Spring can be one of the most beautiful times to live in South Central Kansas as flowers bloom and temperatures warm up. But every Kansan knows that warmer spring weather brings spring thunderstorms that often include high winds, hail, and lots of rain.
Even before storm season starts in spring, the extreme cold and icy conditions of winter can weaken and damage roofs. If your roof is damaged, spring storms can cause expensive leaks or even structural damage. That’s why it’s important to repair or replace your roof before spring.
Checking your roof for damage before spring storms hit can save you from extensive and costly repairs. Here are some early roof damage signs you should know.
1. Missing, Cracked, or Curling Shingles
Shingles protect your house from the elements. They are truly your roof’s first line of defense. If they fail, water can reach the underlayment and decking. This compromises the roof’s structural integrity, leading to sagging roof decks, interior leaks and ceiling damage, expensive repair, or even total roof failure.
What to Look For:
- Missing or broken shingles
- Curling shingle edges
- Cracked or split shingles
- Loose or lifted shingles
2. Sand in Gutters or Downspouts
As they age, asphalt shingles shed their protective granules. If you start to see a lot of dark particles that look like sand in your gutters or downspouts, it means your shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan. As this happens, their UV protection is wearing away, which can cause them to deteriorate faster. And breakage and leaks are probably not far behind.
3. Leaks or Water Stains in Your Attic
As the area in your house closest to the roof, the attic can be one of the best places to identify the signs of early roof problems. It’s important to remember that even if the leak you find is small, it’s still a sign that you need to have your roof repaired. Small leaks can get worse quickly in spring rainstorms.
What to look for:
- Dark stains on rafters or sheathing
- Damp insulation
- Visible daylight coming through the roof boards
- Mold or mildew smell
4. Damaged Flashing Around Roof Features
Flashing is a thin waterproof material that is supposed to form a watertight seal where materials meet on your roof. This includes joints, valleys, intersections, walls, and penetrations in your roof such as chimneys, vents, and skylights. Flashing is typically made from galvanized steel, aluminum, or copper so it’s generally sturdy. However, since it’s still exposed to the weather, it still rusts, cracks, gets loose, or becomes damaged over time. When that happens, water can enter your roof system quickly.
5. Visibly Sagging or Uneven Roof
Your roof should be straight and level. If you see visible dips in the roofline or areas that look like they’re sunken in or bowing, your roof needs immediate attention. These are signs that you have advanced water damage, potentially rotting decking, or severe structural issues.
Pro Tip: Don’t Wait Until After a Big Storm Hits To Schedule Your Roof Inspection
Late winter or early spring is the ideal time to schedule roof inspection. Contractors are generally less busy at that time than when storm season hits. And needed roof repairs can be completed before the heavy rain of spring and summer. Spring storms can be incredibly damaging to your roof and the rest of your home. In fact, the Kansas Department of Insurance reports that there were more than 82,000 storm damage claims in 2025!
Contact Us Today For A Free Inspection!
Contact American Roofing & Construction today at 316‑461‑6565 or request your free roof inspection online. Our experienced team will inspect, repair, and restore your roof so your home stays dry and protected all year long.