Five Most Common Roof Problems
Your roof is your home’s shield against the external environment, protecting everything beneath it. However, like every part of your house, roofs are susceptible to wear and tear over time. Identifying common roof problems early can prevent costly damage and ensure the longevity of your home.
Improve a Roof are the experts in keeping roofs sparkling clean and alerting the homeowner to roof issues. We have made a list of the five most common roof problems we see and how to tackle them.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT IMPROVE A ROOF HERE
Leaks
Ruined wallpaper, mould on the ceiling and peeling paint are all telltale signs that you have a problem with your roof that is causing water to leak into your home. Addressing leaks promptly is crucial to prevent structural damage and unhealthy mould growth within your home.
Leaks are a symptom of other roof issues and can occur for various reasons, including damaged lead flashing, cracked tiles, or improperly installed roofing membranes. Finding the source of the leak can be a challenge, as water may travel some way along rafters and beams before dripping into the interior of your home.
It is best to contact a professional roofing company to inspect your roof properly to pinpoint exactly where the water is coming in.
Cracked or missing tiles
Roof tiles or slates are the armour plates of your roof structure, protecting your home from the elements. Damaged, loose or missing tiles compromise your roof’s integrity and leave it vulnerable to further damage from strong winds and rain.
Loose or broken tiles may be torn off by the wind, and any gaps will leave the underlying roofing materials vulnerable to water infiltration, which can lead to leaks and structural damage.
Regular inspection and maintenance will find issues and allow you to replace damaged or missing tiles and slates before significant problems develop.
Poor ventilation
Your roof protects you from the cold but must still allow for a healthy amount of air exchange between interior space and the outside environment.
Inadequate ventilation can lead to moisture buildup in the roof space, leading to rotting wood, mould growth and deterioration in the entire roof structure.
In addition, poor ventilation can result in higher energy costs as hot air becomes trapped in the roof space, making it more difficult to regulate indoor temperatures.
It is important to ensure that roof vents are not blocked when roof insulation is being installed and that pests such as squirrels haven’t caused a build-up of material at the side of the roof space that is preventing air exchange.
If the problem is ongoing, it is possible to install ridge vents, soffit vents, or attic fans to improve airflow and prevent moisture-related issues.
Failed flashing
Malleable lead is typically used for flashing on UK roofs. It is installed around features such as chimneys, vents, and skylights to create a watertight seal and prevent water penetration between different parts of the roof structure.
Over time, flashing can become loose, corroded, or damaged, compromising its effectiveness. When flashing fails, water can seep into the gaps between roofing materials, causing leaks and water damage.
Inspecting flashing regularly is important; replacing damaged sections can help maintain a watertight seal and prevent costly repairs.
Standing water
Standing water collects on flat roofs or roofs with a gradient insufficient to allow water to run off. If organic debris collects, the water can become stagnant, encouraging mould and bacteria growth.
If left long enough, standing water will weaken roofing materials, potentially leading to structural damage.
Flat roofs should always have a slight gradient to allow drainage. If this has been compromised by a build-up of leaves, for example, the problem of standing water can be easily solved by clearing and cleaning the roof. Blocked gutters and downpipes often contribute to the problem as they prevent rain from draining off the roof.
Our cleaning service can help to keep any type of roof clean and clear of fallen leaves and other environmental debris.
How Improve a Roof can help
Our cleaning service will keep your roof free of debris that could block ventilation vents or prevent roof drainage.
While we are up there, we will survey your roof and spot any issues like broken tiles or slates, allowing you to sort out our problems before they cause costly damage to your home.
Contact Improve a Roof for help in protecting your roof
We are based in Macclesfield, and our team provides roof cleaning and inspection services in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Manchester, Merseyside, North Wales, Derbyshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire.
Call us NOW on 0800 046 9686 for a free, no-obligation quotation.