8 Early Signs You Need Your Roof Repaired

It’s easy to take your roof for granted. The structure is high up and out of sight, but it is essential to check your home’s roof periodically. When faults are spotted early, you can usually save money on repairs because the damage is minimal.

If issues are left undetected, they can quickly turn into expensive problems. Take time to inspect your roof every six months and look out for these eight signs your roof needs a repair.

Sunlight Streaming into your Loft

You should not be able to see daylight inside your loft, so if you can see rays of sunshine, you probably have a roofing problem. Take a few moments to stand in your attic with all the lights turned off to look for gaps, cracks, holes, and missing tiles. If you find an opening, take another look from the outside for a slipped or damaged tile that needs attention.

Broken Tile Pieces on the Ground

High winds and storms often dislodge roof tiles. As the tiles hit the ground, they break into pieces and this is the type of damage you will notice when you clean your patio. If you find broken bits of tile in your garden, it’s time to check your roof. Relying upon any missing tiles quickly is essential before rain leaks inside your home.

Sagging in the Middle of Your Roof

Your roofline should be straight. If you notice a dip in the middle, you should get the roof checked with some urgency. A sagging roof could signify a severe structural fault, such as weak timbers or missing joists. A professional roofer can remedy the weakness with reinforcements, but if left untreated, a sagging roof can collapse and cause injury and extensive damage.

Water Marks on the Ceiling

When watermarks appear on a ceiling, you should investigate further. It could be a sign that rainwater is leaking through the roof. Watermarks can occur when there is a missing tile, holes or problems with chimney flashing. Without speedy repairs, the ceiling could eventually collapse and require a costly rebuild.

A Build-up of Moss

You can often see moss growing on roofs. This should be cleared off regularly because moss takes root in gaps and cracks and can force apart roof tiles. Moss also hides other faults on the roof making it impossible to see cracks and holes.

Birds or Rodents in the Loft

Unwanted pests in your attic could indicate that you have some roof damage. First of all, there must be a gap where the birds or rodents are getting inside, and that hole needs to be repaired. Secondly, these pests may have caused internal damage by gnawing at the timber, pulling up insulation, or defecating on the surfaces.

If you hear scratching noises or wings flapping inside your property, you may have pigeons, rats, or squirrels in your loft. You must start by removing the pests before assessing the damage and deciding what type of repairs are required.

Debris in the Gutters

Finding leaves and dirt in your guttering is normal, but if you find other types of material, it might be a sign that you need a roof repair. Pieces of mortar in the gutter probably mean that your roof is starting to deteriorate.

Mortar is used to secure edge tiles and ridge tiles, and when the mortar starts to break away, those tiles are no longer stable. This could be an early indication that your building needs a new roof.

Missing or Damaged Flashing

Flashing is a thin strip of metal used to seal joints on the roof and stop rainwater from getting inside. Usually, flashing is applied where the roofing material joins the chimney, air vents, or skylights.

Flashing should always lie flat without any signs of it peeling away from the roof tiles – if you can see a gap, you should ask a professional to check it. Loose flashing lets water in and can cause damp issues and rotting roof joists.

When you own a home, looking after your roof is essential. Use the helpful list above to tell when your roof requires repair work. If you find it difficult to maintain your property, why not consider employing the services of a facility management company? A professional team can oversee all the maintenance required. When problems are discovered quickly, they are much simpler to put right so don't put off checking your roof.