Your roof is the first line of defence against natural hazards such as wind, rain, fire and extreme heat. It is also one of the most vulnerable parts of your house. Every day your roof is exposed to weather and other elements that contribute to decay and deterioration. This increases damage to the roof itself and the contents of the house.
It’s essential that the roof of a home is kept in good condition. Here are 5 signs that it’s time to think about replacing your roof.
- Leaks
The most common sign of a roof that needs replacing is leaking. Check for moisture build up or water trails as well as dark spots, which indicate water damage.
Crawl into your attic or roof space to spot these signs easily. If it is happening in one place, you can probably get away with a roof repair. If it is happening in multiple areas, it is best to re-roof the whole house.
- Broken or Missing Tiles
Tiled roofs made from terracotta or concrete become more susceptible to damage as they age. Tiles can crack or completely break off, creating the risk of water leaking into your home and damaging other areas of the house.
Broken or missing tiles can also affect your roof’s capability to insulate your home. If it starts feeling colder or hotter than usual or you experience an unprecedented increase in your power bills, you should consider having your roof inspected.
You may be able to spot the damage by standing outside your house, but you should avoid climbing onto your roof yourself. A damaged roof is precarious and climbing on it presents significant safety risks.
- Age
Roofs should generally last between 20 to 30 years. You should have it inspected by a professional every 15 years, though. If a roof is damaged, you want to minimise damage to the rest of your home.
As your roof ages, it will need more repairs and restorations. If it needs frequent repairs, it’s probably best to replace it. One roof replacement is far less expensive than paying for frequent repairs.
- Sagging
Look for sagging from the inside and the outside of your home. Sagging generally results from water pooling up in a certain area, where it slowly weakens the roof and finds its way in. It is a significant sign of structural damage to the roof and will generally require a replacement.
A sagging roof can result from poor design or workmanship as well as age. This may particularly affect older houses, as old roofing wasn’t designed to be as resistant to water damage as modern ones.
- Corrosion
Signs of corrosion include rusting metal, rotting timber and flaking paint. While these things can come just from age, it can also indicate that water is penetrating and gathering in the area where the corrosion is occurring. If you notice these signs, it is best to have your roof inspected.
If you need your roof replaced in Western Australia, get in touch with the friendly team Roof Top Industries. We have more than 30 years of experience installing roofs and re-roofing homes around Perth, Wangara and Western Australia. We can provide you with friendly, honest advice and free onsite quote. Contact us today.