The roof is one of the most crucial and yet vulnerable parts of the home. It may not be something you think about very often or pay much attention to, but a well maintained, looked after roof is crucial to having a leak-free home. Here in the UK with our torrential weather for most of the year, no UK household can afford to skimp on quality roof maintenance and repair.
A good roof shouldn’t cause problems and should last for a very long time, but it’s paramount that you stay vigilant for any signs of problems. The sooner you can get a roof problem sorted, the less damage it will cause. Here are some of the ways your roof could be letting you know there’s a problem.
Water Damage
Water damage can often be mistaken for damp, but make no mistake, if you’re getting ceiling stains the cause is likely a leaky roof. Even the smallest watermarks could mean that water is seeping in from your roof, usually due to a hole or crack.
Water can do some real damage to your roof; even a tiny leak could lead to big problems such as mould, rotting, damaged ceilings and even roofing collapses. If you spy any water damage in your home and you suspect the roof to be the cause, getting it sorted as soon as possible will help prevent more catastrophic damage.
Mould and Moss
Aside from the mould that water damage can cause inside the home, mould and moss on the roof’s exterior can cause big problems. Roof tiles can be forced apart by moss, creating a gap that allows rainwater to seep in, which in turn will lead to water damage. Whole slates can also be broken apart as a result of freeze-fore weathering during winter as moisture can penetrate the slate via plant root systems before freezing. If you allow mould and moss to fester, it’ll create more problems down the line. Nip it in the bud early; you can use a chemical treatment to take care of moss, or if you’re planning a roof replacement, consider materials that are algae resistant.
Loose/Damaged Roof Tiles
When you check your roof for damage, examine whether you have any loose or damaged, or even missing, roof tiles. These are typically a result of wind damage, but fortunately they can usually be easily replaced with a Hall Hook Slate Repair Fixing. This is best done quickly, as missing roof tiles expose the house to defects that can lead to massive deterioration of the entire roof.
However, if most of your roof tiles are looking worn and worse for wear, why not consider an entire roof replacement? At UK Slate, we can provide you with high-quality sourced roofing slate from the finest quarries around the globe.
Attic Leaks
If the water damage hasn’t made it down yet into the central part of the house, that doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t a problem. The attic should be the first place you check, as any leaks in the attic such as circular stains on the walls can be a sign that water is getting in. Attic leaks are often caused by missing tiles, broken seals or even condensation build up. Make sure you address these problems as soon as you notice them. It’s worth doing an annual roof check which includes going into the attic and inspecting the walls for any moisture. A good quality breathable membrane should always be used under slates to allow damp air to ventilate through the roof before costly damage is caused.
Dirty Gutters
While gutters are known to catch leaves, twigs and other kinds of nature’s debris that often needs to be cleaned away, clogged gutters could also be a sign of a deteriorating roof. If you notice sand, sludge-like granules or even rust in the gutters, it could be a sign that your roof covering is deteriorating. A few loose granules are normal as your roof naturally ages, but if there is an increase in this residue, it could be a sign that the tiles are deteriorating faster than they should.
Sagging Roof
Perhaps the most significant warning sign of a severe problem, a droopy roof is an indication of a structural integrity problem with the house. The sagging could be caused by frequent exposure to moisture, faulty roofing materials during building, improper installation or in locations that experience frequent bouts of snow and ice. If your roof appears to be sagging, have this look at by a professional immediately, or it could lead to a roof collapse.
High Energy Bills
Perhaps not something you may have considered, but if you’ve noticed a spike in your energy bills, it could be because you’ve had to start cranking the heating up higher than usual to keep warm. A roof can seriously contribute to maintaining a toasty temperature with its insulation properties. So a colder home could be the result of a faulty roof or ventilation problems causing the temperature to drop.
At UK Slate, we can provide you with a fantastic range of slate roof tiles to give your roof a brand-new lease on life. Contact us today for more information.