Does your home need a roof replacement? It’s one of the biggest renovation tasks out there – and also one that causes the most disruptions. Nobody wants to deal with a roof replacement and you can usually put one off for as long as possible.
Nevertheless, identifying the need for a replacement roof is very important. The sooner you spot the worrying signs, the quicker you can bring someone around to fix them. It can often lead to a much faster repair/replacement job – so here are three things to look for when standing outside your home and looking at the roof.
Missing Shingles
Look at your roof and see if you can spot any missing or seriously damaged shingles. Two other things to look for are signs of broken shingles in the gutter or on the ground. Roof shingles are going to deteriorate over time – but when you start seeing loads of them missing from your roof, it’s a sign that the end is near.
Even if you see one or two missing shingles, it’s enough to give a roof repair company a call. They can head up on a ladder and inspect your roof better than you can. Maybe you’re lucky and the missing shingles aren’t a big problem and can be quickly replaced. It’s still worth calling the company just in case they signify severe structural deterioration.
Moss Growing Under Shingles
Moss is going to grow on your roof in most circumstances. A little bit here and there isn’t a massive problem – it can usually be cleaned with a pressure washer and isn’t worth worrying about. Surface moss damages your home’s curb appeal and nothing else.
The bigger problem is when you see moss growing under the shingles. This is a warning sign as it shows there’s trapped moisture underneath the shingles. When moisture gets trapped here, it can lead to leaks inside your loft. They may not appear just yet, but if the problem doesn’t get sorted it could lead to significant water damage.
A Sagging Roofline
Arguably the easiest indication of a damaged roof is a sagging roofline. Look at the roof and see if it sags in the middle or if one side looks uneven compared to the other. We suggest taking photos of your home from the outside fairly periodically for comparisons in the future. If you head out now and see the roofline looks pretty even, take a photo. In a few years, you can compare the roof to the photo and get a much clearer indication of how even it is.
Naturally, a sagging roofline shows there are some structural problems. This is usually down to rotting wood, causing the roof to dip a little bit. Get this seen immediately as the entire roof could cave in if left unfixed.
Keep a very close eye on all three of these roof replacement red flags. They’re easy to spot and all you have to do is stand outside your home and look up. Be sure to walk around all sides of your home while looking too; it gives you a much better view of your roof as a whole so you don’t miss anything.
