8 Warning Signs You’re In Need Of Roof Replacement

When it comes to a home or property, ensuring that it is kept in a comfortable and safe condition is at the top of every homeowner’s list. Not only does regular maintenance help prevent more significant problems from arising, but it also means that when the time comes to sell your house it will receive a higher valuation. It may feel as if there is an endless list of repair work to be carried out in and around your home, but staying on top of the little things will save a lot of time and money in the long run.

With this in mind, there are few elements as crucial to the practical functioning of a property as the roof. It keeps us dry, aids insulation and protects the rest of the home from water damage and rain. Staying up to date with repair work on your roofing is imperative to avoid larger problems from developing. However, there may come a time when minor repair work isn’t enough. Whether it is from long-term degradation, storm damage or any number of other issues, you may need to replace your roof.

It can be hard to know whether your roof needs replacing if you’re unsure what to look for. So, here is B&D Roofing’s guide to the warning signs of roof replacement.

Roof Age

The first, and perhaps most obvious, sign that your roof needs replacing is its age. When your roof was made, or last replaced, will determine whether or not replacement should be considered. It is worth noting that there are a few factors that will impact the lifespan of your roof, such as the quality of original workmanship, the location of the home and the exposure to weather damage to the property. Among the vast range of materials used in the roofing process, tiles and shingles are common in the UK as they are resilient and weatherproof. However, it is recommended that a roof constructed from these materials is replaced every 20 years or so due to the gradual wear that occurs over time.

Damaged Flashing

Moreover, keep an eye out for broken or damaged flashing around your roof. This is the weather-proof material placed around exposed areas such as chimneys, joints and vents to prevent water from entering the internal structure of your roof.

There are a number of reasons that damage may occur to flashing. These include exposure to extreme weather and oxidation, the materials drying out and cracking, or the flashing becoming loose. If flashing becomes loose, it can quickly become ineffective as water is able to enter between the gaps. This can lead to leakage into ceilings and walls, causing serious damage such as rot, mould and dampness. If untreated, this can also weaken the structural integrity of your home. If you are unsure if your flashing is deteriorating or damaged, call an expert roofing service for an assessment.

Missing Shingles And Tiles

Another symptom of a roof in need of replacement is missing shingles or tiles. Whilst one or two missing tiles or shingles aren’t a valid reason to replace an entire roof, they may be indicative of greater issues.

Gaps in your roof tiling can leave your property incredibly vulnerable to the elements. Rainwater, wind and heat will compromise the internal structure of your roofing, weakening it and causing irreversible damage if left untreated. What’s more, gaps in your roofing may also provide an entrance for nesting birds or vermin such as dormice. Moreover, if there are dozens of missing shingles, leaving large gaps in your roofing, it may be a more cost-effective solution to replace the entire roof rather than constantly replacing individual tiles.

Sunlight In Your Attic

Following on from the previous point, homeowners should assess their roofing from the inside every so often. This is to look for internal damage such as holes or leakage. A clear sign of holes in your roofing is sunlight coming through into your attic space. Of course, this may be nothing more than a minor issue, however, it is worth getting it looked at as holes in your roof may be a result of a larger problem, such as decaying flashing or missing tiles.

Sagging

Unless designed to follow a different shape, roofing should demonstrate a straight line across the pitch. Of all the warning signs indicating the need for roof replacement, sagging is high on the list. This is where the roofline begins to cave inwards, causing it to bend in the middle.

There are a number of factors that may cause sagging, such as excessive exposure to rain and water, use of low-quality building materials or poor installation. This can lead to major issues, compromising the structural integrity of your home and, if untreated, causing the roof to collapse. If you notice sagging on your roof, it is crucial that you seek the advice of an expert roofer. It may be an issue that is easily resolved, but it is always better to be safe than sorry in these situations.

Rotting

Another severe issue that affects roofs is rot. Whether it is internal, on the beams and support, or on the underlay of your roofing, rotting materials weaken the structure and leave it vulnerable to further damage or collapse. Underlay is particularly vulnerable to rotting; if there are multiple tears or perforations in the underlay your roof will need replacing as underlay cannot be replaced on its own. Compromised underlay can lead to leaks, weakened roof foundations and rot.

Water Damage

A list of roof-damage warning signs wouldn't be complete without discussing the dangers of water damage. There are many issues that lead to water damage, meaning roofing problems are often overlooked. However, water damage in your attic or upper floors may be symptomatic of an ineffective roof in need of replacement. Keep an eye out for mildew or mould in your ceilings and attic spaces as these may be signs of a leaking roof. As mentioned beforehand, leaks may be caused by a number of issues such as broken or missing tiles, torn underlay or damaged flashing so it is always worth assessing your roof at the first sign of damage.

Mould Or Moss Growth

Finally, although the formation of moss on your roof is common and not always problematic, it is worth noting the issues that can arise. If left untreated, moss can prise tiles apart, creating gaps in your roof that leave it vulnerable to the elements and all manner of issues. Moreover, keep an eye out for the mould or mildew on your roof. Bacteria and fungi may eat away at your tiles or underlay, causing massive structural weaknesses and calling for repair or replacement.

How Can Roof Construction Services Help?

Of course, it can be tricky knowing what is best for your property without the knowledge of experts. This is why it is always best to call upon the services of commercial roofing contractors; they will be able to make an assessment and advise you as to the best course of action. What’s more, a trusted roofing service will be able to conduct repair and replacement work for you, ensuring that your roof is high-quality and long-lasting. 

Whether it is a small repair job, or a full-scale roof replacement project, you want to be certain you are in capable hands. We recommend using the services of an experienced roofing company with a wealth of experience and gleaming reviews.

B & D Roofing And Building: Industrial Roofing Contractors In Scotland

If you’ve noticed issues with your roofing or would like an expert opinion, look no further than B&D Roofing and Building Ltd. Our family-run business has been providing a high-quality service to customers for decades, ensuring satisfaction and professionality at all times. No matter your requirements, from commercial roofing, to lead work and green roofing, we can help. Our team is always happy to answer any questions you may have and assist you in whatever way we can.

Get in touch with us today for a quote or a chat regarding your roofing and building needs. Call us on 01875 821 071 or send an email to info@bdroofing.co.uk.