Give your roof a health check
We may not think about our roof much, if at all, but it’s an important part of the structure of our home, so it pays to give it the once over every now and then to make sure it is still in excellent condition. Prevention is usually better, and cheaper, than cure and finding potential problems early can save you a big headache. Here are some common roofing problems that can occur:
Leakage
It is one of the most common roofing problems and can occur for a number of reasons. Leaks can be seen by looking at the humidity and damp levels in the loft area. Humidity under the roof can cause mould and rot that causes serious problems if left undetected and unrepaired for a long time. If it gets wet and the damp has spread to the weight-bearing rafters, then you need an expert roofing specialist right away.
Broken tiles or slates
Storms and high winds can cause tiles to crack or completely lift off. Regardless of whether your slates are fixed with wood or nails, corrosion over time will reduce their grip and mean tiles can be more easily damaged by weather conditions. Sometimes all you need is to replace one or two roof tiles but if all are in poor condition, you may need a complete re-roofing job.
Pooling water
If there are signs of an accumulation of standing water on your roof, then this is a sign something is not working properly. This may be caused by excessive debris build up in the gutters which negatively impacts the drainage. If you see a ‘puddle’ on the roof, then call in a professional. For a Cheltenham Roofing, visit http://stormroofingltd.co.uk/
Trees
Trees growing too close to the roof and overhang your property can cause damage. The twigs can rub the roof, gradually wearing away at the protective layering. Bad weather can also make them more likely to fall and excessive shedding of leaves can block gutters, leading to drainage problems. Trees near the house must be kept well-trimmed or removed.
Poorly installed flashing
Flashing is a sealant covering the areas in which there are required openings in the roof, for example, vents and chimneys. Problems with the installation of flashing means there may be openings and damaged tiles that are allowing moisture to seep in without your knowledge. Flashing also deteriorates over time and can also cause open seams to appear that you might not be aware of.
Poor ventilation
Ventilation is very important in the attic space and ventilation should be installed at the base of the roof, to allow cool air to enter and at the top, the warm air to leave. If the system is not functioning correctly for any reason, then the excessive build-up of humidity and heat can damage the insulation and rafters will see an increase in dangerous damp and mould problems.
