A faulty or failing roof is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. As the part of your home which keeps you warm and dry, a serviceable roof is an absolute must for any property, but the hassle and potential expense associated with installing a new roof altogether can encourage some individuals to bury their head in the sand.
Obviously, such a course of action is inadvisable in the extreme, since taking the time to check your roof on a regular basis (once or twice a year) is crucial in helping you to nip any issues in the bud. But what exactly should you look out for when checking the condition of your roof? Here’s a rundown of the top eight signs you might need a new roof.
1) Water damage
Water damage can come from many places. While wet patches on your ceiling or walls could be a product of damp rather than a leaky roof, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. As soon as you notice any staining or watermarks on the inside of your property, it’s imperative that you have the roof inspected right away.
Failure to address the situation can lead to the growth of mould and mildew, both of which are detrimental to human health, as well as further compromising the structural integrity of your roof.
2) Plant growth
Speaking of damp conditions and the life they can foster, any moss or algae which accumulates on your roof is a tell-tale sign that something is not right. These plants love moisture and are excellent at retaining it in their own right, so not only are they a clear symptom of the problem, but they can also exacerbate it rapidly if left untreated.
A roof which is allowed to wallow in moisture is conducive towards rotting of the roofing materials, which can lead to a sudden and quite catastrophic collapse.
3) Light ingress
Make a habit of visiting the rooms in the top floor of your home, switching the lights off and looking upwards. If any light is able to penetrate through your ceiling, that’s a sign that there are cracks or gaps through which the elements (and unwanted pest infestations) can enter.
4) Missing or cracked tiles
If the tiles or slates which make up your roof have become damaged or even fallen away altogether, it’s a sure indication that you need to install a new roof as a matter of some urgency.
In some cases, it will be immediately apparent whether or not the tiles are in good condition from a visual inspection. However, you should also check the guttering on your home for debris or tile fragments, since this can also give the game away.
5) Faulty flashing
Flashing is the material which adorns the protruding features of the roof, such as chimneys, skylights and dormer windows. It’s normally constructed of materials like aluminium or galvanised steel, which are impermeable to rainwater and direct it away from the surface of the roof.
The quality of flashing can become compromised by excessive dryness in the caulking beneath, loose installation or deterioration of the material after heavy weathering. A visual inspection should indicate whether the flashing is ripped, loose or disintegrating and needs attention.
6) Sagging roofline
This is one of the most serious signs that your home needs a new roof. When standing back from the house and surveying its ro0fline along the ridge, you should be presented with a straight line from one end to the other. Any dip or sag in its outline means that the roof has suffered structural damage and, in the most extreme cases, could collapse without warning.
7) Expensive energy bills
A less obvious but equally demonstrative indicator of a faulty roof is the rising price of your energy bills. Since the roof is responsible for the lion’s share of heat loss from any home, you might find that it now costs more money to keep your property warm than it did previously.
If that’s the case, it could be that there are leaks or insulation issues with your roof. Replacing the roof will solve those problems immediately and reduce your energy bills going forwards, which makes it more an investment than a one-off expense.
8) Age
This final sign is not something you can look out for, per se. However, the age of your property can be an excellent indicator of the condition of its roof. Modern roofs generally have a lifespan of 50 years (for tiled or slated roofs) and 20-30 years (for flat roofs), yet construction methods and materials weren’t always as durable as they are today.
Generally speaking, any roof that is 15 years older or more will benefit from a professional roof inspection. This can identify any issues before they develop into bigger problems and prevent you from forking out for a new roof altogether.
A reliable roof over your head
If you’ve noticed one or more of the signs outlined above and would like to discuss an inspection or replacement of your roof, DPR Roofing are here to help. Over the last 30 years, we’ve installed countless new roofs in and around Pontefract, earning plenty of positive customer reviews in the process.
We’d be happy to do the same for your property, delivering impeccable quality at competitive prices in your area. To find out more and arrange for a quote, give us a call on 01977 220016 or send us a message at [email protected].