A roof over your head is the most basic of human needs, so when it comes to the home, this should be the first priority when considering upkeep. Your roof is the best defense you have against the elements, and if that comes into disrepair, the rest of the house will soon follow.
Roofs do age and will need a little TLC from time to time, so deciding whether you need to replace the entire roof or simply source some new shingles can make a big difference. Maintaining your roof can be a daunting and costly process, so Brava Roof Tile has put together a guide of things to look out for and what you can do to keep your roof in tip-top shape.
If you have any reason for concern, it’s always best to consult with a professional to carry out a proper inspection on the roof but there are a few telltale signs that you can look out for in order to identify potential problems. Getting in early is key as it will stop the damage spreading further, and you should treat your shingles as your very first line of defense; negligence in their maintenance can lead to much more costly problems arising later down the line.
Cracked or Damaged Shingles
If the roof shingles are showing any signs of wear and tear such as cracks, then it’s best to treat the issue as soon as possible. If it’s a fairly major break, then it’s probably best to simply replace the entire shingle or shingles affected. However, if there are only minor tears, you could treat them just as well with some roof sealant.
Broken Shingles
If you can see any shingles that are missing chunks completely, this is an even more urgent threat, and they must be replaced with new roof shingles as soon as possible. These naked spots on the roof offer no barrier to inclement weather and can easily become more serious problems as moisture seeps into the underlayer. Broken roof tiles or shingles can cause the problem to quickly spread to the surrounding tiles as their defense has been weakened.
Missing Shingles
If you can see sections of the roof that are missing entire shingles or have significant gaps, these need to be fixed right away. Much the same as the problems that arise from broken shingles, this gaping hole in your roof’s defenses needs to be plugged before it becomes more serious.
Weathering and Age
So how long does a roof last? Unfortunately, even the best shingles do have a shelf life; and in doing their job protecting you from the wind, rain, and beating sun, they will degrade over time. If they are looking smooth and losing their granules, it’s a sign they need to be replaced. Dramatic changes in coloring can also be a warning sign. However, in these cases, it’s more likely that you will have to replace them all rather than patching up specific spots.
Contact A Roofing Professional
If you observe any of these warning signs in your roof, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a roofing professional today to keep your home protected from the elements.
When you're ready to upgrade your roof to Brava Roof Tile, contact us for a free sample and estimate!
