If we’re honest, not many of us would admit to checking the state of our roofs on a regular basis. Not only is it inconvenient to go scrabbling around on top of the house, it also rarely crosses our minds, not being one of the common household checks we’re accustomed to.
However, keeping a keen eye on your roof can save you hundreds further down the line in costly repairs and maintenance fees – not to mention avoiding the risk of mould and damp developing from a leaking or faulty roof.
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors Limited (NFRC) advise homeowners to carry out checks approximately twice annually, and there are a number of ways in which you can check whether your roof needs work, both from the inside and outside, as listed below. Remember: climbing onto a roof is a dangerous task, and should be performed by professionals where possible.
From the Interior
Climb up into your attic with a torch and try to see if your roof is sagging at any point. Make sure to check for all signs of damp, such as dark spots and trails of water, visible mould and moist odours.
Next, turn off all lights and see if any outside light is filtering through at any point. It may sound obvious, but even relatively big holes can go unnoticed when inside lights are on.
From the Exterior
If you discover any issues in the interior of your roof, chances are their root cause will be a problem on the outside. Depending on the angle of your roof and the size of your property, some checks are possible from ground level with the help of binoculars. However, to ensure a fully detailed inspection, you will have to get up close to your roof’s surface. Be sure to follow all safety guidelines, such as using a fully working ladder that isn’t over-extended or positioned at an incorrect angle.
Start by examining the surface for loose, cracked or missing shingles, as well as all other loose materials, paying particular attention to the area around the chimney stack. Loose dust and granules from damaged shingles may be present in the guttering – usually a sure fire sign of disrepair – so examine these areas carefully. Inspecting your guttering in general is also important, making sure that they are firmly attached and effectively draining water away from the edge of the roofline.
Check for leaks and water damage – remember that any damp patches may not indicate the location of the faulty shingle, as water may have run down the roof to its lowest point.
All of the above could be indicators that you may need a new roof or, at the very least, roof repairs. Contacting a professional roofing company, such as the experts at Morgan Asphalte, is the most effective way to get your roof fully inspected, as our qualified professionals will be able to spot any issues that you may have missed. We can then discuss with you the best solution, from repairs to a complete replacement, and carry out all work to the highest quality at competitive prices.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch today on 0800 998 1378 to find out more.