Protection against the outside weather starts with the roof of the home. When it’s in good shape, it can help protect the home from winds, rain, hail, and more. However, if the roof is damaged, it won’t be able to protect the interior of the home properly. That is why it’s so important for homeowners to keep an eye on their roof.
While some damage, like missing shingles, is easy to spot, there are other types of damage that can be harder to see from the ground. Soft spots can occur on any roof, and they can be caused by a few different factors. When they do appear, they can be hard to see at first, but they do need attention right away. Otherwise, the issue will get worse over time.
What are Soft Spots?
Soft spots are areas on the roof that are softer than the rest – they don’t hold up as well as the rest of the roof. They are a sign that there is damage to the roof underneath the shingles, even if the shingles appear to be in good shape.
If someone steps on a soft spot, there is the potential for them to go through the roof because the underlying foundation is no longer supporting the shingles properly. Though it is sometimes possible to see soft spots from the ground, they’re not always easy to detect without being up on the roof, which can be dangerous if there are soft spots.
Is it Usual for Roofs to Have Soft Spots?
Are soft spots on a roof normal? When a home is built, wood is used to create the underlying foundation for the roof. This is what holds up the roof and supports it, enabling it to protect the home against the weather. Soft spots occur as a result of damage to the underlying foundation.
This is something that can be common, especially in certain areas, but should be corrected right away when it’s discovered. It is not normal to have soft spots on the roof, and they do indicate damage that needs to be fixed quickly, before further damage is done.
Water Leaks in the Roof
Soft spots can quickly appear when there is damage to the shingles, flashing, or other parts of the roof. As rain is able to leak below the shingles, it can cause the sheathing, which is what the shingles sit on, to start to rot. The rotted area will spread over time, causing further damage.
The damage creates the soft spots under the shingles. In some cases, it will be easy to see that there is damage to the shingles, but not always. If the flashing or other areas of the roof are leaking, it can be hard to spot the damage before the soft spots appear.
Poor Ventilation in Attic
The attic needs to have ventilation to help regulate the temperature and release moisture that can build up. If the attic isn’t ventilated properly, though, moisture can build up and start to cause damage to the underlying foundation of the roof from the inside of the attic.
Moisture buildup is harder to detect from outside, but soft spots can develop as a result. If the ventilation isn’t corrected, the issue will continue to get worse over time. As a result, it may eventually be necessary to replace the roof and fix the ventilation issues in the attic to prevent damage to the new roof.
Older Materials Wearing Out
A shingles roof is designed to last around 20 years. The materials in the roof can start to break down at this point and will need to be replaced. Though the foundation can last a lot longer, eventually, it will also need to be replaced.
When it starts wearing down, the wood sheathing can start to sag, which can lead to structural damage and the appearance of soft spots in the roof. A full replacement will be recommended at this point because if one part is starting to show damage because of its age, the rest will follow shortly.
Damage From Pests
Pests can cause significant damage throughout the house, but many people don’t think to check the foundation of the roof for damage. Even if damage is noticed in the attic, they may not think to look up at the roof, but it can be damaged, too.
Pests can chew through the wooden structure of the roof, causing it to sag and become soft. These soft spots will need to be repaired quickly to help prevent them from getting worse or from the roof collapsing. At the same time, the pest issue will need to be handled to prevent them from doing further damage to the roof and home.
How Soft Spots Get Worse
Soft spots can start out small, but they’re going to get worse over time. If the soft spots are caused by rot, the rot will spread with time, especially during the rainy season, if more rain is able to get through the shingles to the roof’s foundation.
If the soft spots are caused by structural damage, the weight of the roof can cause them to get worse over time. If soft spots are ignored, it could lead to parts of the roof collapsing, especially when there is extra weight on it, like when it rains. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for potential soft spots so they can be fixed right away.
Checking for Soft Spots
Taking a walk around the house to look at the roof is something homeowners should do at least once every few months. It’s also a good idea to take a walk around to look for damage after major storms. Soft spots may appear like buckling or wavy portions of the roof, or the homeowner may spot areas where the shingles sag or the roof seems to dip. All of these are an indication that something is wrong.
It is also a good idea to have a Parker County roofing company take a look at the roof at least once per year. A roofing company can safely do a thorough inspection to determine if there are any soft spots or other damage. If a homeowner does suspect soft spots on the roof, an inspection can let them know how severe the issue is and what their options are for fixing it.
Does the Roof Need to be Replaced?
Maybe. An inspection is needed to determine the extent of the damage to the roof. If there are a few small areas where the sheathing is rotting and causing a soft spot, it’s likely possible to repair those parts of the roof. However, if the amount it will cost to repair the roof is at least half the cost to replace it, homeowners may want to consider replacing the roof, especially if it’s older. A roofing company can provide homeowners with information about whether repairs or a replacement would be a good idea for their specific situation.
Repairing Soft Spots
Smaller soft spots can likely be repaired, saving the homeowner money. To repair them, the shingles will need to be removed so the sheathing below them can be replaced. Once that is done, the shingles can be replaced on the roof. Flashing can also be installed again or replaced and recaulked to help prevent further damage. This can be a lot less expensive compared to replacing the entire roof, which is why it’s so important to keep an eye out for damage and call for an expert inspection if there is any sign of issues with the roof.
Preventing Soft Spots
Soft spots, even when they’re detected early, can be expensive to fix. Instead, it’s a good idea for homeowners to do what they can to prevent them from occurring. The following are just a few things homeowners can do to keep their roof in great shape and prevent soft spots from appearing.
If you suspect there are soft spots on your roof, a professional inspection is important. This will help you to determine how much of the roof is damaged and what your options are going forward. Never ignore soft spots, as they can get much worse over time. Schedule an inspection today to learn more about your roof’s condition and what you can do to help it protect the rest of your home.
Dean has extensive experience in the roofing and construction business with over 26 years under his belt. As a former insurance adjuster, Dean got into this industry knowing what is required for a good durable quality roof, founding JDCC Roofing in 1999. Over the years, creating roofs that are not only safe and dry but add beauty and style to a house led JDCC Roofing into the remodeling business.
Dean and his family proudly support “Bearcat Nation” in Aledo, TX. Dean also enjoys spending time outdoors and playing golf in his spare time.
© Copyright 2025 JDCC Roofing, All Rights Reserved.