Have you been asking: how do you know when your roof needs to be replaced? We look at the signs that your roofing has problems that need attention from a professional roofer.
How often do roofs need to be replaced?
As we mentioned above, some stone slate roofs can last for over one hundred years, but there is really no set time frame for how long a roof will last. You should always keep a close eye on your roof as it is constantly exposed to weather, and any small issues which are not dealt with can quickly grow and reduce the structure's lifespan.
With older properties, one of the signs to look out for when trying to determine when a roof replacement is necessary is the tiles falling down more often. Especially if the tiles are highly worn, it is likely time to invest in a new roof for the home. If it is just the odd tile falling off every now and then, then you should be able to get a few extra years out of the property by just replacing the fallen tiles with new ones.
Does my roof need replacing?
Water Damage
Signs of water damage in the upper areas of your home can be a signal that your roof needs to be replaced.
Damp spots and watermarks can be a sign that you have a leaky window or damp, but you should never assume that this is the case. You should always check your roof if you fund any signs of water getting into your property.
When it rains, go up into your loft and look around. Feel to see if there are any signs of water getting into the home. You should check your roof from the outside as well.
If you can spot water pooling up on your roof or not properly draining away fully when looking at your roof from the outside, then you definitely have a major problem.
This can very easily lead to dampness or sagging. Identifying and solving these problems early can keep your repair costs to a minimum.
Sunlight in your attic
Take a trip up to your loft, but do not turn on any lights that you may have up there. If you can see sunlight at all or even just feel a breeze, then this can be a sign that there are holes or cracks in your roofing.
This is a certain sign of issues with your roofing. We would recommend trying to find the source of the issue and see if any of the gaps can be fixed. In other cases, more extensive roof replacement work will need to be carried out.
Moss & mould on your roof tiles
A small amount of growth of your roofing tiles is not a sure sign that the entire roof needs to be replaced. This is a natural thing to happen, after all. But it can be a sign that your roof is suffering from moisture damage, and you should attempt to get your roof tiles cleaned whenever they start to become heavily covered in moss.
Even if there isn't any damage to your roof, moss can cause problems if it finds its way underneath the tiles. If this happens, the moss can shift the tiles and create a space that allows water into your property.
Slipped tiles or sagging
Here is an idea for you. Stand across the road from your property and take a look at your roofing. Have a look at your property's garden area too. Are all the tiles neat and straight? If any of the tiles on your roof have slipped, curled, or just missing, then this is a sign that you may be in need of a roof replacement.
You should at least speak to a professional about replacing any broken or missing tiles as soon as possible.While you are looking at your tiles, you should also look at the top ridge of your roof. It should be completely straight. If the property's roof is sagging, this is a very serious sign of an issue.
A sagging roof indicates that there are structural issues with your roofing's joists. If there is any sign of the roof sagging, then you definitely need to replace your roof.
Signs of ageing
A stone slate roof that has been well maintained can last over one hundred years, but the amount of time that your roof will last depends on various factors.
There is really no set time scale for a roof, but some roofs, such as flat roofs, will usually last for a shorter period of time. It is important to keep a close eye on your roofing as, over time, exposure to different types of weather will age the roofing, and it will not last forever.
Exterior Damage
Even if your roof cannot be considered to be old yet, it is always worth giving the roof a visual inspection every couple of years so you can check for any worrisome damage.
If your roof uses wooden or bitumen shingles, then the exterior damage can come in the form of the shingles curling or buckling. Shingles can also go completely missing or become warped.
If your home has a rubber, slate, metal, concrete, or clay tile roof, then you will want to try and look for spots that look particularly thin and areas that are worn, dented, or cracked.
While you are examining your roof, you should pay close attention to any areas which are highly prone to taking damage. This can include the slopes of your roof, which take direct sunlight all day, as well as the roof's valleys.
Warning Signs You Need a New Roof
It can be very difficult to tell whether your roof has any problems, and it's even hard to tell whether your roof needs to be repaired.
This is exactly what this article is for, outlining all the warning signs that will indicate that your roof needs to be repaired or perhaps even need a whole new roof.
It is important to check for all of these warning signs because they can commonly lead to issues in the future that will be much larger and more expensive for you to have fixed. First, you need to inspect the interior of the roofing for any warning signs. Look out for the following:
- Dark streaks. This can be a sign of mould in your roofing and moisture leaking into your home through the roof.
- Sagging roof. This can be a major sign that you are in need of a new roof. This is because a sagging roof can indicate that there are structural issues with the property.
- Water damage and leaking. Have you recently found any water inside your property? If you have, then you should check your roofing. In all likelihood, the water will have found its way into your home through a broken tile or broken flashing on your roof.
- Light from outside. Can you see any light entering your home from the outside of your roof? If you can, then there are cracks and holes in your roofing. This means your roofing is not secure and certainly needs to be replaced.
Next, take a look at the exterior of your roofing. Exterior issues can explain a lot of the problems that may be occurring within the home. Taking a look at the exterior can also lead to uncovering new issues which were not completely visible from the outside. Exterior warning signs include the following:
- Damaged tiles. If roofing tiles are rotted, cracked, torn, buckling, worn, curled, loose, or missing, then they will definitely need to be replaced
- Age. As time passes, the elements and general weathering will have an effect on your roofing. If your roof is more than twenty years old, it will need to be replaced.
- Algae, moss, mould. Algae, moss, and mould are all highly common in shaded areas. If they are on your roof, then this indicates that there is likely an issue with moisture damage, which can lead to rot.
- Granules in guttering. If you find small pieces of roofing tiles and shingle in your roof's gutter, this is a sign that your roof is currently deteriorating.
- Sitting water. This shows that the water falling on your roof is not being properly drained. This is most common with flat roof homes. You will need to replace the materials in order to ensure that the drainage is adequate. Otherwise, this could lead to mould and sagging.
- Insecure guttering. If the guttering attached to your home is coming away from where it is fixed, then this can indicate that the roofing is gradually becoming loose. This can be due to wear, rot, or damage.
- Flashing. Always ensure that the lead flashing around vents and chimneys is secure. This can often be the reason for leaks occurring.
- Sagging roof. Take a look at your roof. The roof should be level. If it is not, then this is a sign that the structure has become weak and compromised. The roof needs to be replaced as soon as possible otherwise it could collapse.
Are you looking for the best roofing installation services in and around Newcastle. Whatever you require, our professional team can assist you with everything from small repairs to installing a completely new roof.
