Are you a homeowner guilty of neglecting to check yours? 57.4% admit to having never checked theirs at all and 56.9% never even look out for leaks… we’re talking about roofs and attics of course!
Roofs and attics are often one of the last things homeowners tend to keep an eye on, which may be put down to ‘out of sight, out of mind’. That being said, a leaking attic or broken roof can be extremely costly and time consuming, especially if the problem is allowed to build up over time.
Roof systems can deteriorate over time for a number of different reasons: wear and tear, severe weather conditions (for example, heavy winds) and sometimes even improper design will come back to haunt you and your home.
It is vital you inspect your roof on a regular basis in order to get an early diagnosis, before the issue becomes bigger. An annual inspection is recommended, aim for when there is nothing covering the roof such as snow or other materials, as the problems may be hidden. After experiencing extreme weather conditions it’s always a good idea to inspect your roof to make sure nothing has come loose or been damaged.
If you fall into that 57% of people who do not inspect their roof or leaky attic, you could find yourself forking out a substantial amount of money on repairs. According to a recent study, on average homeowners pay anywhere from £850-£3200 on repairing water damage, this could so easily be prevented with regular inspections.
The type of roof you have is something you should take into consideration, as different roof types require different inspection techniques and can be susceptible to different issues.
Asphalt roofing
When asphalt shingles age they become brittle and granules can detach themselves. Inspect for bare spots as well as torn or warped shingles.
Metal roofing
Most metal roofs, including those made from steel, copper, aluminium or galvanized iron have a life expectancy of approximately 50 years. Perforations, pits, rust, or corrosion can help determine the age of the roof. Check the seams, corners, and joints for loose, dried out, or peeling caulk (a waterproof filler and sealant, used in building work and repairs) or another seam material.
Slate and/or clay tile roofing
These normally have around 75 years or lifetime warranties, but they can leak sooner depending on the quality of workmanship. When inspecting, you should avoid walking on these materials as they can break under the weight.
Wooden shakes or shingles
Again, avoid walking on this material. Instead, simply inspect using binoculars or from a ladder. Weather will deteriorate wooden shakes and shingles over time. See if there are missing, rotted, warped or broken shingles or shakes. If a third or more of the roof is damaged, the whole roof needs replacing.
