How do you know when your roof needs replacing?

Your roof may not be something that you tend to pay much attention to although giving it an inspection every now and again may save you some costly repair bills down the line. Quality roofing jobs last for years upon years but how do you know when the right time is to replace it?

It is important to look for interior signs that your roofing is damaged as this can mean the damage is more than just the surface of the roof. Some common signs of roof damage are patches on the ceiling where the roof is sagging, signs of water damage or leak, dark spots/trails and outside light showing through holes in the roof.

Checking over the exterior of the roof is just as important as the interior, it can be the first signs that there is damage to the roof.

Missing tiles or panels

Tiles and panels should not be able to be removed from the roof, if this happens it has usually deteriorated over time or from bad weather conditions. They can be repaired but it may be worth looking into a roof replacement if the problem occurs frequently.

Moss and mold

If your roof has moss or mold growing on it, it can cause the tiles to be pushed apart and allow water to get in. To prevent this, a chemical mold killer can be used.

Sagging

Your roof should follow a straight line whether it is a gable roof, hip roof or a flat roof. If it shows signs of sagging there may be structural damage to the roof, it is important to get this checked before it becomes much worse.

Falling mortar

Mortar was used commonly years ago to hold the roof tiles to the roof. If there are pieces of falling mortar this could be an indication that the roof is reaching the end of its life, roof tiles will have nothing to keep them in place.

Age of the roof

Roofing doesn’t last a lifetime. When it is exposed to many bad weather conditions over the years, damage is bound to be caused. Typically, roofing should last around 15-20 years and then it needs replacing to reduce risks of structural damage. We recommend that you should check your roof at least twice a year ideally in the spring and autumn months.

At Solomon Roof we carry out many services specialising in roofing repairs and replacements in Greater Seattle area. If you suspect your roof is damaged give us a call.

Inspecting your flat roof

Inspecting your flat roof before the seasons change can be most beneficial, particularly before winter and summer as we can experience extreme cold and heat that can take its toll on the materials.

Cold temperatures, storms and rain all contribute to the damage of the roofing. In the summer, the solar UV radiation is higher so the roof can be exposed to high heat and thermal shock due to sudden cooling if it rains. Inspecting flat roofing is particularly important after harsh weather as rainfall can settle and create ponding across the roof, causing water damage.

Indoor inspection of a flat roof

Firstly, you should check the interior of the building. Signs of water staining on the walls or ceiling will show that there is possibly a leak allowing water to get in. you can usually tell if there is a leak as a dark ring of discolouration form around where the water is leaking from. However, this doesn’t mean that the leak is coming from directly above as there are many layers of the roofing that can change the direction of the leaking water. If you have any signs of leaks from the interior of your building, this shows there is deep water damage and a roofing contractor is needed for repair as soon as possible.

Exterior inspection of a flat roof

It is still important to inspect the exterior of your roof even if you do not see any obvious signs of leaks from the inside. Any cracks or splits in the roof that are allowing water to get in should be dealt with before they cause further internal damage. Simply doing a walk around your flat roof each month is beneficial for a quick inspection, however it is important to be careful where you step as this could cause more damage to areas that are already impaired. If the roof surface feels weak as you are walking along it, this is a sign that the roof isn’t performing to its required standards and should be looked at by a contractor. Always be aware of where you are on the roof and never walk backwards.

Things you should look out for:

• Debris
• Blocked drainage / gutter systems
• Edge metal damage
• Holes / rips / splits / separations in roofing material

Most leaks occur when the roofing material is deteriorating with age. Any penetrations in the roof such as pipes and flashings are more prone to leaks as they cause a break in the roofing material. If the seals wear away then water can flow through. In the winter, leaking water will expand when it turns to ice. This causes the crack to expand and creates further damage to the roof.

Inspecting your flat roof – we can help you

Solomon Roof are on hand for all types of commercial/industrial flat roofing repair. If you have inspected your roof and found damage or would like us to inspect your flat roof, give us a call. We are accredited to the major roofing and building industry standards.