The roof, is, arguably, the most important part of a building. It doesn’t matter what the inside is like, without a roof, there will be problems. It can even stand in as a synonym for house or home: you can live under someone’s roof, or refer to the roof over your head, and everyone will know what you mean.
And the humble roof puts up with a lot, protecting the house while being constantly exposed, to the heat of summer, the cold of winter, and the winds and downpours that seem to happen at any time of year. But they aren’t infallible, and despite their apparent simplicity, there are plenty of things that can go wrong with a roof. The leak, which may will assume is the main problem, is just a symptom, and there could be any number of underlying causes that will need to be addressed.
1. Badly installed roofs
Sadly, roof problems are often there at the start, even if they do not appear immediately. Anything from using poor-quality materials, badly fitted tiles, or shoddy workmanship can result in a roof that doesn’t do its job. In the worst cases, where the faults aren’t immediately apparent, the damage can slowly build up until the repair costs vastly outstrip the savings.
2. Poor maintenance
The good news is that your roof is meant to be hard-wearing and low maintenance. For most people, their roof may keep doing its job all the time they live under it without any problems. But things can go wrong. Make a point of inspecting the roof periodically, and especially after harsh weather like storms. Keep an eye out for things like loose or missing tiles, moss build-up, or indications that water isn’t running off evenly. If you see anything that looks wrong, call in a professional for a closer look.
3. Gutter problems
Your guttering is a key part of the roof system, at times helping channel away an enormous amount of water. If these get blocked or damaged, then there is the risk that the water can back up. This can change the flow of water on the roof, causing damage, or seeping down eaves and walls. Ensure your gutters are cleared at the first sign of any issue with them.
4. Water damage
It might seem ironic, but water damage is a big problem for roofs, and it often comes from inside. These may be because of other roof issues, but it can also be caused by plumbing problems or poor ventilation leading to condensation and mould. Over time, this can damage the roof, and even the building’s structure.
5. Shrinkage
Your roof is, actually, a series of layers that offer protection. The tiles are the most visible layer and offer protection from most of the sun and rain. But underneath is a membrane which offers a second level of protection. This membrane can shrink over time, especially if it’s exposed by damaged tile. This shrinkage can affect other parts of the roof, causing movement and literally pulling them apart.
6. Blistering and cracking
Like shrinkage, the different layers of your roof can experience problems, largely because they age differently. As they expand and contract with the weather, this can cause blistering, meaning that the roof is no longer flat, or cracking, which can expose underlying layers to the elements. Both will impact the roof’s effectiveness, and often cause damage to other areas if not repaired quickly.
7. Water pooling
Flat roofs are not actually flat but are built at a slight angle so that water will run off them. But water pooling is not just a problem for flat roofs. Water should just run off any roof and into the guttering and drainage system, but if there are pools of water that last a day or more after rainfall, that’s a problem. Although most frequent on flat roofs, it can happen around things like air-vents and skylights. The weight from these pools can cause damage and depending on the location there is a risk of seepage.
8. Tree and plant growth
Although tree damage can be dramatic, as evidenced by roofs destroyed by falling trees, it’s not the only way they can damage houses. Large trees that overshadow houses can have branches that brush the roof during wind. Even if it’s a seemingly light branch, it can still move tiles and scratch membranes. Another common problem is seeds that manage to grow in gaps. In both cases, get an expert to deal with the problem as soon as possible.
9. Weather damage
The weather will take its toll on even the most robust roof. Constantly exposed, even in ordinary times the laws of physics mean it will expand slightly in summer and contract in winter when it also must deal with the pressures of snow and idea. Add to this more frequent extreme weather events like strong winds and flash downpours, and it’s no surprise that, eventually, even the best roof will succumb. Unfortunately, there is little that can be done about the weather, but keep an eye on the roof, especially after extreme weather, so that any issues can be addressed promptly.
10. Wildlife
You might not realise that your roof can provide a home to more than just humans and pets. But the warmth and shelter of your roof can be welcoming to all manner of wildlife. From birds or even bats and insects can all decide your roof is a good home, damaging your roof with their nest, or even their droppings, which are slightly acidic and can cause damage over time.
Fixing roof problems
There are plenty of things that can go wrong with a roof, but a good roof will give you decades of service if you look after it when needed. If you have a roof problem, or just want something checked out for peace of mind, it is best to use a professional who understands everything a roof must handle.
A quick search on our directory will help you find a professional roofer near you who will be able to advise and, if necessary, deal with any problem you encounter.