How to Know When Your Roof Needs Restoration

When you’re in need of roof restoration, your roof will let you know in various ways. Considering that your roof does a tough and challenging job and is on duty every day and night, it’s only fair that you take notice when the telltale signs become apparent.

Most people don’t climb on their own roof to check out its condition, so it’s understandable that it’s a part of the home that doesn’t get a lot of TLC. Your roof is expected to protect the occupants of your home from the elements, so it’s only natural to reciprocate that protection by taking time to examine your home’s crowning glory.

There’s no need to go climbing on the roof to examine it. Don’t forget that any major work should be carried out by a fully licensed roofing professional.

How Long Should Your Roof Last?

Whether or not you’ve been in your current home for long, it’s recommended that you find out how old your house is. In general, a roof is expected to last about 20 to 25 years, depending on the material used to construct it.

If you’re in a new home, you probably haven’t got much to worry about. But in an older home, once the problems start happening, it might be wiser to opt for a complete roof restoration rather than continuing to pay for repairs.

Is Your Roof Leaking?

Possibly the most obvious sign of a faulty roof is leaking. It could be something minor, but leakage can also be an indication of serious problems. Either way, it can’t be ignored because leakages only ever get worse.

If you’ve got buckets sitting in one or more rooms to catch water, then you’ve clearly got a leak. Even if this is just a slow drip, that water can be doing damage to your attic, the interior of your ceiling, rafters, beams and more.

Some of the early signs of a leaky roof include:

• Discolouration – When water gets through the roof into your ceiling, it’s likely to cause discolouration before water gets into your home. Examine your ceiling with a flashlight, which should make any damp patches stand out. Don’t forget to check inside built-in closets.
• Mould and mildew – As water leaks into the home, it gets trapped in confined spaces. This leads to humidity and the ideal environment for mould and mildew growth. This can make the air unhealthy and cause respiratory problems. Look out for dark stains in your ceiling and for flaking paint.
• Damage to wood and plasterboard – Leaking can be a threat to the structural integrity of your walls. Check for signs of warping in the seams between your walls and ceiling. Sections of plasterboard may even be crumbling and can collapse. Water can also cause beams, studs and joists to rot. This wood will have to be replaced.
• Electrical faults – Leaking water can damage your home’s electrical system. Most wiring is made from copper and water degrades copper over time. This can lead to your electrical system shorting out or could spark an electrical fire.

Any of the above faults can be seen as a sign that roof restoration should be on your agenda.

Can You Notice Your Roof Sagging?

If your roof appears to be sagging, it is a sure sign of roof damage. When you inspect your roof – whether it’s inside or outside – look for warning signs of a sagging roof.

If the sagging is visible from the outside, it could be caused by a number of issues, including:

• Foundation problems
• Two or more roofs on the one structure
• Heavy material on the new roof
• Damaged support system (cracked rafters and trusses)
• Poor workmanship
• Poor engineering

Problems with the foundation can show up in many ways. Is the floor flat inside the house? Are there cracks in the walls? Have you got trees growing too close to the house? Tree roots will break through almost any material to find moisture.

Two or more roofs on the one structure can lead to major problems. The home was probably not designed to support the weight of extra roofing material, particularly if the new material is heavier than the original roof.

If you’re experiencing any of these potentially major problems, it’s time to call a roofing professional to assess the damage.

 

Is There Damage to Gutters and Downpipes?

It’s easy to overlook this particular sign. If your gutters and downpipes show rust or corrosion, it’s an indication that your roof is in need of closer inspection.

Gutters rust when water pools inside them, which can indicate a blockage in the gutters or downpipes. This can lead to water going back into your roofing system and causing further damage.

Another fault to look out for in a roof inspection is cracked or worn roof flashing (which surrounds roof features such as vents, chimneys and skylights). If your roof flashing is particularly old, it could be time to replace it with galvanised metal flashing.

What Does Roof Restoration Involve?

For a start, roof restoration is not something you can do yourself. Climbing on the roof is dangerous enough, but there are a number of other factors that require the expertise of a roofing professional.

The type of restoration will depend on the type of roofing you have. It can involve replacing tiles or sealing and repainting metal sheeting/Colorbond. Or it can involve replacing these elements completely.

A roofing expert will initially clean the roof to remove dirt, mould and algae. Then they will either replace individual cracked or broken tiles and realign tiles (along with adding sealer) and/or paint or replace your metal sheeting. You might even choose to have your tiled roof replaced by a Colorbond roof or something similar.

Benefits of Roof Restoration

There are obvious benefits to having your roof restored, the main one being that you’re going to be safe at home when extreme weather conditions arrive.

A restored roof is also going to prevent future damage and leaking. When broken tiles are replaced and loose tiles are re-bedded, it means small problems won’t turn into bigger disasters later on. Your home’s energy efficiency will also be improved. There won’t be any need to turn up the heat or cooling, because your living spaces will retain the temperature you require.

A complete restoration will extend the life of your roof and, in turn, increase the value of your home. Buyers are often put off by a roof that looks like it needs repairs, while a well-maintained roof is going to boost your home’s market value.

To Top It Off

Your roof can easily be taken for granted and neglected, but it is one of the most important parts of your home. If your roof is coming to the end of its life or just needs some overdue repairs, don’t waste time in getting it assessed by a roofing professional.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.