Clearly, the roof is a very important aspect of a home. If it’s in a poor condition or suffers any major breaks, it could spell disaster for the owners. Yet, it’s not always easy to get up close and personal and actually assess the condition of a roof. And, until you do this, it’s not possible to know exactly how much roof restoration is needed.

Nevertheless, the roof of your home does require a little bit of attention every now and then. If you cannot safely inspect it yourself – using a ladder, for example – you need to call in a professional maintenance service. Keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear, as well chips, breaks, cracks, and gaps within the tiles.

If you spot any of the warnings signs discussed in this guide, it is probably the right time to think about replacing your roof.

1.  Granule Loss and Bare Patches

The small granules on your roof are an important part of protecting the roof from harsh weather conditions. They actually safeguard the tiles against the UV rays of the sun. The granules also make it easier for the roof to get rid of water quickly. Unfortunately, they can wear away and vanish over time. Without its usual protection, the roof ages faster and the bare spots may pose the potential for water damage and leaks.

2.  Broken or Missing Tiles

In many ways, roof tiles are like teeth. When one goes, it affects the health of all the others. A broken or missing tile, if not addressed immediately, can send a domino type ripple across the remaining ones. Also, gaps in the roof are a real problem, because they let the wind and rain get inside. This puts the roof at risk of water damage and rot, so it is always best to replace a roof with lots of missing pieces.

3.  Buckling Shingles/Tiles

If shingles are buckled, you’ll be able to see a wave like distortion running vertically up the roof slope. It may indicate a need for a replacement, because buckled shingles are weak and highly susceptible to damage from the wind, rain, and, ice. They can be lifted entirely of the roof, by the wind, even in relatively moderate weather. As a roof ages, the chances of it buckling get bigger.

4.  Damaged Flashings

The flashings arranged around valleys, rakes, eaves, skylights, stacks, chimneys, and other internal components can start to behave strangely with old age. They may begin to separate, dry out, or even lift off the roof altogether. The fasteners will grow loose and, if the bottom flashing does start to move, a hole for leaks will develop. Damaged flashing is a fairly serious warning sign, so you should seek the advice of a roof repair service immediately.

Understanding the Importance of a Healthy Roof

It is imperative that you keep the health of your roof in tip top condition. If it is allowed to deteriorate, not only will the repairs be very costly, serious structural issues may develop. If it helps, think of your roof as the brain of the house. If it malfunctions in any way, the rest of the house is going to experience the consequences.