While the autumn season has only just begun, for homeowners this is the perfect time of year to take stock of the exterior of your home and ensure all is safe and sound before winter arrives. Autumn makes for the perfect weather to get out there and do repairs, renovations, and preparation for the cold weather, all of which will help ensure you don’t have any unpleasant surprises in the dead of winter.
One area of the house you’ll want to pay close attention to is your roof. Making sure it looks secure and sounds means you won’t be dealing with leaks, water damage, and even loss of heat during the winter months. But what signs in particular should you look for? How do you know your roof might not make it through the winter? Let’s take a closer look at some common red flags.
Missing Tiles or Shingles
One of the most obvious signs to watch for is if your roof has missing tiles or shingles. If you only have a few missing, or they are only in one spot, they you may be fine with just a repair rather than a total roof replacement.
It’s a good idea to call and have a specialist come out and chat and give a free quote on what would be needed. This at least gives you an idea as to whether it’s repairs or a replacement that you need. What you don’t want to do is ignore the problem and go into winter with missing tiles or shingles. You risk having leaks and further damage occur.
There Are Sagging Spots in the Roof
Another big warning sign is sagging spots in the roof. At the very least this should prompt you to have it looked at and inspected. This can sometimes be a sign of water damage or leaking, or it could point to something larger like an issue with the foundation of your house. Again, it’s not a sign you want to ignore.
A Building Up of Moss and Algae on the Roof
While this isn’t always as common, sometimes you may notice a build-up of moss and algae on the roof itself. A little bit is normal, but if you have large quantities, it can signal a much bigger issue. Sometimes the remedy is as simple as a deep cleaning of the roof, whereas other times it may be necessary to replace sections.
The Roof is Getting Old
Then there is the simple fact that roofs don’t last forever so age can be enough of a red flag. In general, roofs have a maximum life expectancy of 25 years, give or take a few years. If you’re getting close to this point, replacement could be on the cards sooner rather than later.
Stay on Top of the Red Flags
Making sure you know the red flags to look out for when it comes to your roof will ensure that you don’t allow the problem to get too big.
