6 Tell-Tale Signs You Need a New Roof

It’s easy to forget your roof needs maintenance and is subject to wear and tear just like the rest of your home. Due to the adverse weather conditions we have here in the UK, some roofs can deteriorate quicker than most homeowners anticipate.

Because roof are designed to be exposed to the most damaging elements such as heavy rain, deep snow, and extremely high temperatures, they are very durable but over time they become less effective and at some point maintenance wont’s suffice.

At Turner’s Lofts we are the leading loft conversion specialists in the South West. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the early, and some of the more obvious signs you may need to replace your roof, whether you are concerned about the structure of your home, or are looking to convert your loft, we are here to help! Get in touch for a free assessment today >

1. The Age of the Roof

The age of your roof can be a really good indicator to determine whether or not you need a new roof. Asphalt shingle roofs are one of the most common roof types in the UK, typically composite shingle roofs can last between 20 and 25 years.

Although composite shingle roofs include fiberglass and asphalt and are known to be more durable, they are still vulnerable to the elements and don’t fair very well with even the smallest amount damage like a storm. 

Clay Tiles are another popular roofing material in the UK. Clay tiles can come in a variety of colours and styles, they are very durable. Newly manufactured tiles usually have a guarantee of around 30 years, but with proper maintenance and care you can easily see 60+ years out of a tile roof.

To find out how old your roof is, look through any documents you may have or see if there is any paper trail evidence to suggest when the roof was built. If you bought your home from someone else then it’s important to track down the documents to get an accurate age but getting a professional evaluation can also help determine the age of the roof

Identify any repair work, especially instances where layers of shingles have been retrofitted or added on top of another layer. This is important as it can affect the lifespan of a roof and also give off the illusion that it’s newer than it actually is.

2. Missing or Cracked Roofing Tiles

Missing or cracked shingles are some of the more obvious signs your roof needs some attention. Luckily these don’t always suggest that a completely new roof is in order, a missing shingle or tile is caused by the adhesive being worn away or a damaged unit. Without being repaired or replaced, a missing shingle or tile could lead to significant damage over time and may lead to the roof being replaced prematurely.

Similarly, cracked shingles where the crack spans two or three shingles could indicate there may be a lot of unseen structural damage. It’s important to keep an eye out for cracked shingles as they can be quite hard to spot and can be addressed with maintenance if caught early enough.

This applies to more durable roofing tiles such as slate, metal and clay roofing tiles which can be replaced if a few are damaged but a lot of cracked or missing tiles might require a full replacement.

3. Granules and Curled Roofing Shingles

The grit granules layer on roofing shingles helps protect it from the sun, and it’s normal for this be eroded over the life span of the shingle. When this happens, the shingles are more vulnerable to heat and end up curling as a result. These curls occur on the ends of the shingle tile and the shingles will start peeling off the roof.

The easiest way to tell if the grit is being eroded from your shingle tiles is if there is a build-up of grit in your guttering. It probably won’t be enough to clog your gutters but if you notice a decent amount of grit in your gutter then you should contact a professional to inspect the roof in more detail.

4. Sagging Roof

This is possibly the most obvious sign that a roof has sustained significant damage and will need to be replaced.

A sagging roof is indicative of significant structural damage and suggests the current roof can no longer protect itself from the elements and has succumbed to leaks that have left irreparable damage.

If you believe you have a sagging roof you should consult a professional roof contractor straight away. A sagging roof can be at risk of collapse and a professional contractor can help you assess the damage and see if the structure is safe and decide whether or not a full replacement is needed or if just parts of the roof will need to be replaced.

5. Leaks and Internal Water Damage

If you start to notice damp patches on the ceilings and walls, or you are starting to notice a considerable build-up of condensation in your home then it’s safe to assume there might be a leak in the roof. A leak in the roof can cause considerable damage to your home and attract pests so it’s good to be aware of these types of signs.

There are a number of reasons why a roof might leak from:

• Missing tiles or shingles
• Damaged flashing
• Cracked roof decking
• Damaged guttering

Depending on the severity of the leak these could suggest urgent roof maintenance is required, in worse case scenarios the roof will likely need to be replaced. Consulting a professional early once you notice the signs is important. Getting the assessment done quickly will prevent the damage from getting worse and should mean the roof is repairable

6. Flashing and Insecure Gutters

Flashing refers to the aluminium lining around things like chimneys and air vents which provides a more seamless transition between these building elements and the roof. These can deteriorate over time which makes them vulnerable to leaks. Because it’s secured using nails and screws instead of adhesive, and damage or missing elements can be hard to spot from the ground.

Another tell-tale sign is if the guttering is detached from the house, this suggests that the roofing is coming loose due to rot and needs to be replaced.

Expert Roofing and Loft Conversion solutions with Turner’s Lofts

Here at Turner’s Lofts, we understand the importance of a professional and friendly service when it comes to renovating your roof. Our reliable and hard-working team have over 10 years’ experience so you can trust us help take care of your next project.

If you’re concerned about the condition of your roof or loft then get in touch with our team today to learn more about how we can help.