As we approach the colder, wetter, winter months, it’s more important than ever, to ensure that our properties are in the best condition they can be. We understand that times are tough, and home repairs generally don’t come cheap, but if you act early and take care of small issues before they become large ones, you can save yourself a small fortune.
In terms of home maintenance, looking after your roof is one of the most important things you can do. Your roof protects your home from the elements, yet the wetter and windier the climate is, the harder your roof will be forced to work.
The last thing you want is to discover a leak in your roof, or damage to the roof following poor weather, as this will not only need replacing, it will also cause damage inside your property as well. But how do you know when your roof needs repairing, and when should you call a professional.
Here are several signs your roof needs a repair.
Your Home Suddenly Feels Cooler
During the fall and winter months, you’ll obviously want to keep your home feeling as warm and cozy as you possibly can. The last thing you want is to find that there’s a draft in your home, letting cold air in and allowing warm air to escape.
If you suddenly notice a draft, a cool breeze indoors, or even your home suddenly feeling cooler than usual, it could be your roof letting cold air in from outside. In any of these scenarios, it’s worth investigating and examining the roof of your home, to make sure there are no visible holes or signs of damage.
Water Leaks
Perhaps one of the most obvious signs that your roof needs a repair is if you have water leaking into the home after it rains.
Water damage can be costly, can affect multiple furnishings and appliances, and can be dangerous as well. Rainwater leaking into the home can damage flooring, carpet, and furniture, and can cause rot and mold, which can be dangerous. Not only that, but if it leaks onto electrical appliances it can potentially cause a fire.
If you notice rain water leaking into your home, or even if you find damp patches, signs of rot, or signs of mold, this could be a sign that your roof is leaking and will therefore need to be repaired before it gets worse.
Exterior Light Visible from Inside
If you can visibly see light from outside your home shining in through the roof, this means that there is obviously a gap or hole, which will of course need to be rectified before it gets any worse.
Even if it’s just a very slight crack of light shining in, don’t ignore it. Small holes and cracks will only get bigger and more noticeable as time goes by. Bad weather will only exasperate this and make the gaps bigger.
If you notice any visible exterior light shining in through your roof, either tackle the repair yourself, if capable of course, or alternatively hire a professional and have them take care of it for you.
Loose Roof Tiles or Shingles
To identify loose roof tiles or shingles, you will likely need to conduct an inspection of your roof, unless it’s obvious that they’re loose.
If you can hear the roof tiles or shingles moving around in the wind, or during bad weather, they will need securing in place or replacing before things get any worse.
Loose roof tiles or shingles will not only allow water to enter the home, but they also pose a health and safety risk. Nobody wants a loose roof tile or shingle to be blown off a roof as it could damage vehicles, garden furniture, other people’s property, or worse still, it could seriously injure somebody or something.
If you have multiple tiles or shingles loose, it’s probably worth repairing or replacing the entire roof, though again, this is where it pays to get a professional opinion.
Signs of Debris
Every fall/winter it’s worth having your guttering cleaned out, just to remove any moss or leaves that have been caught in there. Blocked guttering can lead to leaks, flooding, poor drainage, and water damage, plus it can smell bad and be unhygienic.
However, when having your guttering cleaned out, if there are any visible signs of roof debris, I.E roofing materials, screws, nails, brick, mortar, wood, tiles, damaged shingles, and that type of thing, you’ll need to get your roof inspected.
Even if it’s not in the guttering, and is perhaps on the yard below, if you see any signs of roof debris, get your roof inspected as soon as possible, as even the slightest bit of damage can be costly, and can lead to more serious issues.
Your Roof is Old
Okay, while the age of a roof doesn’t necessarily determine its overall state of repair, generally speaking the older your roof is, the more likely it will be to be damaged, or prone to damage in the near future.
The older a roof is, the more time it will have been exposed to heavy rain, strong winds, frost, snow, ice, and even strong sunshine. This means that it will be much more prone to damage than a newer roof.
If your roof is older, I.E several decades old, it’s worth hiring a professional roofing company to carry out an inspection, even if there’s no obvious signs of damage.
Visible Damage
Finally, if you can visibly see signs of damage to your roof, no matter how minor it may be, it’s likely time to pick up the phone or jump online, and speak to a professional roofing company.
If you can see signs of damage to your roof, chances are there will be more damage underneath, not visible to the naked eye. The longer you leave it, the worse it will be. That’s why you should contact a professional the second you spot any signs of roof damage, even if it doesn’t look to be that big of a deal.
