Signs of Roof Problems the Require Repairs

Delaying roof repairs is not a good idea. Rain can harm a house if it seeps through the roof cladding or overflows down the external walls. This will cause future repairs to build up. If you're unsure about your roof, a professional inspection will reveal any issues. However, you can also look out for the following warning signals yourself.

Dark Ceiling Patches

If you see a dark patch on the ceiling, it might be a sign of a roof leak. Broken tiles could be letting rain into the crawl space. Rain can soak insulation and saturate the plaster. Eventually, this will cause marks on the ceiling. By that time, you may need to replace the ceiling plaster as well as fix a roof leak. A roofer can check the cladding to see if that's the cause.

Cracked Tiles and Rusty Metal

By standing on the ground and gazing up at the roof, you may be able to see some damage. For example, you could notice cracked tiles hanging out of alignment. Or you might be able to see rusted metal sections. Algae or moss that develops on the roof is another aspect that is visible from ground level. These growths can raise the tiles and let rain seep in between.

Overflowing Gutters

The guttering is a vital aspect of the roof. Its main job is to divert water away from the structure. The rain flows down the roof pitch and along the gutters. The water then continues through the downpipes, where it may be directed to a stormwater drain or to a section of the garden where it can soak into the ground. If you see spilling water over the gutters the next time it rains, it's a sign that you have a problem. The gutters, for example, might be clogged. Other indicators include drenched external walls, which can lead to the growth of mould and mildew. Water pooling on the ground around the house is another indication of gutter problems.

Unusually Hot or Cold House

Some indications of potential roof issues are less obvious. For example, you may notice that your house is hotter in the summer or colder than usual in the winter. This might indicate a hole in the roof cladding. The crawl space acts as a temperature buffer. A hole in the cladding can allow hot and cold air from outside to enter the cavity. From there, it can easily pass through the ceiling plaster, which is relatively thin, especially without insulation. Thus, if your home seems less energy efficient than it used to be, you could have the roof checked for leaks.

Reach out to a roofer for roof repairs if you notice any of these issues.