A house requires a lot of love and care in order to remain in the best condition possible. If you are a homeowner, then you are probably already aware of this, especially if you are looking to sell or lease your property. If this is the case you are most likely dealing with home repairs, renovations, and restorations on a near-constant basis.
One area that is an important part of the restoration scene is the roof. Roof restoration is the process of cleaning, repairing, and replacing the existing tiles on the roof with new tiles to give it a brand new, healthy look. While roof tiles are designed to be sturdy and they are built to last, they are also susceptible to age and damage from harsh weather. This is an issue that is especially visible in Australia, which is known for its extreme weather conditions, including gale-force winds, scorching heat waves, and severe hail storms.
With this in mind, how can you tell if your roof needs to be restored?
Curled roof shingles.
Roof shingles are a roof covering consisting of individual overlapping elements. As your roof ages, you will notice that the shingles start to curl at the edges. When this occurs, it increases your chances of experiencing leaks. If water gets into the interior of your home, it will cause water damage and the growth of mold and mildew.
Although the curling of roof shingles is inevitable over an extended period of time, having your roof restored is a preventative measure because it will ensure that the tiles are kept in place and that the roof is secure.
Cracked or missing tiles.
Following extreme weather conditions, you should keep an eye out for cracked or missing tiles. This leaves holes in your roof which, when the weather takes a turn for the worse once again, can allow rain or hail to enter the premises.
For this reason, cracked or missing tiles need to be addressed quickly. If you notice a lot of bare patches, you may want to consider investing in a full roof restoration project.
Faded tiles.
With constant exposure to weather elements, you will notice that your roof will begin to fade and lose its colour. Over time, you may also notice algae and mold growing on the faded tiles, making your roof look grey and patchy.
Algae and mold are harmful to the structural integrity of your roof because they lay a breeding ground for moisture, thereby degrading the quality of shingles and shakes. Not to mention their detrimental health effects, including causing respiratory problems in the occupants of the affected household.
A sagging roofline.
When evaluating your roof from the inside and outside, check for signs of a sagging roofline. When the beams become worn aging, wear and tear, or extreme weather conditions, they lose their strength, thereby causing your roof to sag.
Another common cause for a sagging roofline is too much weight. Snow, ice loads, undersized ceiling rafters, and other structural issues that fail to provide proper support can exert pressure on your roof, causing it to sag.
Issues pertaining to a sagging roof should be inspected by a team of professionals to ensure that your roof is repaired properly.
Do not leave the problem to deteriorate.
A roof should last between 20-25 years. As it ages, it will require repairs and restoration to continue to protect your home.
Having said that, you should inspect your roof at least twice a year after the summer and winter seasons and after major storms. If you notice any signs that your roof is damaged, then it is time to call in the professionals. They will let you know whether it would be in your best interest to have your roof repaired, restored or replaced.
