04/09/2021
5 Signs That It’s Time For A New Roof
5 July 2020
A well-maintained roof is a very important part of everyone’s home. It keeps the occupiers safe, it protects the whole structure and it plays an essential role in the appearance of the home’s exterior.
Most people don’t pay attention to the roof over their heads until they notice something very visible, such as a big leak or the colour deteriorating. We tend to think that a roof is doing its job well as long as it’s structurally sound and protects from the rain.
However, there are several warning signs which indicate that a roof might need replacing.
Making homeowners aware of these signs is essential to detecting problems and treating them successfully before they cause damage. Dealing with early damage will save your customer both time and money in the long run.
There is a significant difference between a new roof cost and the cost of a roof repair, so it’s important homeowners recognize any problems as soon as possible. This is why we have compiled a list of warning signs that indicate when a roof is in need of repair or replacement.
Look for Leaks
There are a few reasons why water may leak through the roof, such as poor detailing, missing roof tiles, and blocked gutters. If your customer has noticed any leaks inside their home, this is a serious sign that the roof has to be repaired or fully replaced quickly. They should be advised to never ignore roof leaks and find the root of the problem as soon as possible.
Watermarks, mould or mildew on the ceilings or the walls are signs of a leaking roof. What may first appear as a small watermark that isn’t much of a problem, may soon point to bigger issues, like structural damage and rotting roof timber.
That’s why it’s important to detect and deal with water ingress as soon as it’s noticed. Once customers inspect the ceiling and attic for visible leaks, they should be advised to contact a professional to deal with the issue promptly and avoid expensive damage.
The condition of the roof tiles
A properly maintained roof is an essential part of a home’s kerb appeal. Even if we don’t examine it thoroughly very often, it’s not difficult to notice if a roof has seen better days.
If a homeowner notices any damaged or missing tiles, this might be a sign that the roof is at the end of its life. Incomplete or cracked tiles or slates are normally a result of wind damage, and they shouldn’t cause a lot of trouble as long as they are dealt with on time.
If homeowners aren’t sure whether to invest in a full repair, it will be down to you as the roofing professional to diagnose these signs of an ageing roof and provide insight regarding how much life is left in the structure.
Light is visible through the roof
If light is visible from the underside of the roof, it’s normally time for a replacement. While doing a roof inspection, make sure you examine the attic for light. The best time to do this is on a bright day with the lights off. The reason for light coming in from a roof is typically a crack or a hole in the roof itself.
The problem is that if light can get into an attic, then so can rain, cold air and snow. This is why it’s crucial to identify and address the problem as soon as it appears. Perhaps small holes and leaks can be repaired, but if they are bigger and older, then the roof may need to be fully replaced.
Sagging roof
A sagging roof could indicate serious structural problems and should be professionally inspected promptly. This may not be very visible from the outside, but from inside signs of sagging and rotting may be obvious. Roof sagging can happen due to poor quality roofing materials, improper installation, moisture leaks, rot or it could be deteriorating due to age.
When you look at a roof from the outside, the top of it should be following a straight line along the ridge. If there is a sag in the middle, bear in mind that this could be a sign of structural damage. Customers should be advised they will need a professional roofing contractor to handle the issue. Otherwise, they could be risking a roof collapse.
It’s at the end of its life
Most roofs have 20 or 25-year life expectancy. This means that if your customer’s roof hasn’t required any repairs or hasn’t been replaced in over two decades, they should start thinking about it now.
Roofs are usually installed with tiles and slates, and while these materials are strong and durable, they eventually need to be replaced because they have served their purpose for many years and withstood time and weather conditions.
A good indication of a roof nearing the end of its life is when a house was built at the same time as its neighbours and their roofs are being replaced. This is the time to advise customers to get their roofs regularly inspected.
The roof is exposed to a range of weather conditions and extreme temperatures, so it’s no surprise that this will eventually take its toll. People whose roofs are older than 20 years should have them checked by a professional.
Don’t wait for major damage before paying attention to your roof
People tend to think that the lack of any visible damage means that their roof is good enough, but this is not always the case. The best time to repair or replace the roof is before it actually shows severe degradation. This way customers will have enough time to react and get quotes and ensure they hire a reputable, qualified roofing contractor.
The key to having enough time to deal with the issue properly lies in customers knowing what to look for to spot the warning signs. That way they can call a roofing professional well before their roofing problem causes extensive and costly damage to their property. The take home message for householders is: don’t wait for mould, sag, visible light or water leaks to pay attention to your roof.
Contact us today at Hyde n Sons for a free site visit why wait?
source: roofingtoday
