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06.01.22

Why is it important to look after your Roofline?

The roofline of your house is a crucial aspect of keeping your property safe and habitable. Roofline replacement can be costly, so it is important to know how to spot and fix issues before they become problems. Roofline replacement, although a big job, is a wise investment in your home, as a well installed roof can last for 20 years.

Roof maintenance

It’s a good idea to keep your roof in good condition so that you avoid the bigger issues caused by roofline issues. One of the easiest ways to do this is to regularly have your gutters cleaned. This helps to prevent debris building up in the gutters, preventing water from draining effectively away from the roof and walls. 

Blocked gutters also create extra weight for your roofline to bear. This can be one of the elements leading to roof sagging, or broken soffits and fascia boards. 

Roof leaks

The purpose of your roofline is to keep your home insulated, warm and dry. It plays a key role in protecting the structural stability of the walls, directing rain and moisture away from them, preventing structural damage.

A leaky roof is therefore a major roofing problem. Try looking out for signs of damage and leaks before they cause an issue within the property.

Check the soffits and fascias. Are they water stained or cracked? Are any parts loose or disconnected? This is a key sign that your roofline needs repaired or replaced. 

Your roof inspection should take account of other roofing materials too. A sagging roof is a major red flag that your roofline needs to be investigated and repaired or replaced. A good roof install should quickly reverse this issue. 

Take into account the different type of roofs available. Is your roof a shingle roof? These are characterised by layers of shingles – a type of roofing for pitched roofs which involves overlapping tiles. The tiles on a shingle roof will often be asphalt shingles. 

Shingles are generally considered better at withstanding weather conditions and are less prone to becoming wind damaged. 

If you have a flat roof, a sagging roof is definitely a sign that water has gathered, or that the material is becoming worn and the roofline needs to be inspected and possibly replaced. Don’t wait for the water to come through the ceiling!

Ice dams

In Northern Ireland, which often sees extremes of cold weather, ice dams can be another issue. These are created when ice forms at the edge of your roof and prevents water or melting snow from draining correctly from your roof. 

They are often a sign that parts of your roof are letting out more heat than others. Don’t wait for ice dams to form – check the insulation of your roofing and look for signs of broken, loose or missing roof tiles which may be allowing more heat to escape from your roof. 

If you see ice or snow collecting on your roof, try to remove it as quickly as possible. Keep gutters as clear as you can, breaking up and brushing off any ice and snow that gathers. A broom or even a specially designed ‘ice rake’ can be very effective, but make sure you have someone with you if you are using ladders in poor weather. 

Fortex Cladding | Advanced Roofline NI