We don’t tend to give our roof much thought. It sits on top of our house doing its job until one day water starts dripping from the ceiling. Unfortunately, by then, the damage within your home could be significant and costly.
When you think about it, your roof is the most exposed part of your house and the most vulnerable to the outside elements. If you can spot when to replace a roof then you’ll save yourself a lot of money from internal damage to your home, or better still know when to avoid buying a house that has significant roof damage.
In this article, we’ll talk you through 7 signs it’s time to replace your roof. Not all signs are obvious and you may be surprised about where to look for them. Read on to find out.
Follow the Light
One of the best places to start your roof investigation is not on the roof itself but in the attic. Even if you have attic lights, turn them off and use a torch. When you’re comfortable in the attic, turn off your torch and look for fine shards of light that are coming in from the roof.
If you see a thin beam of light, you can be sure you have a leak. If you spot the light coming in, then you’ll need to further investigate if water has been getting in and damaging any other areas.
Spot Damaged Shingles
What does a damaged shingle look like? Remember each shingle should be lying perfectly flat to the roof and all of them should be well aligned with each other. Any shingles that aren’t like this may need attention, or worst-case scenario, all of them replacing.
Shingles are often coated in granules made up of ceramic and other robust materials designed to protect the roof from the sun and other elements. This also helps to give the roof a textured and attractive look. Keep an eye out that these granules are not breaking down and gathering in the gutters.
Sagging is Bad News
It might seem obvious that a sagging roof is damaged and will need replacing. However, it may not always be easy to spot it straight away. That is especially the case if your building is particularly tall or there are multiple roof levels that come together.
You’ll need a good visual advantage point set back from the building so you can see the whole perspective. If there are any elevations near your home such as a hill behind the house or even a view from another building, this may give you the perspective you need.
Green for Go
That is, go get help. A green roof may look good if it matches the moss in the courtyard but it is a danger sign for your roof. The bottom line is that the presence of moss or other green life on your roof suggests the presence of water and moisture.
The trapped moisture will eventually lead to rot in the roof and serious problems will follow. If the moss is just starting then you’re in with a chance. But if the moss looks well established it may be too late to save the roof.
Not So Flash Flashing
Roof flashing is designed to protect the roof from water and moisture penetration. Some areas of the roof are vulnerable to this such as where the chimney stack meets the roof. Flashing protects the join area and ensures water will run off the roof as designed.
However, not all flashing is equal. Some builders use inferior materials and methods to save time and money. For example, concrete is prone to cracking and allowing moisture into those areas.
You may want to employ a reputable roofing contractor to examine the flashing on your roof. These roofing contractors know what they’re looking at and if needed will fit metal flashing.
Check Your Apron
We’re not talking about the kitchen apron. Would you believe your roof should have a high-quality apron fitted between the end of the shingles and the guttering? The apron serves to make sure water drains off the roof and collects in the guttering.
If the apron is damaged, then water will run off the roof and start to collect on the underside of the shingles. This creates a sort of damp wicking effect which will undermine the integrity of the roof.
Check Your Dormer Walls
Another vulnerable spot on your roof is where there are dormers fitted. These are structures built onto the roof that include small walls and windows to allow more light and space in the roof area or attic.
Where these additions meet the roof surface, there needs to be adequate protection so that water doesn’t creep into the underside of the roof. This type of problem can be difficult to spot so you may need to call in professional help.
Know When to Replace a Roof
In this article, you’ve read about 7 signs of when to replace a roof. Being aware of these signs now could save you a lot of money in the future. Get a roof replaced is a major piece of work and a big disruption to your life.
If you’re in the market for a new house then keep these tips and signs in mind as it may save you a headache or at the very least enable you to negotiate a hefty discount on the property. Check out other informative articles on our site that match your interests.
