Water-shedding covering that relies on overlap, underlay and flashings.
What changes first
Look for cracks, displaced tiles and moss-retained moisture. The pattern and location usually matter more than color alone.
Moisture and movement behavior
Record whether the material changes after rain, water use, heating cycles or seasonal humidity. A material can display the damage while the source is somewhere else.
Before repair
Determine whether the material is the source, a pathway or only the final surface. Correct the controlling condition before replacing finishes.