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If raindrops fall on your head-inside your home-it may be time to replace the roof. But even in that case, it may not be necessary to do so. Even if you think you should replace the entire roof, that may not be necessary.

Remember that you need safety equipment for all works carried out in your ceiling. Top suppliers such as Gold Coast Edge Protection have developed diverse types of security systems looking for the perfect way to provide workers with the safety they need.

There are many variables that can affect the performance and durability of the roof. Is there any way to know if you need a new roof? Yes! This useful checklist will help you determine if it is time to analyse the roof replacement. Or not.

Leaks

Do you have leaks? The most obvious sign that you may need a new roof is to find water inside your home. Periodically check the attic, especially after storms or in case you notice a build-up of ice in the eaves. Look for signs of water penetration, because it is likely that significant leaks inside the home originate there. However, keep in mind that water can travel a considerable distance – for example, through beams or inside walls – from the point where it infiltrates to the point where it is finally seen.

Ice accumulations form when the snow melts, goes down the slope towards the eaves and freezes. As more water comes down and the ice builds up, it can run up and get under the asphalt shingles, with the possibility of it penetrating the roof deck.

As mentioned above, it may not be necessary to replace the entire roof to correct this problem. Maybe some tiles have been blown away or a flashing has been broken, and this has caused the roof platform located below to be exposed to climatic factors.

Whatever the case, never hesitate to request an inspection and correct the situation immediately, before the problem worsens, the repair has a higher cost or, indeed, it is necessary to replace the entire roof. Most professional roofers offer economic inspection services.

Water stains and mould

Water stains in the ceiling or that go down the interior walls, as well as the dripping of water into the home, are situations that must be investigated in order to discover their cause; may be due to a leak or, often, condensation. Especially in winter, warm and humid air rises and usually condenses in the attic, where it can generate water accumulations and leaks through the ceiling.

Most water seepages at the beginning are smaller than those shown here. Check the cause of leaks at the first sign of watermarks. While not always due to a roof problem, any leakage is a concern that must be resolved as soon as possible in order to minimize damage and expense.

Peeling paint or the appearance of blisters (swelling of wood or mouldings), inside or outside, may be due to the accumulation of water underneath, where it does not correspond. These types of brands are much more than an aesthetic problem; they indicate the presence of a serious leak that may or may not be due to a roof defect, although that is one of the main probable causes that should be investigated.

The growth of mould or mildew in the ceiling or walls can be a sign of leaks in the roof, the result of condensation problems or even a simple matter of plumbing. Verify that the insulation is dry, that your home has adequate ventilation and that the fittings and pipes of the bathroom are not leaking or transpiring. This type of problem may be corrected for a lower cost than replacing the roof.

Granular loss

When removing the leaves from the gutters in the fall, you may notice that some coloured granules have accumulated in the drains. Depending on the age of the roof tiles and the normal wear processes, this may be common. If the number of granules is excessive, it can be cause for concern. But, what amount is considered “excessive”? When cleaning the gutters, always pay attention to the unusual amounts of granules that can accumulate there and verify that the roof tiles are not peeling.

While there is no specific level of granule loss that is considered too much, the best indicator is to observe the tiles themselves. When the asphalt shingles are manufactured, a greater quantity of granules is incorporated in their surface than is really needed; therefore, it is natural that unnecessary and loose granules fall first.

Even in the new tiles, you can distinguish the black asphalt in which the granules are embedded. However, if the asphalt tiles on your roof have relatively large bare areas where the granules have been eroded and the black waterproofing asphalt has been exposed to climatic factors, you will have to replace the damaged tiles. If the problem is not limited to a few tiles, it may be time to replace the entire roof. A reputable contractor can help you decide.

Cracks and other pressure fractures in the foundations

Analysing if it is necessary to replace the entire roof is an essential step, first invest in making sure that the structure of the rest of the house is solid; otherwise, you could still suffer the same problems with the new roof. It would be a real waste of money.

Hail is one of the most destructive natural forces. Fortunately, it is a relatively rare event, although some areas are more prone to hail storms than others. Hail stones are generally irregular in shape and their size and weight can vary considerably. Even those defined as “the size of a pea” can cause severe damage.

The damage caused by hail varies considerably depending on several factors, such as the size and weight of the stones, the outside temperature (because the tiles become more fragile when the weather is cold) and the angle at which the stones hit the ground. roof, among others.

The impact of hail can damage your roof and other related structures, such as gutters and flashing. After a hail storm, check for dents, dimples, or distortions, especially in the gutters, as well as fractures and visible asphalt circular patterns on the shingles where the granules may have left.

Are you worried about safety in your company or work and do not know what to do about it? Here at Gold Coast Edge Protection  we take care of protecting the edges of the roof to avoid any kind of falling accidents