If you’re a regular reader of this website, then you know that we love homes and architecture. We’re obsessed with interior decoration, and we respect truly unique house design. We’ll even get stuck into the DIY, and take active steps to make our homes more comfortable. But, what about the structural aspects of the property? It’s something that even the most passionate home-dwellers tend to neglect. It’s partly because we often don’t understand these fundamental aspects of property. It’s also partly because we don’t want to hear bad news! We know that structural trouble means a heavy financial bill.
Nowhere is this more pertinent than our roofs. As homeowners, we are terrified of roof problems. It’s no easy fix, and it’s not safe to hoist the ladder up and repair it ourselves! However, it is crucial that we keep an eye on our roofs. The signs of trouble appear early on. So, if you catch them quickly, you can usually save yourself plenty of money. Don’t let roof problems get worse or you’ll face some serious repair work. Without further ado, here are the main signs that it’s time for a roof repair.
When you want an aesthetic change
Before we dive into the major signs of damage, think about the aesthetic quality of your roof. Just like any decorative aspect of the home, it can be changed. Many older homes or budget houses are fitted with ugly asphalt slates or tiles. Others are fitted with cheap rubber alternatives. If you’re looking to improve the look and feel of the front of your home, try replacing the tiles. A complete overhaul will breathe new life into the property. You could choose a European orange tile or Alpine wooden shingle. Don’t think you’re stuck with the roof you’ve got. If you don’t like it, change it!
When it’s sagging
Now, we’ll move onto the more pressing issues and signs of trouble. The first is any noticeable sagging. When you look up at the roof, can you see a dip in the middle? If you can, it’s a sure sign that the structural integrity is slowly giving way. The beams and structural support beneath the tiles are waning. Over the years, the weight of the tiles can put the load-bearing structures under pressure. Coupled with deterioration in the beams themselves, it can lead to severe roof problems. At this point, it’s especially unsafe to repair the roof yourself. If you notice anything like this, call the experts.
When it’s leaking
A leaking roof isn’t always as obvious as you might think. It will always start small before growing into a bigger problem. The first thing to look out for is small patches of damp in the upper corners of your rooms. Typically this will happen upstairs, so the bedrooms are a priority. If you feel any wet areas on the wall, it could come from the roof. If this sounds familiar, get access to your attic, and look for further signs of leakage. Roofs are designed to be entirely watertight. If there’s a leak, however small, it means there is a fault or a weakness. Left unattended, things will get much worse.
When light shines through
One way to confirm a leak or weakness in the roof is by looking for light shards. Get access to the attic during a bright day and look up at the roof. If you can see shards of light coming through gaps in the roof, you’ve got trouble. It could be a simple loose tile, or it could be the start of something much worse. Either way, consult a professional roofer immediately.
When slates or tiles come loose
One of the very obvious signs of trouble is loose tiles. Take a step back from your house and look up at the roof. Are any tiles or slates wonky or slightly loose from the concrete? Is the concrete itself flaking or coming loose? If so, trouble is just waiting to happen! Eventually, those tiles will free themselves entirely, and fall to the floor. Not only is this incredibly dangerous, it’s a sure sign that your roof is struggling. A single tile or slate is easy to replace, but make sure your roofer checks the integrity of the whole roof.
As a homeowner, you should check these vital signs on a regular basis. The earlier you catch the signs of trouble, the faster you can act. It’s worth getting a professional opinion annually to make sure your home is strong enough. Your roof is more important than you think, and it has an effect on the whole house. How’s yours looking?
