It is very important to make sure that your roof is in good condition, as any holes or other issues could result in further structural damage to your property. However, it can be easy to forget about or ignore your roof, as it is in a position that isn’t regularly seen or thought about. You’re more likely to notice a problem with your roof when the problem has spread to other parts of your home, but here are a few signs to watch out for that can give you some early indication that your roof is damaged and needs your attention.
External Light Coming in Where It Shouldn’t Be
The only place natural light should be coming in from is the windows; anywhere else is a sign that there is something not quite right. If you want to make sure that there are no holes or tears in the roof lining or shingles, go up to your attic and check for places where external light is coming in where it shouldn’t be. If there is, you might want to call out professional roofers to take a closer inspection of the damage.
Watermarks on the Ceiling
Another sign that your roof might be damaged is if you have noticed watermarks appearing on the ceiling. If you have also noticed dripping water coming from these areas when there is heavy rain, it’s fairly obvious that there is a hole in the roof that is allowing the water to get in. You must get this problem fixed as soon as you can; otherwise, your ceiling might cave in, or dampness will spread to your property’s walls and potentially cause brick rot if left too long.
Your Energy Bills Have Increased
Energy prices might have risen for you in the last few years, particularly if you have had to work from home due to the pandemic or simply because the market price of fuel has increased. However, if you have noticed that your energy bills have risen and it has nothing to do with these other factors, it might be due to a damaged roof or poor insulation. Check the roof for other signs of damage, as a hole in it can result in the heat from your home escaping through this. If there is no hole in your roof, you’ll need to invest in better insulation.
Bowing Roof
A bowing roof is a serious structural problem that you will need to get taken care of as soon as possible. If you don’t, it could result in your roof collapsing and potentially damaging your property walls in the process. You can see if a roof is bowing by getting to a clear vantage point to see the whole of your roof (you might need to cross the street or walk to the end of your garden). If the roof appears to dip in the middle, this is a clear indication of a bowing roof, and you might need to have it replaced.
Make sure that you are looking out for these signs of roof damage to avoid further issues with your property, and get them looked at by professionals as soon as you can.
