Every homeowner fears the moment when they look up and see that their roof is falling apart. Even though it’s inevitable, no one wants to think about the day when their roof will need replacing. But for many homeowners, this day comes sooner than expected.
As one of the most exposed parts of your home, your roof is also one of the most vulnerable areas to natural elements and general wear and tear. An article from Roofing Contractor Magazine disclosed that as much as 70% of all homes had been found to have some damage or deterioration in their roofs – a frightening statistic for any homeowner! Unfortunately, there are plenty of reasons your roof could be in such a state. Perhaps there was a leaky pipe somewhere in your attic? Or perhaps previous owners hadn’t fastened down some of the tiles? Whatever the case may be, we’ve got you covered with these three potential causes:
1. Your Roof May Be Old and Outdated
Old roofs are always a potential problem, but it’s easy to overlook that they are becoming more of an issue each year. As roofs age, they become more brittle and susceptible to breakage, which can cause them to leak and create further damage throughout your home. Furthermore, they are also more vulnerable to general wear and tear as they age, including sunlight damage and snowfall weight. I
f you do have an old roof, you may have to look into getting a new one. There might not be a lot you can do to save it. If the roof is beyond repair, your best bet is to contact a contractor immediately before it becomes a severe issue that compromises the structural integrity of your home. If you have questions about getting a new roof replacement in Newnan, Ga, give Nutt Roofing & Siding a call!
2. You Have Dormant Pipes That Are Leaking
Even when your roof isn’t actively leaking, it could be causing problems in other areas of your home – including your plumbing. This tends to be a problem when structures under the roof, such as a crawlspace, have been excluded from the roof replacement. If your roof is older and particularly leaky, this could cause your plumbing to rust and corrode, eventually leading to a leak. If you suspect your roof is to blame for leaks in your plumbing, you’ll need to get a specialist to investigate.
While you’ll probably need to get a brand new roof, it’s worth having a contractor assess the problem and make a complete diagnosis. Your roof may be rusting away and on the brink of collapse. In this case, the sooner you address the issue, the better.
3. The Tiles May Be Made from Faulty Materials
Roofs like clay or concrete tiles are usually made from mixed materials. While these generally have a long lifespan, their composition is also susceptible to various issues, such as mold or rust. If any of these issues have been left unchecked for too long, it could have caused your roof to deteriorate.
Deteriorated roofs are also more susceptible to hail damage, which could have caused your roof tiles to crack. Cracked or broken tiles can cause water to seep through your roof and into your home, creating severe damage over time. You’ll need to hire a professional to check the condition of your roof tiles, but be aware that it’s not always easy to identify what material a roof is made from. There are, however, some telltale signs to look out for, such as an excessive amount of mold or rust on the tiles.
4. There Is Too Much Stress on the Roof
Sometimes, it isn’t a specific issue with your roof that causes problems. Instead, it may be the sheer stress that your roof is under that causes damage over time. This is particularly true if you live in an area that gets hit by storms, such as hurricanes or tornadoes.
While it’s impossible to avoid damage from storms altogether, there are ways to reduce the stress on your roof, which could buy you some extra time before it needs to be replaced. Some ways to do this include repairing broken or cracked tiles as soon as possible, keeping your gutters clean and clear of debris, and ensuring that your roof gets plenty of sunlight and ventilation. Doing all these things can help reduce the stress on your roof and give it a longer lifespan.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, no one can predict when a roof will deteriorate or break down. Thankfully, there are ways to reduce the stress on your top and extend its lifespan. If you notice any of these signs, it’s worth scheduling an inspection as soon as possible. If your roof ends up needing replacement, there is no shame in getting help from a contractor.
Roofing is a complicated job that requires the expertise of a professional. Furthermore, it’s always worth investing in a quality roof that will last decades. Even though a new roof can be an expensive investment, it is well worth the cost because having a new roof can help prevent water damage to your home. It can also make your home look better, which can be vital if you plan to sell your home soon.