues. To replace flashing properly, a roofer typically needs to remove and reinstall surrounding shingles (and sometimes siding) to access the damaged areas. If this level of work is required in multiple spots, a partial or full roof replacement may be more practical and cost-effective in the long run, especially if the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan.

Clogged or Damaged Gutters

Gutters might not seem like a roofing issue at first glance, but if they're clogged or damaged, they can lead to serious problems. Gutters are responsible for directing water away from your roof and foundation.

When they’re filled with debris like leaves or have been damaged by storms, water can back up under the shingles or spill over the edges. This can lead to leaks or wood rot as moisture builds up over time, especially in the wood fascia or roof decking near the edges.

If water spills over the sides of the gutters instead of being carried away through the downspouts, like in the photo below, it can pool around the base of your home, putting your foundation at risk for cracking and long-term damage.

How Are Clogged or Damaged Gutters Fixed?

In many cases, routine gutter cleaning is enough to ensure that water is directed away from the roof and home as it's intended. However, if the gutters are damaged, pulling away, or showing signs of overflow or leakage, more extensive repairs may be needed to restore proper drainage and prevent water damage to fascia, siding, or the foundation.

The specific fix depends on the condition of the gutters and surrounding materials:

• Minor or isolated gutter damage: If a section of the gutter has pulled away or is damaged, a roofer can typically reattach, reseal, or replace just that portion. During the repair, they'll also check nearby fascia boards (the straight boards beneath the roofline) for any signs of water damage.
• Widespread water damage or recurring issues: If water has been backing up for an extended period, it may have caused hidden rot behind the gutters. If rot is discovered or the gutters have pulled away multiple times, it's usually best to replace the affected sections entirely to ensure a longer-lasting and more reliable fix.

Moss, Algae, or Lichen Growth

Moss, algae, and lichen are types of plant or fungal growth that can spread across roof surfaces, especially in damp or shaded areas. While they might seem harmless at first, they can shorten the life of your roof if they’re left untreated. 

Moss growth can trap moisture against shingles, weakening them over time, lifting their edges, and creating entry points for leaks.

Naperville has a humid and shady environment that often includes older, tree‑lined neighborhoods, making these organic growths especially common. In environments like this, it's typically recommended to soft‑wash asphalt shingle roofs every 1–2 years to prevent buildup and protect your shingles.

Below is an example of moss growth on an asphalt shingle roof:

How Can You Remove Organic Growth From Your Roof?

A professional will safely remove the growth using methods like soft washing that won’t damage the shingles. This is important because aggressive scrubbing or pressure washing can do more harm than good, often removing the protective granules from the shingle. 

These specialized techniques gently remove moss, algae, and lichen without compromising the integrity of the shingles. After cleaning, preventative treatments can be applied to slow future growth. 

These treatments usually involve spraying a cleaning solution that’s safe for your roof helps stop moss and algae from growing back.. These aren’t harsh chemicals that could damage shingles; instead, they’re formulated to:

• Kill existing moss, algae, or lichen spores.
• Prevent regrowth for an extended period (often a year or more).
• Be gentle enough to prevent stripping granules or compromising the roof surface.

Some modern roofing materials, like Malarkey shingles, are manufactured with algae-resistant granules that provide long-term protection against discoloration and growth. Choosing shingles with built-in resistance can reduce maintenance needs and extend the overall life of your roof.

Sagging Roof Sections

A sagging roof is one of the clearest signs that something serious is happening beneath the surface.

Unlike a missing shingle or a small leak, sagging almost always points to an underlying issue. Common causes include rotting roof decking, prolonged water damage, or weakened framing that can no longer support the weight of the roof.

In some cases, improper installation or undersized framing materials can contribute to sagging, but more often the root issue is poor roof ventilation. Without proper airflow, heat and moisture build up in the attic, gradually weakening the roof structure and leading to sagging over time. If you notice this happening on your roof, it could be a serious safety concern that should be addressed as soon as possible.

Here is an example of a more extreme case of roof warping and sagging: 

How Is Roof Sagging Fixed?

A sagging or warped roof deck is usually a sign of underlying structural problems. How it's repaired depends on how severe the issue is:

• Localized sagging: When caught early, sagging can sometimes be corrected with targeted structural repairs such as reinforcing the framing or replacing sections of damaged decking. A roofing professional will also inspect the area to confirm whether the issue is isolated and identify the root cause so it doesn't happen again.
• Widespread sagging or compromised structure: If the sagging is more extensive or the roof's structural integrity has been significantly weakened, spot repairs usually aren't enough. In these cases, a full roof replacement is often the safest and most effective solution to restore strength and long-term durability.

Common Roofing Problems & Fixes

What to Do If You're Experiencing Roof Problems

If you've noticed any of the issues we've outlined, whether it's a water stain on the ceiling, missing shingles, or even signs of sagging, the next step is to get a professional assessment. The sooner you bring in an expert, the better your chances of catching the problem early and avoiding bigger, more costly damage.

A roofing professional can determine whether what you're seeing is a minor issue that can be repaired or if it's a symptom of something more serious. Even if the damage looks small from the ground, hidden problems under the surface may need attention.

Scheduling an inspection doesn't mean you're committing to a roof replacement. Instead, it's simply about getting a clear picture of what's happening with your roof, what options you have to fix it, and which path will give you the best outcome for your home long term.

When Does a Roof Need to Be Replaced Instead of Repaired?

Some issues, like a small leak around flashing or a few damaged shingles, can often be resolved with a targeted repair that restores full protection to your home. In these cases, a professional can address the problem directly, giving you peace of mind without the need for a larger, more invasive project.

However, other issues may indicate something bigger. Widespread shingle damage, recurring leaks in multiple areas, sagging roof sections, or rot beneath the surface are often signs that your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. In those situations, patching small sections may only buy time while the underlying issues continue to spread. An experienced roofer can tell you whether a localized repair will be reliable, or if a full replacement is ultimately the safer and more cost-effective option.

Understanding where your roof falls on that spectrum helps you avoid pouring money into short-term fixes when a long-term solution is what's needed. Not sure if your roof can be repaired or if it's time for a full replacement? Learn the key deciding factors in our article, Roof Repair vs. Replacement: What Homeowners Need. You'll learn which situations are appropriate for each, and get a better understanding of what to expect before deciding on a solution that's right for you.

If you're experiencing any of these problems and want a professional evaluation of your roof's health, we offer non-commitment consultations to provide clear, honest answers without any obligations to move forward.