Photo from Roof Resto
The mere mention of roof-related maintenance makes the average homeowner want to change the subject. That’s because roof maintenance isn’t only hard work but can also be very costly. When a simple repair becomes a full-on replacement, the costs can soar quite dramatically. So, make sure to consult with professionals like those from Paradise Exteriors to help you with your budget and the best option to replace or repair your roof.
In a bid to avoid these unforeseen costs, our roofing experts recommend that every homeowner should know the signs that their home may need a roof tile repair sooner rather than later. It’s essential to point out that doing timely repairs may save you from having to deal with additional damage.
Do Roof Tiles Have an Average Lifespan?
Roof tiles, like everything else in your home, have a general lifespan. On average, an Australian tile roof can be expected to last anywhere from 30 to 40 years. However, several different factors will determine whether the tiles need to be replaced sooner. These include the following:
- Quality of tiles used in the initial installation
- Level of workmanship during installation
- General roof maintenance
- Climate of your area
- Roofing materials
If you didn’t install your original roof, you may not know the answers to a few of these criteria. It’s a good idea to have a professional roofer inspect your roof before you purchase a new home. Alternatively, if you’re already a homeowner, you can still enlist a roofer to do a general inspection of your roof. This will help you identify any potential issues that may need attention.
Not-so-Subtle Roof Signs to Look Out for
We know you don’t want to climb up onto the roof unless you have to. However, many of the signs that you need to look out for can be seen without climbing on the roof.
- Age of Your Roof
If your roof is older than 20 years, it may be showing signs of needing repair. This is especially the case in the harsh Australian climate. Fortunately, roof tiles are among the more durable roofing materials which means an older roof doesn’t necessarily mean it needs repairing. If you have an older roof, pay special attention to the other more obvious signs.
- Clear Signs of Missing or Cracked Tiles
The most obvious signs involve missing or cracked tiles. In most cases, these will be easy to see from the ground, but there may be some that will require more extensive inspection. A professional roofer will be able to assess the extent of the damage and if caught early, may not require a full replacement.
- An Increase in Your Energy Bills
If you find yourself needing to use your air conditioner more often than usual, it may be a sign that there’s a problem on the roof. This is because a gap or crack in any of the roof tiles will result in more cool or hot air seeping into your home. You will then be using your AC more often to maintain a comfortable temperature. This, in turn, inflates your energy bill.
- Signs of Mould or Mildew
Another clear sign of problems that need to be addressed is mould or mildew on the roof. Once mould or mildew sets in on the roof, it can start deteriorating the materials of the tiles.
This can lead to leaks as well as spores seeping into your home. You may even see traces of this mould on your walls indoors. Your roof may also show signs of roof algae which has a black and green hue. This tends to grow in more humid areas and over time deteriorates roof material.
- Visible Streaks on Your Fascia Boards
In some instances, your fascia boards may have visible signs of black streaks. This can be because of pieces of broken tile bonding to the boards. Your boards will eventually start looking worn and old and will need an inspection to find out which tile is causing the damage. Here you will need to repair the tile and possibly replace the fascia board that has been affected.
- Interior Water Marks on The Ceiling
Another blatantly obvious sign that your roof may have a broken tile or two is water marks on your ceiling boards. These watermarks form as a result of rainwater seeping into the roof where there’s a gap. Eventually, this piacular ceiling board will break and rain will seep into your home. This can cause more significant damage.
- Musty Smell in the House
Watermarks in the ceiling may also be accompanied by a dank, musty smell. This develops when mould starts growing in the space where the water is leaking in. The smell will be more intense in areas where there is little or no ventilation, such as the attic or areas where there are no windows.
Final Thoughts
If you suspect that you’ve seen any of these signs, it’s a good idea to give your local roofer a call to arrange a roof inspection. This will ensure that you fix your roof tiles before your home sustains any additional damage. You’ll be glad you saved money on bigger repairs!
