Getting a new roof isn't always as expensive as you might assume, and it can mean saving money on your utility costs over the years. A new roof or needed repairs will also protect your home's framework from potential water damage, mould and the like. You never want to wait until your home's roof actually caves in or is missing a large number of shingles to consider getting a new roof installed; note when it may be time to talk to a roofer about a reroofing job for your home.
Mould growth
As said, an older roof can mean leaks that allow water to seep into your home; this can result in mould growth in the attic or along roof beams and joists. Mould may also grow behind walls on the first floor, as it will typically grow wherever the water settles and where there isn't air or sunlight to dry out that water. If your home has mould, or has mildew in the basement or elsewhere, check the roof for holes and other damage.
Cracks
If your home has cracks along the ceilings or walls, this can be caused by a number of issues, including a weakened foundation that is allowing the home to settle and shift. However, the roof may be too heavy for the home; if the home is very old, the framework may have gotten weaker over the years and cannot easily support the roof. This can be especially true if the roof is made with slate or another heavy material. Replacing the roof with a lighter material such as metal or plastic can prevent future damage.
Age
How old is your home's roof? If you don't know, you may want to get it inspected for needed repairs even if it seems to be in good condition. Like a car, it's always best to have something replaced before it wears out and gives you problems that can be even costlier to fix. Having an older roof repaired before your home suffers water leaks is better than waiting until you see damage; you might even have a roofing membrane installed over the roof to cover up any potential cracks and damage, no matter its age. This membrane is like a coating of paint this is sprayed or rolled on, right over the tiles. The membrane can increase the lifespan of the roofing tiles themselves as they won't be exposed to sunlight and other weather elements, potentially allowing your roof to last for many years before it needs replacing.
Share21 April 2017
Hello, welcome to my roofing blog, my name is John and I live in Alice Springs, Australia. I recently moved out here with my wife and two kids to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. We bought an old farmhouse and are in the process of renovating it. The place needs quite a bit of work. One of the biggest jobs so far has been sorting out the roof. It was missing a few tiles and I couldn't decide if we should try and repair it or if it would be better to have it repaired. Thankfully, my neighbour is something of an expert. He came and inspected the roof and recommended that we replace it. He explain how roofing works and the benefits of using different materials. I have learnt so much, I decided to start this blog.