Roofs suffer the effects of weather more than any other part of a building as they are exposed to all weather conditions. Over time problems can develop. The roof is a very important part of your home and it makes sense to look after it properly.

Hopefully it doesn’t take a leak to motivate you to inspect your roof and look for potential problems. We have created the following guide to help you identify problems with your roof and what you should do about it.

FLASHING

Many problems occur at the flashings around vents, soil stacks, chimneys and vertical wall joints. Is the flashing cracked? Is the caulking around the flashing dried out? Are the tiles/slates that lie over the flashing in good shape?

BARE SPOTS

The protective granular surface of tiles/slates wears off as the asphalt, into which the granules are embedded, begins to harden over time. Bare spots are often accompanied by fine fissures on the tiles/slates surface and by the accumulation of debris in the gutters.

BROKEN TILES/SLATES

Damage can be caused by extreme wind conditions and snow. Since tiles/slates are supposed to shed water, broken, torn or missing tiles or slates become obvious entry points for water, especially on low slope roofs where run-off is slower and at the peaks of the roof where tiles/slates are the most vulnerable to high winds.

Q: Is removing my old roof required?
A: Not always, but it is usually best. Primarily, it aids in assessing the condition of the roof's substructure. It is not uncommon for us to find unknown dry rot and pest infestation at the time of tear off. With the roof removed, these problems can be addressed right at the source. Please note that any irregularities in the existing roof will more than likely show through new roofing. With some types of roofing, local building codes limit the number of layers allowed

Q: Can I have my roof done in the winter or during bad weather?
A: Barry Noble Roofing does roofing all year round. It usually only takes 3-6 hours to actually tear off the existing roof and apply water tight felt paper. Start to finish, a roof is usually completed in 2-3 days. The new roof itself can often be installed during inclement weather.

Q: Are your estimates free and how long are they valid?
A: Estimates are free and they are good for 30 days. Past 30 days it is best to call us and ask if a re-estimate is needed. Often an estimate will be good beyond 30 days but this depends on material costs

Q: My roof seems to be leaking and it is NOT raining. Why?
A: Condensation is most likely your problem. Vaulted ceilings are prone to this problem and may need to be vented, if possible, at the ridge and eaves. A moist crawl space can produce 20 gallons of water vapour per 1000 square feet and should be covered with 6-mil visqueen. Also, plants, bath fans, and other humidity all contribute to condensation problems. Another possibility could be plumbing leaks from toilets or sinks and the piping that connects to them.

Q Why is my roof leaking?
A: Roof leaks are caused by many factors. The most common problem, regardless of roof type, is the age of the roof itself. As roofing materials age they tend to lose their elasticity and become dry and brittle. The climatic changes that we have in this part of the country cause expansion and contraction of these brittle surfaces and eventually create a tear or the roof system pulls apart a seam.

Q How often should a building's roof be inspected?
A:Your roofing system should be inspected twice a year. If there are heavy storms, you should call for an inspection to ensure that your roof has not been damaged.

BIRDS/SQUIRRELS AND ROOFS

They normally enter the roof-space through a gap between the roof tiles and the gutter.

A big problem is that of squirrels setting up home in the roof of a house. Although most squirrel nests (or dreys) are built in trees, occasionally squirrels take up residence in a nearby loft, finding it a safe and secure place in which to hide from predators and rear young.

Unfortunately once in your roof, squirrels can sometimes cause damage by using loft insulation for nesting material, chewing through boxes/wires and other items in the loft and can also make a lot of noise.

· The best long-term solution is to prevent squirrels entering your house/roof in the first place:

· Block off any entrance holes with strong wire netting.

· Repair loose tiles, missing bricks, loose boards etc.

· An Eaves comb filler can be fitted -This is designed to prevent entry of birds and vermin below profiled roof tiles