How To Tell Your Roof Needs Attention

A roof can deteriorate and need repairs simply due to age and the wear and tear of exposure to the elements. However, some weather events can cause instant damage and require roof repairs. Below are several conditions that could cause problems for your house.

Hail Stones

One kind of weather that can damage roofs is hail stones. These can range from ice the size of a pebble to a golf ball or larger. Your roof will be more likely to suffer damage from bigger chunks of ice, especially if propelled into the roof by strong winds, which is why you should book an inspection and repairs after severe hail.

Concrete and terracotta tiles are resilient, but large ice pieces can cause them to crack, especially if they're old and brittle. A roofer can replace those affected. Whether a metal roof is damaged depends on the hail's ferocity and the metal gauge. Minor dents and paint chips may not result in long-term damage, but big dents can harbour rainwater, which will cause deterioration if not fixed or replaced.

Flat roofs can suffer the most as the hail can rocket into them with force, whereas a pitched slope softens the impact. You may have house insurance that will cover any repairs that you need.

Wind

The wind is another natural occurrence that can cause damage to a roof, and the longer a gale continues, the more havoc it can wreak as it progressively loosens cladding. Tiles are heavy and not easily moved, but their stability depends on the condition and integrity of the roof before the wild weather. Strong winds can also loosen metal panels, allowing rain to enter the house. A roofer can reattach the cladding before the problem results in water damage.

Roofs are built to withstand the standard conditions of the region, but extreme gusts can cause issues. You should also watch for trees swaying in the wind and rubbing against the roof, as this can harm the cladding. Additionally, an overhanging branch can snap off and come crashing down on a house during a storm.

Heavy Rain

Heavy rain can also cause damage to a roof. Vulnerable spots such as the flashing and gutters can become water-soaked and let rain into the ceiling cavity. The rain can overflow and pool along the cladding if the guttering is full of leaves and twigs. If this doesn't clear immediately, it can cause the roof to decay. 

A sagging, flat roof can become even more unsound as heavy water can exacerbate the issue. If your roof already has holes, heavy rain can, unfortunately, reveal where they are as the rain gets inside. A roofer can repair gutters that have loosened under the weight of water and debris and investigate why a flat roof may be sagging.

For more info about roof repairs, contact a local company.