Roof problems can be a real cause for concern. Weather and structural damage, for example, can cause major leaks and draughts that are just not safe to deal with ourselves. If you suspect there’s damage to your roof, or that it’s time for a replacement, it’s time to call in a professional roofing company. With the right tools and protective clothing for the job, their guys will have your problem sorted in no time, and you can relax safely indoors. Here are 5 roof issues to look out for…
The roof interior feels soft
If you’re padding around up in the loft and it feels a little squidgy on the walls, then beware. This could mean you have an excess of moisture on the roof that’s seeped into the eaves and insulation. A top tip is to look out for any daylight coming through. That’s when you can tell some damage has been done. Flashing on the roof is designed to prevent moisture from coming through, so be sure to check this regularly, too.
You suspect there’s a hole or holes in the roof
If you’re feeling a draft, or there’s sunlight seeping through the attic walls, or you’re perhaps hearing the squeaking or scratching sounds of animals, then you may well have a hole or a gap in the roof. This tends to be caused by weather damage, and will need to be sealed ASAP.
You’ve spotted a leak
A leak can cause a catastrophic amount of damage to a house, so if you see any signs of water where you shouldn’t, you need to get in touch with a roofing expert. Leaks from the roof can take many different forms, such as mould, rotting wood and water stains. Keep an eye out for dark spots also, or paint on ceilings that’s bubbling or blistering. Lastly, look out for any water residue near your fireplace.
There are oddities on the roof exterior
A loss of tiles in places or missing or misshapen shingles can signal a lack of strength in the roof, and is also often a sign of old age. Also, it’s really important to watch out for moss. Often confused for black algae, which may look unsightly, but poses no real threat, moss can retain masses of moisture. If there’s a small patch of it, it can often be swept away with ease. But larger pockets need to be killed off with a special chemical, and it’s best left to the experts.
It’s getting old!
It’s important to know the ins-and-outs of your roof history. Such as when it was built, and any issues, damage or improvements that have been carried out on it in the past. If your roof is more than 25 years old, you might want to look at getting it replaced. If you’re not sure how old it is, a good rule of thumb is to keep an eye on your neighbours. If a few of them are replacing their roofs, and your house was built around a similar time, you’ll probably want to follow suit.
