A homeowner in Richardson called Rainy Day Restoration & Roofing after noticing leaks and interior water damage. The roof inspection that followed found a large hole in the roof deck, missing counter-flashing at the chimney, hail impact marks, and damage from an overhanging neighbor’s tree. Given the roof’s age of approximately 15 years and the extent of what was documented, the recommendation was complete replacement rather than spot repair.
What we found in Richardson
The inspection began with the interior leak complaint that prompted the call, but the roof told a broader story. Excessive granule loss across the shingle field pointed to a roof nearing the end of its service life. Counter-flashing was missing at the chimney, a common entry point for water when flashing has failed or was never properly installed. Most notably, a hole roughly the size of a soccer ball was found on the left side of the roof, large enough to see directly into the attic space below.
Beyond that opening, the technician documented hail impact marks across the roof surface and multiple nail pops, both signs of a roof under stress from age and weather exposure. A neighboring tree with branches overhanging the roofline had torn up shingles where it made contact, and fallen leaves had accumulated in the roof valleys, creating conditions where water can dam up and back under shingles during rain.
Rainy Day’s role
Rainy Day Restoration & Roofing has been family-owned in North Texas since 1999, and this inspection reflects our standard approach: document conditions thoroughly, photograph what is found, and provide the homeowner with a clear report before any work begins. Roofing work itself is not licensed in Texas and this inspection was not performed under IICRC certification, since that credential applies to our mold and water damage division. Our role here was straightforward documentation and reporting to give the homeowner accurate information for next steps.
What we did
The technician conducted a full visual inspection of the roof surface, chimney flashing, and attic access point near the hole. Roof condition was documented systematically, damage was photographed throughout, and findings were compiled into a report for the homeowner. No repairs were performed during this visit, as the scope was assessment only.
What the photos show
The photo set documents the hole in the roof deck, areas of missing counter-flashing at the chimney, granule loss patterns across aged shingles, hail impact marks, nail pops, tree-damaged shingles, and leaf accumulation in the valleys.
Why roof damage is worth taking seriously in Richardson
A hole large enough to see through into the attic is not a minor issue, it’s a direct path for water, pests, and debris into the home’s structure. Missing counter-flashing at a chimney is a frequent, often overlooked source of slow leaks that can cause interior water damage long before a homeowner notices anything wrong with the roof itself. Combined with hail impact marks, nail pops, and a roof already at 15 years of age, these conditions compound each other rather than existing in isolation. Leaf buildup in valleys adds another layer of risk, since trapped moisture against shingles accelerates deterioration in exactly the areas designed to move water off the roof quickly.
Result and next step
Based on what was documented, Rainy Day recommended complete roof replacement rather than targeted repair, given the combination of age, granule loss, storm damage, and the structural opening found on the left side of the roof. Additional recommendations included trimming tree branches away from roof contact, installing new counter-flashing at the chimney, and adding a cricket behind the chimney to address its width and direct water flow properly. These recommendations reflect the documented conditions; the report did not attempt to assign a specific cause to any single finding.
Guidance for property owners in Richardson and North Texas
When a roof is approaching or past the 15-year mark and interior leaks appear, it’s worth having the full roof assessed rather than just the area directly above the leak. Overhanging tree limbs, valley debris, and aging flashing details are all conditions that can be identified during a routine inspection before they force an emergency call. Rainy Day Restoration & Roofing has operated as one company from first call through rebuild since 1999, which means the same team that documents conditions can also scope and carry out the resulting work.
Related guidance
For homeowners evaluating their own roof’s condition, learn more about our roof inspection process, review the signs of hail damage on a roof, or get help scheduling an assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Does a 15-year-old roof with hail damage always need full replacement?
Not always, but when granule loss, hail impact marks, nail pops, and structural damage like a hole are found together, as documented in this Richardson inspection, replacement is often recommended over piecemeal repair.
Can missing chimney flashing cause interior leaks?
Yes, missing or damaged counter-flashing at a chimney is a common entry point for water and was documented as one of several findings during this inspection.
Should overhanging tree branches be trimmed away from a roof?
Yes, branches in contact with a roof can tear shingles and contribute to debris buildup in valleys, which was observed during this inspection and included in the recommendations.
Is roofing work in Texas licensed or IICRC-certified?
No, Texas does not license roofing contractors, and IICRC certification applies to mold and water damage restoration, not roofing. This inspection was documentation and reporting only.
“Recently used Rainy Day again for a tricky water leak on our roof. Josh explained the whole project; and as before, his team was prompt, efficient and thorough. Again, we highly recommend them.”
