The roof of your home serves a very important purpose, to keep you protected from the elements. Unfortunately, no roof is invincible and over time they tend to wear down.
If you are worried about the state of your roof then there are a few things you can do. This article will explain to you the main signs of roof failure and how to look out for them.
1. Sagging
One of the most problematic issues that you can have with a roof is what is known as sagging. Sagging is where your roof starts to cave in slightly and thus creates a dip or sag in your roof.
From the outside, this is not always easily visible. If you can access your attic, then it should be more obvious from the inside as you will have a better perception of the depth of the sag.
You should try to find a local roofer if you have any concerns regarding the sagging of your roof. By searching for roofing contractors hanover pennsylvania, you should be able to find somebody to come out and take a look for you.
Sagging is a real problem as it could suddenly collapse. Even the slightest dip shows that it can no longer support the weight of the roof and needs to be addressed immediately.
Sagging is one of the primary signs that your roof is failing.
2. Missing Slates
You should be carrying out regular checks on the state of your roof. If you ever notice that your roof is missing any slates (or shingles) then this is a sign that your roof is starting to fail.
This shows that your roof has suffered some damage and the protection of your home is weakened. In theory, replacing missing slates should not be too difficult and is relatively easy to fix.
However, you will want to make sure that it is done right, otherwise, you will end up with the same issues that you would have if you hadn’t replaced the slate at all.
If a slate has come loose and fallen away, then you are likely to see some sagging develop as well as some water damage. Missing slates is a sure sign that your roof is failing.
3. Water Damage
Water damage is something that you will notice from the inside of your home. If you have any rooms on the top floor of your home that are suffering from damp or mold patches on the walls then you may have a problem with your roof.
The attic would be the first place to inspect but often water can drip down through to the next floor as well. Although water itself is not corrosive, it will slowly corrode parts of your home and cause extensive damage if left for too long.
As soon as you notice any water damage you should have someone come and inspect your roof. Water damage on the top floors of your home is a sure sign that your roof is failing.
4. Light Shining Through
Asides from water damage, sagging, and missing slates, when inspecting the roof from the inside of your home, you should be looking out for any spots where light is shining through.
Pick a sunny day and make sure there aren’t any other lights on in the attic. It should be naturally dark in there but if you see anything that looks like a gap that you can see light coming through then that is a big problem.
Roofs should be fully sealed from the outside and if light can get through then so can water and that will cause issues. Light shining through your roof is a telltale sign of roof failure.
5. Debris In Your Gutter
As part of your roof inspection, looking in your gutters is also very important. Although there may not be any missing slates, if you notice any collection of debris in your gutter then you should be concerned.
This is one of the first signs of roof degradation and will cause your roof to fail over time. If you can act quickly then you should be able to nip this problem in the bud and protect yourself from roof failure.
6. Roof Over Your Head
Everyone deserves to have a roof over their head but equally that roof should be functional too. Roof failure is a very real and very dangerous thing that can happen to anyone.
By regularly checking for signs that your roof may be failing you should be able to keep yourself self and save yourself a hefty repair bill.
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