Knowing when to replace your roof can be difficult. A roof isn’t something that you check every day; in fact, many of us forget to check our roofs at all. With so many things to constantly think about, it is easy to forget about roof maintenance – after all, if it looks structurally sound and keeps the rain off our heads, it must be doing its job. There are, however, certain warning signs that indicate that a roof replacement is on the cards. It is important that you are aware of these signs and that you inspect your roof regularly in order to detect problems early on, ensuring that you can treat them to avoid potential dangers further down the line.
You should check your roof at least twice a year. We recommend inspecting your roof once during Spring and once during Autumn, however it is always good practice to keep an eye on your roof throughout the entire year too. Detecting damages early will save you a lot of trouble and a lot of money in the long-run; the cost of roof repair can be expensive and, therefore, it is crucial that you catch any problems as soon as possible.
While some warning signs that you need a roof replacement are only visible from the top of your house, there are some signs that are visible from the ground too. Below we have compiled a list of the most common warning signs that your roof is in need of a repair or replacement.
Leaks
Water can leak through your roof into your home for a number of reasons, including missing roof shingles, poor insulation and blocked gutters. If you have noticed leaks inside your property, you should inspect your roof to find the root of the problem.
Watermarks on the ceilings of your property, as well as the presence of mould, mildew and puddles in your attic, are signs of a leaking roof. While you may only notice a small watermark that does not appear to be much of a problem, leaks can soon lead to bigger issues such as rotted framing, structural damage and mould. This is why it is important that leaks are detected and sorted as soon as possible.
Inspect your attic for dark streaks, leaks or the sound of dripping water within the walls. These are all signs that water is getting into your attic through the roof. If you notice any signs of water damage in your home or your attic, you should check your roof and get in touch with a professional as soon as possible to catch the issue early and to avoid costly damages down the line.
Curling, damaged or missing shingles
Regularly examining the exterior of your roof is essential. If you notice that any shingles are curling, damaged or missing, this is a strong indication that you are due a roof repair or replacement:
- Curled up shingles. Shingles can curl in two different ways: clawing, which is when the edges of the shingles stay flat and the middle begins to come up, or cupping, which occurs when the edges of the shingles turn upwards.
- Missing shingles. If you notice that more than a couple of shingles are missing, it may be time to replace your roof. Bald spots on your roof where granules are missing is an indication that problems – potentially leaks – are close to fruition.
- Cracked or damaged shingles. Shingles that are dented or cracked are typically a result of wind damage. Look out for damaged shingles on your roof; if just a few shingles are cracked, you should be able to easily replace them. If multiple shingles are cracked across your roof, however, you may need to have your roof replaced.
Sagging
A sagging roof is another tell-tale sign that your roof needs replacing. When inspecting your roof, you may not notice any obvious sagging from the outside; this does not, however, mean that there is no problem. You should regularly inspect the inside of your roof for any signs of rotting and sagging.
The top of your roof should follow a straight line along the ridge. If you notice a sag or a saddleback in the middle, this could be an indication of structural damage. If this issue is not detected and treated early, your roof may be at risk of collapsing which is why it is imperative that you contact a roofing contractor as soon as you notice any sagging. There may be a problem with the decking in the attic or the supports of the foundation – either way, a sagging roof needs to be soon to immediately.
Roofing sagging can be caused by a number of different issues, including improper installations, faulty roofing materials and frequent exposure to moisture and a vast amount of water. The heavy weight of rain, snow and ice can also cause your roof to sag.
Light coming in through your roof
If you notice light coming through into your attic, a roof replacement may well be on the cards. When carrying out your roof inspection, examine your attic for shards of light shining through – look for streams of light rather than just a glow. It is easiest to do this on a bright day with all of the lights turned off. Light coming in from your roof is most commonly caused by cracks and holes in the roof.
If light can get into your attic, then so can cold air, rain and snow which is why it is imperative that the problem is seen to as soon as possible. Depending on the extent of the damage, your roof may need replacing. Small leaks and holes can often be patched and repaired but larger, older ones can require an entire roof replacement. Get in touch with a professional to advise you on the next steps to take should you notice light entering your attic through your roof.
Ageing
In the UK, the most common types of roofs are installed with shingles and tiles. While these roofs are strong, durable and designed to stand the test of time, there does come a time when a roof needs to be replaced due to its age. You may have noticed that your neighbours are replacing their roofs; in this case, you should consider replacing your own roof as homes built around the same time period use the same materials and experience the same weather conditions. Remember, roofs are exposed to many extremes of weather which will eventually take its toll. Generally, it is recommended that if your roof is 15 years older or more, you should have it inspected and checked by a professional.
AD Booth & Sons Ltd: Your professional roofing contractors for roof installation and other roofing services
For over half a century, AD Booth & Sons have been providing domestic and commercial roofing services in Newcastle-under-Lyme and across Staffordshire, Cheshire and the wider area. If you think that it may be time to get your roof replaced, look no further than us.
Our skilled and experienced team can either strip down your roof and start fresh or work with what you already have. Either way, our expert knowledge and skills will leave you with a roof built to stand the test of time. For all of our new roofs, we offer a full structural check for your roof, a complete roof survey and continued support, full public liability insurance and a 25 year guarantee.
Our other roofing services include chimney work, solar panels, guttering, fascias and soffits, tiling and slating and more. To discuss the cost of a roof replacement, to learn more about our services or to discuss your requirements with a member of our team, simply get in touch today.