Let’s be honest, most homeowners only think about their roof when the proverbial hits the fan. Out of sight, out of mind is usually the mantra, until it’s forced into sight at a high cost to their wallet.
Visual damage is usually the first time a homeowner will realise something is wrong, something that could have been prevented with regular maintenance. However, by that time, it is usually too late, as visual damage usually means the problem is well set in and is potentially going to be the result of a longstanding problem.
For those reasons, it’s important for homeowners in Nottingham, Leicester, Derby, Lincoln and Northampton to understand the different red flags that could suggest you’re in need of professional roof cleaning services. That is exactly what we’re going to help you to do in this article.
Visible Moss or Green Growth on Roof Tiles
It might seem obvious, reading about it now, but one of the clearest signs your roof needs attention is when you notice moss or green staining across the tiles. As you’ll know, damp conditions are prevalent in the East Midlands, and that promotes moss growth, especially on north-facing roofs.
Moss, especially if left to grow, can dislodge tiles. While that might sound like a simple tile replacement job, it actually could mean far worse. For one, a dislodged tile will allow water to get beneath, allowing it to penetrate the surface of the roof to potentially form leaks. What starts as a cosmetic issue can eventually contribute to leaks and structural damage if left untreated.
Dark Streaks and Discolouration
We’re pretty sure that dark streaks on your roof tiles are not by your design. In fact, we’d wager they were caused by algae growth. Sure, they may look pretty harmless and you may just shrug them off as natural wear and tear, but you’ll be surprised at how quickly algae can spread. Before you know it, it will affect large sections of your roof.
If you live in an area with lots of trees and limited airflow, your tiles are much more prone to this type of discoloration. If you notice this sign, we highly recommend you contact East Midland roof cleaning services, such as those from Aaron’s Roof Cleaning UK, to remove these growths as soon as possible.
Blocked or Overflowing Gutters
Another clear sign you may have trouble with your roofing is when your gutters start overflowing during heavy rainfall. This usually indicates there is a blockage in your guttering, which in some cases is caused by tiles and debris falling into the guttering from your roof. That causes blockages and the overflowing you see. This kind of issue is particularly common in the East Midlands, where autumn leaf fall is prevalent
Roof Tiles Looking Uneven or Misaligned
While it might look like it, moss does not just sit on top of tiles. In fact, it can burrow underneath, which is bad news. When that happens, it can cause tiles to shift or fall out completely. If you notice this, it is a clear sign that urgent maintenance work is needed on your roof. Left unattended, you can expect potential leaks and maybe even structural damage.
Damp Smells or Moisture in the Loft
A less obvious but more serious warning sign is dampness inside the property. If your loft smells musty or shows signs of moisture, your roof may be retaining water due to organic build-up.
While roof cleaning services won’t fix structural damage, they play an important preventative role by reducing moisture retention and allowing the roof to dry properly after rainfall. They will also have contacts you can speak to who specialise in structural repairs.
Don’t Leave it Too Late, Call in the Pros
The key takeaway here is that your roof often shows signs of trouble long before you can actually see it. By recognising the signs provided above, you can potentially call in a professional roof cleaning company before a potential problem gets worse. That’s certainly better than waiting until you start noticing the visual signs of a problem before realising you have a major repair bill to cover.