Most homeowners only begin to consider the health of their roof once problems arise. At Oz-Roof, we always emphasise the importance of proactive roof maintenance and addressing more minor faults before they devolve into malignant challenges.
However, no roof can last forever. No matter how well you care for your home, there will come a time when you will require a roof replacement. This blog post will discuss six warning signs that indicate your home requires re-roofing. If you’ve noticed any of the following issues, it may be time to stop spending good money on short-term fixes and consider a longer-lasting investment that will protect your property for years to come.
Table of Contents
- 1. Your roof tiles are fretting
- 2. You've noticed missing, cracked, or curling shingles
- 3. Your roofing uses decramastic tiles
- 4. Your energy bills have increased
- 5. You've noticed a discoloured or sagging ceiling
- 6. Your roof is cultivating fungi, moss and lichen
- Finding the right contractor
- That's a wrap
1. Your roof tiles are fretting
Although the average lifespan of a concrete tile or shingle roof is around fifty years, Terracotta roofs may start to fret at any point after 40 years. While outward signs of wear and tear may initially appear subtle, they will only worsen over time. As tiles fret, they begin to break down into a powdery substance, returning to their original form.
This natural life cycle makes terracotta tiles an ecologically friendly roofing option. However, this process of deterioration is also widespread, pervasive, and can cause extensive damage to your roof if left unchecked. For results that last, we recommend replacing fretted terracotta tiles with Australian made and owned NexteelTM, the next generation of durable, colourfast steel.
2. You've noticed missing, cracked, or curling shingles
One of the most obvious signs of needing a roof replacement is missing, cracked, or curled shingles. These patches of damage can be caused by severe weather conditions, such as high winds and hail storms, or cumulative wear and tear.
Once these shingles are damaged, they will no longer protect your home from water damage and will need to be replaced. If you spot any of these issues, it’s important to act fast and contact a professional roofing contractor. They will be able to assess the extent of the damage and advise you on the best course of action.
3. Your roofing uses decramastic tiles
If you have an older home that still sports decramastic roofing, it’s time to consider a roof replacement. While decrabond was once considered a simple and cheap alternative to tiled and corrugated roofs, its use has been discontinued. As decramastic tiles are thin and lightweight, they are non-trafficable, making roof restorations virtually impossible. If your home has a decramastic roof, it’s best to have a contractor perform an inspection and give you an estimate for a replacement.
4. Your energy bills have increased
If you’ve noticed a sudden and unexplained increase in your energy bills, it could be due to the deteriorating condition of your roof. As your roof ages, it becomes less energy-efficient and causes your HVAC system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.
If you suspect that your energy bills are high due to the condition of your roof, the best course of action is to have a contractor perform an inspection and provide you with an estimate for a replacement. A new roof will improve your home’s energy efficiency and help you save money in the long run, particularly if paired with new roofing insulation.
5. You've noticed a discoloured or sagging ceiling
6. Your roof is cultivating fungi, moss and lichen
While a few patches of moss or lichen on your roof may not appear particularly distressing, they can be a sign of serious problems. These fuzzy growths are often indicative of poor drainage, which leads to cracks and leaks that seep through to the interior of your home.
If you notice any fungi, moss, or lichen growth on your roof, it’s critical to have an experienced contractor investigate. If left unaddressed, these eager organisms will only proliferate, resulting in a blanket of plant life that eagerly eats away at the integrity of your roof.
Finding the right contractor
Now that you know the warning signs that indicate you need a roof replacement, it’s time to find the right contractor for the job. Generally, we encourage homeowners to focus on the following essential steps when hunting for the right company:
- Conduct basic research on the required service
- Check the contractor’s licence and insurance
- Ask about workplace safety certifications
- Look for recommendations
- Investigate completed projects
- Set clear expectations
- Ask for a written quote
- Ensure the contractor offers a workmanship and product warranty
- Organise a contract
For further guidance, read our comprehensive guide: ‘9 Things to Consider When Selecting a Roofing Contractor’.
That's a wrap
We hope this guide has helped you understand the warning signs that indicate you may need a roof replacement. Remember, if you’re ever in doubt, it’s always best to have a contractor inspect your roof and provide you with an expert opinion.
At Oz-Roof, we are fully licensed professionals backed by the biggest brands in the industry. We rely on roof sheeting from NexteelTM, BlueScope, Colorbond, and Revolution Roofing to guarantee a flawless finish and unbeatable warranties. If you require re-roofing, roof restoration, roof painting, or other roofing services, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team. We offer obligation-free quotes and are more than happy to answer all your roofing questions.
-The Oz-Roof Team
