Roofs are, unfortunately, quite temperamental. Unlike other parts of the home, they are significantly more exposed to the elements, particularly the sun, wind and rain.
Because of this, they tend to degrade faster. Many roofs don’t last all that long, and some only survive for fifteen years or less.
That’s where this post can help. If you know when your roof needs repairing, you’re in a much better position to ensure that it lasts longer and continues to serve you well into the future.
So, what are the signs you should be looking out for and when should you act?
Debris Growth
One of the things you’ll want to look out for is debris or moss growth. This is one of the first signs that you have a problem and that your roof is degrading.
Moss is a big issue because it traps moisture and makes roofs age faster. Eventually, the roots of the moss make their way into the material and break it down, causing damage in deeper layers that often requires replacement.
The same is true for lichens. These actually break down rock and turn it into soil, which is why they are so toxic to roofing.
Increased Energy Bills
Another sign that you might have a problem is increased energy bills. The higher your costs, the more likely it is that there is something wrong.
The first thing to check, of course, is the insulation. Sometimes this can be damaged by weathering or pests, even if the rest of the roof seems fine. Wet insulation is also a problem because it prevents your home from trapping warm air as it rises from your downstairs floors.
Damaged or aging roofs also lead to higher energy bills because they are much more likely to have holes in them. Warm air can simply escape into the atmosphere, going to waste.
Increased energy bills aren’t, unfortunately, just a problem for your wallet. They’re also an issue for your HVAC system. The harder it has to work to keep temperatures steady, the more likely it is to experience its own wear and tear, and run out eventually.
Fortunately, professionals can solve most of these problems. If there are holes or leaks, these are usually pretty easy to fix. However, wet insulation often requires replacement since it can harbor mold and other undesirable biologicals.
Sagging Roofline
You probably also have a problem with your roof if you can see the roof line sagging. Don’t interpret this as your building having “character.” That’s not what’s happening here.
Sagging roof lines occur when the central beam holding up a gable roof starts to bend. Usually, this occurs either because the roof is old or, more likely, because of water damage.
Wood remains straight (just like it’s come from the lumber mill) when it is dry, or if there is any warping, it happens very slowly. However, when it gets wet, you can see differences in your roofline within a season or two, which usually requires replacement.
Therefore, if you see any dips or sagging in your roof, contact a professional to see if they can help you. Roofers will evaluate the situation and tell you how you should proceed, based on the information they can glean.
Wet Walls
Damp walls are another sign that your roof isn’t performing as well as you’d like. This usually happens when there are issues with your guttering. If water is pouring over the sides of the gutters during heavy downpours, then it can get into the masonry below and rapidly degrade it.
To deal with wet walls, you’ll first want to find out the source of the problem. New gutter installation will fix most issues, but you could also have rising damp from the foundations.
Just make sure that the new gutters have sufficient capacity to carry all the rain away from the walls. If they don’t, you could be in trouble.
Leaks
Leaks fall into a similar category as wet walls. If your roof isn’t weatherproof because of damage or old age, it suggests that water damage will be much more likely in the future.
How you deal with leaks and stains is up to you. Mostly, it depends on the type of roof you have and the issues it’s experiencing.
Flat roofs tend to be the worst for leaks. What usually happens is that water pools in the middle of the roof because it can’t drain off, and then eventually it makes its way through the protective layers. Once it burrows through, it creates permanent damp that leads to mold.
Missing tiles on gable roofs can cause similar problems. As water gets in, it starts to cause damage, leaving a musty smell behind it.
Usually, a quick inspection will pinpoint the issues with your roof. Professionals can survey the condition and tell you what’s wrong with it, usually fairly quickly.
Damaged Shingles
Finally, damaged shingles can be an issue. Over time, this roofing material has a habit of wearing out and leading to small grains in your gutters and down your drain pipes.
Many owners put up with this downside because shingles are so convenient and affordable. They’re easy to install and keep the weather out.
However, they only really remain in prime condition for about 10 years. After that, the bitumen that lubricates them starts to harden and stiffen under the influence of weathering, and they lose their supple properties.
The good news is that you can extend the life of asphalt shingles substantially. These days, all sorts of different treatments are available that infuse the material with fresh bitumen and keep them waterproof and supple for longer.
Usually, you know you have problems with your asphalt shingles if you see bare patches and granules. If you don’t see these problems, then the issue is less likely to involve your shingles.
So there you have it: some tell-tale signs your roof needs fixing. When it comes to your roofing, don’t delay solutions. Fixing problems fast saves you money long-term.
