Even though you may not be in the habit of regularly checking your roof (or even glancing at it more than once in a blue moon!), it’s important to recognize the benefits of checking it periodically, if only to save you money in the future.
Checking your roof every six months, or scheduling a professional assessment, is important in terms of spotting any existing or potential damage, that might need to be repaired, and to help your roof live longer and perform better. However, some signs of disrepair may be a precursor to bigger problems, and could indicate that you need to find a company installing new roofs in South London, to come and replace it.
Here are 9 warning signs that your home may be due a roof replacement:
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1. Water Damage
Watermarks and a build up of mildew may have an innocent explanation, but in some instances, they may be an indication that water is getting in through the roof somewhere. Water damage must be investigated quickly and thoroughly, and by acting fast, you could mitigate the damage and prevent the need for a full roof replacement.
2. Mould and Moss Growth
When mould or moss start to appear on a roof, it could force the tiles apart and create a gap for water to penetrate. Small amounts of this are not usually harmful, but the issue should be addressed to prevent further problems from happening. For extensive mould or moss growth, the roof may need to be replaced.
3. Light Coming In
When your home is completely dark, try looking up at the roof every once in a while; if you see chinks of light coming through, it could indicate a hole or gap in the roof that requires immediate attention.
4. Loose Tiles
If you can see missing tiles from the ground level (or if it’s safe to climb up and look), you should have these replaced right away; lots of missing tiles will likely mean that your roof is in need of a replacement.
5. Sagging
If the top of your roof is sagging in any way, this could be a clear indicator that the structure isn’t sound, and warrants a roof inspection at the earliest to determine the extent of the damage.
6. Faulty Flashing
Placed around chimneys and roof vents, flashing diverts water away from seams where there is greater runoff, and if this has become damaged in any way, or has become loose, water could soon start to seep into your home and cause extensive damage.
7. Debris in Gutters
If you can see little pieces of asphalt shingle in your gutters, or the sandy granules that are used as a top coat for the shingles, it could be a sign that your shingles are beginning to deteriorate and might need to be replaced.
8. Aging
Roofs don’t last forever, and if your shingle roof is constructed using multiple layers and is older than 20 years, a roof replacement might be due. Exposed to so many different elements as roofs are, every single day, it’s perhaps little wonder that after around 15 years, many roofs start to deteriorate and not perform at their best. In these instances, a timely replacement from an expert roofing installation company, can help prevent much bigger and costlier problems further down the line.
9. Falling Mortar
Most commonly used for bedding ridges and verges on a roof, it’s a good idea to check your roof’s mortar from time to time, as it’s renowned for having a relatively short lifespan. If you notice any mortar falling from your roof, it’s best to arrange for an assessment from an experienced roofing company, and if necessary, the roof may need to be replaced as mortar is notoriously difficult to repair.
If you spot any of the 9 signs listed above, it’s best to schedule a professional inspection of your roof at the earliest, as if you leave it, the problem is only ever going to get much worse, and much costlier.