Identifying roofing problems early on can save a homeowner a great deal of time, trouble and money. The key to good roof maintenance is making sure your roof is visually inspected at least twice a year, which is best done in the spring and autumn. Your roof endures a great deal of punishment from heavy rains, frost, glaring sunshine and high winds which are all factors that can loosen tiles and lead to excessive leaks, rotting roof timbers and costly repairs. Here is some useful information about roofs and a few warning signs to be aware of that can help keep your roof in good shape.
Home Roof Types
Most houses have pitched (raised roofs) which are covered with tiles or slates. Roof tiles are typically made of cement or clay. Cement tiles have a long lifespan of 4 or 5 decades and cost approximately 90p apiece. Clay tiles last even longer and cost more as a single clay tile runs about £1.50 apiece. Many outbuildings, garages and home extensions feature flat roofs. Felt is a common covering for flat roofs as is fibreglass and PVC.
Warning Signs Indicating Roof Problems
Identifying problems with your roof is key to maintaining its integrity. And, when problems are caught early on, more extensive and expensive repairs can be prevented from happening at a later date.
Pitched Roofs
Keep an eye out for damp patches on the ceiling or leaks as both are signs roof tiles may be cracked or out of place. If a tile has been blown off the roof, it should be replaced right away so that water cannot penetrate beneath the tile and cause structural damage. It’s important to know that if one tile is blown off a roof, the chances are there are other tiles missing, damaged or loose so inspect the entire roof.
Raising the neighbouring tiles with a timber wedge and sliding the tile out can remove a damaged plain roof tile. Any nails should be removed and properly disposed of. The replacement tile can be inserted back into position using the same technique in reverse. A bit of mastic can be put on the underside of the time to prevent movement.
A damaged interlocking roof tile can be removed by easing it up slightly so that the tile slides out. A flat trowel or timber wedge will facilitate this procedure. If the damaged tile is nailed down, then the neighbouring tiles must be lifted to expose the nails, which should then be removed and disposed of. The replacement tile can be put into position using the same procedure in reverse.
Flat Roofs
When inspecting a flat roof, be on the lookout for cracks or splits near the edges. A roof that sags is often an indication that water has built up on and around the timber. A sagging roof can break under weight so care must be taken when on or under a sagging roof.
A good way to check a flat roof is to stand several meters back and inspect the roof from the ground. If uneven lumps are spotted, roofing repair services may be needed.
Roof Repairs
A handy person may be able to undertake minor roof repair/maintenance projects on one-story buildings that include tasks like replacing a missing tile or two. However, an experienced, professional roofer should handle most roof work. One important task most home owners can do themselves is cleaning out the gutters so that water can flow freely out and away from the roof and the home’s foundation. Gutters should be cleaned out twice per year, preferably at the beginning of the fall season and at the start of spring. If many trees surround your house, you may need to clean the gutters more frequently.
Warning Signs Indicating Professional Roofing Services are Needed
A few warning signs indicating the need for professional roof repair services include:
Many missing or loose tiles – Wind, rain and sunlight can damage roof tiles, which put them at risk for falling off. Missing tiles leave a home vulnerable to leaks and water damage. If several tiles are loose or missing, it’s time for a professional roof inspection and repair.
Numerous loose nails – When several nails are missing, tiny holes are left in the roof, allowing water to penetrate into the attic and interior walls.
Interior water damage – Water stains on ceilings and walls are signs of roof leaks. If ignored, these small leaks can lead to greater problems.
Roof sagging – A sagging roof is a sure sign a roof needs repairing. A sagging roof can be caused by incorrect roof repairs or from an accumulation of water.
Change in heating or cooling bills – If you notice a spike in your heating or cooling costs which cannot contribute it to increased usage, it is possible there is a leak in your roof that lets in cold air during the winter months or which stops cool air from escaping during the summertime.
When it has been determined that professional roofing services are needed, it is wise to obtain three separate roofing quotes and advice from different roofing contractors. This way, the homeowner will be sure to know exactly what needs attention and how much it will cost. Obtaining quotes is always a good idea to compare prices, but remember, the lowest price isn’t always the best price, as a cheap price could indicate inexperienced labour, inferior materials and building regulation compromises.
An entire roof needs replacing only when the tiles have deteriorated beyond repair i.e., when tiles are crumbly or porous wherein they cannot keep moisture and water out and the roof timbers are rotten.
New Roofs
- New tile roof on an average 3-bedroom home – £4,500 to £7,000
- New flat roof on a typical 6m x 3m single garage – £950 to £1,400
These estimated costs include labour and materials but exclude VAT.
Access Builders in Lancashire is a well-known and reputable local roofing service that was established over 15 years ago. The business’ owner has over 40 years worth experience in the building industry. The team of qualified tradesmen at Access Builders can confidently handle all roofing jobs both large and small ranging from leaking roofs to brand new builds.
