Signs Your Roof Needs To Be Replaced

A roof is a vital component of any home and should be maintained regularly, in order to protect your property from various weather conditions.

Over time however, roofs can wear naturally and become damaged, which can lead to leaks and other problems.

If you are unsure if your roof might need to be replaced, here are a few tell tale signs to look out for:

Warning Signs

• Sagging Roof
• Rotting Roof Sheathing
• Roof Leaks / Water Stains / Water Damage
• Structural Damage
• Damaged Shingles
• Damaged Tiles
• Cracks
• Loose Flashing

Let’s take a look at the more common identifiers, in further detail below.

Bits Of Shingle In The Gutter

If your roof has been in place for more than 10 years and you are starting to notice granules fall or bits of shingle in your gutters, you may want to hire a professional roofing company to take a look and investigate further.

Finding bits of shingle or granules in the gutter, may be a sign that the shingles are damaged and deteriorating. If this is the case, it is important to contact a professional roofer sooner rather than later, as the granules protect the asphalt shingles. 

If the granules are not there to protect the shingles, they will start to deteriorate quickly and may lead to further damage.

Flashing

Metal flashing helps to prevent leaks on a roof, by joining materials together such as walls and chimneys. Sometimes though, instead of using metal flashing, a small minority of roofers use roof cement.

We all know that once cement is poured, it becomes rigid and once it has set, there’s a good chance it will fracture, increasing the risk of leaks.

If you notice slabs or patches of cement on your roof it is important to check that it is not the sole form of flashing on your roof. If it is, you should look to replace this as soon as possible with a more reliable and long lasting solution, such as metal flashing.

Missing Roof Shingles

If you are in the unfortunate position of discovering that there are missing shingles or missing tiles on your roof, there is a very high chance you will have to lay a new roof.

There are many reasons for this, but aesthetically you may find it difficult to find a shingle that matches in colour, due to manufacturing changes over the years and the impact the weather has had on the shingle. It might not be the original colour or the same as the others that were fitted.

Curling

If you notice that the shingles on your roof are starting to turn upwards around the edges or bubble in the middle, it is a very strong sign that they are approaching the end of their life and should be replaced.

Light Coming Through The Roof

It’s understandable that if you can see the sky through your attic roof, or have rain, cold air and or snow also coming in, there is a definitive sign that the roof is in disrepair and you should replace it by seeking help from a professional roofer, as soon as possible.

Apart from the potential of further damages to the roofing structure, a hole in the roof is an easy way for animals and vermin to enter your home!

Cracked Shingles

If during inspection, a few or most of the shingles are found to be cracking or cracked, it is a good indication that they have suffered irreparable damage caused by wind damage and is a clear sign that a new roof is required.

Sagging

Whether the current roof installed is an old roof or a new roof, if you notice parts or your entire roof starting to sag, it is a serious issue that should not be ignored.

Although you may not be in immediate danger, the risk of injury is extremely high and is a warning that damage has occurred to either the roof structure, roof boards or even the foundations.

Addressing this issue as soon as it is brought to your attention may help towards minimising the roof damage and prevent a leaky roof and any further roofing problem(s).

Roofing Materials

If you need a new roof or are looking for roof replacement materials, you are in the right place.

Here at Trade Store we stock and distribute a variety of superb quality roofing supplies and materials, such as galvanised steel joist hangers and lead free flashing.

If you are unsure which roofing supplies or materials are right for your needs, our knowledgeable staff are on hand to offer free advice.

Contact Us

Send your enquiry via email to sales@tradestoreonline.co.uk and one of our team will be in touch.