These signs can indicate holes, cracks, missing and damaged shingles, or other roof failure. By the time you notice a sign of leakage on the interior of your house, the damage is typically quite extensive. Once the roof structure has been compromised, repeated environmental attack will rapidly disintegrate the roof. Wooden components will rot within months, steel will rust, insulation will lose all of its insulating capacity, drywall will mold – eventually the entire house will be destroyed. The weight of the water also places additional stress on the structural components of the house that it was not designed to withstand. Ultimately, collapse becomes a terrifying possibility. Water slides down beams and into wall cavities, and can penetrate through all levels of the house. If you notice any signs of roof damage, it is very important to have your roof repaired promptly, or replaced if necessary. The longer you wait, the more damage and expense you will ultimately have to deal with.