DIY Roof Repairs for Homeowners

How To Tell If Your Shingle Roof Needs Replacing

14 September 2015

Fernando Silva

It's a good idea to check your roof's general condition as part of your annual home maintenance routine.  This way, you can call out your local roofer to put things right as soon as you spot a potential problem, rather than waiting until there's a real issue that could result in expensive water damage to your home.  But what signs should you look out for?  Read on to find out more.

Your neighbour's roofs

Houses in one area that were all built around the same time will have experienced the same weather conditions.  It's therefore logical to assume that your roof will be in a similar state of repair as that of your neighbours.  Therefore, if you see the roofer's van outside your neighbour's property, it might be worth asking him to have a look at your roof too.

Although modern roofing materials are pretty durable, it's generally accepted that roofs over 20 years old will probably be in need of some TLC.

Damaged shingles

Shingles begin to curl as the result of ageing and through heat damage.  The material becomes very rigid, and it is vulnerable to breakage or uplift in high winds.  If your roof has curling shingles, it will probably have a few broken or missing ones too.  This reduces the roof's ability to rid itself of water and can lead to leaks.

Look out for buckled shingles.  Buckling is the term used to describe wavy distortions of rows of shingles that run vertically up the roof.  Buckled shingles are easily ripped off during high winds and usually result from aging or damage to the roof's felt underlay.

Bare patches and missing granules

If your guttering is blocked or in poor condition, a waterfall effect over your roof can result.  This eventually washes away the shingles' granular coating and leaves bare patches.  This exposes the shingles to damage from the sun and wind, providing an entry point for water.

Look out for extensive growth of moss on your roof.  Moss absorbs and preserves moisture and can damage the granules on your shingles.  It can be brushed off carefully, but it's better to have it completely removed by a professional roofing contractor to prevent it growing back.

Flashings

Lead flashings are placed around chimneys, eaves, skylights and wall details to prevent water ingress.  The flashings expand and contract under cold and heat.  Eventually, this can lead to lifting and separation, and the mortar caulking beneath can crack and become loose.  This not only allows water to enter, it provides a great home in the summer for nuisance insects like wasps and hornets.

In conclusion

If you see any of these signs of damage on your roof, call a professional roofing contractor for advice, before the problems become a real issue. For more information about roofing, contact a company like Lorn Roofing Pty Ltd.

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