When it comes to property maintenance, there are always a lot of things to look out for. You may be concerned with cracks in window panes, signs of dampness in the corners of a room, or even fixing faulty wiring or plumbing issues. All of these are important and do require attention, but one area you should never overlook is your roof. It can be easy to forget about this space, particularly if you rarely spend time in your attic, but there are several factors that can result in roof damage. These problems can cause further issues to the property’s structure if they are not dealt with quickly. To help you keep your roof in good condition, below is a list of some of the most common signs that there is damage and how you can check for them.
1. A Sudden Rise in Energy Bills
Energy prices have increased in recent years, but a sudden spike in these costs compared to what you would usually pay could be an indication of roof damage. The reason for this is that as heat rises, it can escape from your roof if there is poor insulation. This may be resolved by improving the insulation in your roof and attic space, but it might also be due to holes in the roof thanks to damaged shingles or tears in the felt. If this is something that you have experienced lately, and you can’t think of any other logical reason your bills would have increased so dramatically, take the time to inspect your roof for damage. You can do this by looking at your roof from a good vantage point across the street, for example. Alternatively, get into your attic space and look out for signs of external light appearing where it shouldn’t be or any particularly draughty spots.
2. Leaks or Damp Patches on the Ceiling or Walls
You may notice leaks after heavy rainfall, but any moisture getting into the property can result in damp patches that will appear on the ceilings or walls of your house. This is an issue as soon mold can develop, which looks unpleasant but can also pose a health risk. You may even feel the moisture on the walls when you touch them, particularly on the upper floors of the house if your home is more than one floor. Sometimes this can be due to inadequate ventilation in your home, but often it is that there is roof damage that allows water to seep through. If you do have any broken shingles or other problems, search for a local professional roofing company to inspect further and carry out the necessary repairs.
3. Sagging Roof
This is a serious sign that your roof needs repair work, and it could compromise the rest of your property’s structure. You can tell if a roof is saggingif it is dipping in the middle or looks mishappen. This can risk a partial collapse of the roof, which will be dangerous to residents and could even damage neighboring properties. A roofing company may be able to fix the existing roof, but it is likely that you will need to have it replaced entirely, especially if there has been significant damage already. Do not waste time in getting professional help with this problem if you have noticed your roof is starting to look this way.
4. Issues with Your Gutters
If your gutters are overflowing and water is gushing down the side of your house, it might indicate problems with your roof. You should make sure you are cleaning out your gutters every few months as part of essential property maintenance, as they can get blocked with debris over time, causing this to happen. However, do look out for evidence that there is an issue with the roof, such as grit or shingles in the gutter, if they have fallen down. It could also mean that there is damage to the roof’s fascia that has resulted in the gutter dropping or slipping out of place.
There are all kinds of issues that can arise when it comes to the structure of your property, and all problems do need to be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent further damage. It is important to keep checking your roof for signs of damage, however, as it can be easy to forget an area that is out of sight, therefore, out of mind. Don’t let these issues become bigger than they need to be by neglecting your roof.