If your roof looks old and worn out or you have discovered a leak, it may be time to think about a replacement. Delaying the decision can result in much bigger problems down the track.
Sometimes your roof can look ok from on top and even underneath, however, the most vulnerable parts of your roof aren’t always the most visible. The ends of the iron tucked under ridging, the nail piercings and around chimneys and vents are the areas you really need to keep an eye on.
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home so it makes sense to look after it and protect the structural integrity of your home. To help you decide whether your roof needs some attention take a look at our top tips for inspecting your roof for hidden damage below.
9 Signs You Need A New Roof
How can you tell if your roof needs replacing? Take a look below for our 9 ways to find hidden roof damage.
- Rust Under The Ridgeline. Standing on the roof near the top ridgeline, use a rubber mallet or the handle of your hammer to bang along the ridges. If rust particles come out down the iron, there is hidden rust under the ridges that you likely cannot see from the inside as the supporting timber is covering it.
- Nail Hole Rust Or Decay. Up on the roof make your way along the rows of nail lines checking how secure the nails are and it there is any visible rust or decay around the holes. New roofing iron is usually installed using roof screws instead of nails as they last longer and hold better.
- Rust Around The Chimney. If you have a chimney, this is a great place to start your roof inspection. Check the flashing all around the chimney paying particular attention to the back flashing area (flashing on the uphill side of the roof) where water and debris get trapped.
- Build Up In Complicated Or Overlapping Areas. If you have an older roof built without using long run iron, always check where the iron overlaps and a new piece begins. Believe it or not, water can go uphill in between two sheets of iron and cause rust. The same goes for any complicated piece of roofing where corners meet, and extra joins are made.
- Seal Decay. Check all the seals along the ridges and around any vent pipes (from things like the hot water cylinder and toilets). These seals will decay over time and can be a common area of weakness.
- Roof Valley Decay. The v-shaped channels that run along the inside angles of a roof (roof valleys) can often be partial to corrosion, particularly if there is debris trapped inside. Leaves and debris will cause the water not to drain properly and can speed up the build-up of rust and lead to slow leaks – these should be checked regularly. Stains on the ceiling underneath the roof valley are a tell-tale sign of a slow leak.
- Ceiling Stains. One of the easiest ways to determine if your roof needs attention is unexplained stains on the ceiling inside the house. Brown spots, watermarks, or discoloured patches that continue to grow or darken can be an indication of a serious leak. Sometimes water can travel down timber and along panels before dripping down to the ceiling so these kinds of leaks can be difficult to pinpoint.
- Old Age. The lifespan of an iron roof will depend on the climate, ventilation and installation techniques if your roof is older than 20 to 30 years it is definitely a good idea to get a professional to carry out a thorough inspection. Everything will eventually reach the end of its useful life and require replacing, and this includes your roof.
- Hidden Leaks. If you think you might need a new roof, one of the first places to check is underneath it in the roof space. Look for stains or streaks on the timber supports and discolouration of the insulation as well as any signs of mould, or dampness.
How To Choose The Best Roofing Material
Choosing the right roofing material for your new home will come down to a number of factors including geographical location, climate conditions, earthquake zones, maintenance requirements and personal preference. 5 things to take into account when choosing the right roofing materials are:
- Cost. How much is the initial cost of the product combined with the ongoing maintenance costs?
- Warranty. Is there any warranty or guarantee associated with the product?
- Maintenance. How much maintenance is required over the lifetime of the product?
- Durability. What is the expected lifespan of the roof? Is it going to stand up to the local weather conditions?
- Sustainability. Is it made from renewable or recycled sources? Is it recyclable at the end of its useful life?
Don’t wait for your roof to spring a leak! Carry out a roof inspection using our tips above or if you are still unsure about the condition of your roof get in touch with roofing replacement specialists at Action Reroofing.
