Roofs are not designed to last forever, but keeping track of when your roof needs to be replaced isn’t usually a priority for many homeowners. After all, most of us hardly ever even notice our roofs that often, let alone spend the time to really look at them and get a thorough analysis of their condition. But, checking your roof is something that you should do on a regular basis since waiting too long to replace a roof that wasn’t in great condition a long time ago is never a good situation. Small issues with your roof can easily get worse over time and end up being much more costly to repair when you finally notice and address them. Ideally, you should check your roof for any signs of damage around once every six months. This allows you to catch any issues before it gets too expensive, and ensure that your house stays safe. Some of the main signs that could indicate that your roof needs to be replaced include. However, if your roof is fifteen years or older, it’s worth getting it checked by a specialist such as Rapid Restore
Ridge Damage
Wherever two different areas on your roof meet, there will usually be a ridge. For example, there might be a raised point where two sections of roof tiles that are laid in different directions join together on the roof. Ridges are usually the highest point of the roof and are especially crucial to the structural integrity. The ridge will usually have some kind of cap applied to it to prevent water from getting in through the roof and in some cases, to provide ventilation. These areas of your roof are often the first to start showing signs of wear and damage. They are usually the starting point for more damage to the roof and, if you have noticed any damage to the mortar or bedding on or around the ridges, you should get this repaired as soon as possible as it will usually lead to damage elsewhere that could result in a roof replacement. Rock Solid Exteriors are one of the best roofing companies in Detroit Michigan with experienced professionals who can deal with all kinds of ridge damage.
Gutter Debris
When looking at the shingles on your roof, you will see that they overlap each other. This design is done intentionally in order to increase the functionality of the roof. To keep them steady and secure, a strong sealant or glue is used. However, this can weaken over time due to changes in the atmosphere and the weather. Eventually, the sealant or glue used to hold the shingles together will deteriorate, which will usually show up as debris in your gutters that looks like grainy material and pieces of tile. In addition, if you look up at your roof and notice that some of the shingles are missing, chipped or crooked, this is another sure sign that the sealant is getting weaker. To avoid this, replace any broken tiles as soon as you notice them and keep your roof regularly protected with a protective coating.
Damaged Underlayment
The first thing to be laid on the roof deck when your roof is constructed is the underlayment. This is rubberized asphalt or felt saturated in asphalt. It is water resistant and acts as a protection against bad weather. The tiles and underlayment work together to keep the water from getting in through your roof. However, when the underlayment is damaged or exposed, the risk of damage to your roof is greater. While you can easily repair small tears in the underlayment with standard roof patches, larger tears or tears that are in areas that are harder to reach might be more difficult to deal with. Underlayment that is torn or rotting is one of the biggest causes of a leak in the roof, so this is something to look out for on a regular basis.
Cracks in the Mortar
The mortar is an adhesive that is made with a combination of cement and sand. Mortar is used as the bedding for roof tiles and shingles, especially where the roof verges and junctions are laid. It’s a good idea to regularly check any areas of the roof that include mortar. You’ll usually find it at the peak of any sloping area in the roof and around the outer edges. Mortar is often the most likely to deteriorate the fastest and tends to crack and degenerate over time due to changes in temperature. The longevity of your roof will often depend on whether or not you can catch and deal with these cracks as early as possible. If they go unnoticed and unchecked for a long time, you may begin to notice parts of your roof falling off in chunks.
Attic and Loft Leaks
Any time you notice that there is water coming in from the roof, this is never a good sign. Your attic or loft is likely to be the main place where leaks are going to occur. This is why it’s important to go into your attic or loft at least once every six months to check for any leaks. Dark streaks on the ceiling are one major tell-tale sign that water has begun to penetrate the underlay and is beginning to get through the roof itself. Look for any circular stains in the attic, especially on the floor, which can indicate that the water has already begun to get through. Signs of bubbling or blistering on the walls means that the attic is letting water in.
Roof Age
Most homeowners know that, the older their roof is, the more likely it is going to need to be replaced. Roofs are made from a range of different materials and are constructed with a variety of different styles and techniques. However, no matter how your roof was made or what it was made with, you can expect it to need repairing or replacing after some time. Since roof-building techniques have improved over time, you might not need to worry about yours for a while if it’s quite new. However, if your roof is fifteen years or older, it’s worth getting it checked by a specialist.
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home’s structure. Inspecting your roof regularly can help you easily spot signs of damage that could lead to a replacement if left unchecked.
