Where would your house be without a roof? Well, definitely not somewhere you could comfortably occupy. Your roof is an investment in your property, so keeping it functioning is essential.
Problems can happen in any part of your home, but when they occur on your roof, they can cause significant upheaval for you. And then, there is the expense it can create. In this blog, we wanted to share some common roofing problems you can come across. The sooner you can identify a problem, the sooner you can call the experts to make the necessary roof repairs.
1: Damage From Water & Moisture
There are a few different ways that water can damage your roof. Unfortunately, any of them can cause substantial and costly damage.
Roof Leaks
These are a problem most homeowners have had to deal with. Caught early, you can resolve them. However, persistent leaks can cause expensive structural damage if not noticed or ignored. So, it is essential to keep a close eye out for any early signs; these can include,
- Cracked flashings
- Broken tiles & shingles
- Structural damage to tiles or slates.
The places to keep a close eye on are usually,
- Around any chimneys
- Near gutters & flashing
- Around skylights or valleys
- Close to vents
- Damp spots in the building – unfortunately, this indicates that damage has already occurred.
Problems With Standing Water
Standing water is a problem generally found with flat roofs, although older roofs can have problems if the roof starts to sink. The problems standing or pooling water can cause include mould, mildew, and rot. In addition, if left for too long, the moisture can seep into the internal structure causing damage to the structural integrity of your home.
2: The Age Of Your Roof
How long a roof will last does depend on how it was constructed, what materials were used and how well it was constructed. A rule of thumb is that a roof lasts under normal conditions for around 20 years. Normal being not put under extreme weather conditions like heavy snowfall. Again being proactive is the answer to any old-age problems on your roof. Be sure to check it before 20+ years. A good indication that you should check your roof—especially if you don’t know its age—is when your neighbour starts work on their roof.
3: You Can See Daylight
If your building has an attic, make a point to regularly check it out, looking for that bit of daylight shining through. This could mean shingles and roofing is deteriorating. Also, as mentioned above, it’s a good time to check for leaks. Finally, take a good look at your insulation, and check for any moisture or signs of mould.
4: Flashing Problems
These can occur around chimneys, vents or skylights in your roof. These can be constructed from tar, roofing material or steel sheeting. All of them can deteriorate over time. You need to ensure the flashing is watertight.
5: Shingles, Breaking Or Going Missing
If your property experiences heavy rain or snowfall, this can be a recurring problem every winter. However, strong sunlight can also damage your shingles over time. Keep an eye out for shingles curling or buckling. These are signs they are deteriorating, as are ‘crumbs’ of shingles in the guttering.
Calling in an expert is how to keep your roof in the best possible condition. They can advise on the options you have available, and they can do the work safely having the right tools, knowledge, experience and safety equipment.