Have you noticed gaps in the tiles on your roof? Perhaps noticed water making its way in where it shouldn’t
These aren’t the only indicators that a roof is past its best though. There are a variety of signs your roof may need to be replaced. In this blog, we take a look.
How can you tell if your roof needs replacing?
Your roof could show signs it needs replacing in a host of different ways. Some of which may be a lot more obvious than others.
The age of your roof
This is perhaps one of the more hidden signs that a roof needs replacing. Many roofs are expected to last around 20-30 years depending on what they are made from. Should your roof be close to, or have exceeded its expected lifespan, it might be time to think about a change. You might not see a problem with it, but there could be hidden structural issues that see much larger problems arise if it doesn’t get replaced soon enough.
It might even be that your roof no longer meets regulations so if it’s particularly old, look into a replacement.
Missing or damaged tiles
If you can clearly see there are missing or damaged tiles, the roof is not in its best condition. Curling or buckling of them indicates your roof may no longer provide the coverage you had hoped. Untreated, this will only get worse over time and see water seep in and cause additional damage. This may seem minor at first, but it will gradually cause rot to the frame, and see damage spread much further. Repairs once they get to this level can cost a significant sum.
Leaks and water damage
Sometimes, the roof may appear fine from the outside but there could be issues you can’t see from afar. If, for example, you start to see water stains on the ceilings or walls, it could indicate the roof is leaking. Leaks tend to stem from damaged roofing materials that no longer provide the protection they are meant to. This can bring multiple problems as not only is your roof compromised but you could be damaging your walls and also seeing the development of mould.
If you notice water stains on your ceiling or walls inside your home, it could be a sign that your roof is leaking. Leaks are often caused by damaged or worn roofing materials that allow water to seep through and into your home.
Particles/granules in gutters
Another one that might not be noticeable unless you look carefully. Roof tiles often have a protective coating over them to help protect the roof from UV damage. If you spot granules and pieces of tile in the gutter, it could be a sign that your roofing tiles are losing their quality. This should be treated if you notice a significant amount as over time, the UV exposure will cause your roof to degrade quite fast.
Higher than normal energy bills
We all know that energy bills are a massive concern right now. As a result, we all try our hardest to find ways to bring them down. If you still see them rising despite your best efforts, it could be a sign there is a problem elsewhere. A lack of quality insulation or damage to the roof could cause heat escape. It might only be a small problem initially, but as energy costs rise, it could become quite expensive.
Build-up of moss
Moss thrives in damp places, so it is often a sign of a moisture build-up. This doesn’t necessarily mean your roof needs an urgent repair, but it could mean that water is trapped. Over time, this could lead to significant damage through rot and decay that costs much more to repair than if it was tackled right away.
Sagging roof deck
If visible dips appear in the roofline or the roof deck appears to be sagging, it is likely there is some serious structural issue with the roof. It may stem from water damage, an accumulation of debris or poor installation. This should be addressed quickly by contacting a specialist roofing company right away. Leaving a problem like this for too long could cause the roof to collapse.
Any of these signs indicate that the roof may need replacing, especially if it is near the end of its expected lifespan. It can be a huge expense to replace a roof completely, that’s why it’s best to address issues as soon as possible. That way you can tackle problems before they develop into something much worse and much more expensive. Speak to a specialist in roof repairs in London or wherever else you may be based and get some expert advice first, then make an informed decision on the best route to take.
