If you have had a roof inspection on your property and it has failed due to identified problems it can be a big concern. Below we discuss the importance of a roof inspection and why it doesn’t need to be a major concern if your roof fails but you must act quickly. Neglecting your roof after a roof inspection and not fixing the issues found can have consequences for homeowners, landlords, tenants and even business owners. Roof problems that get left only lead to bigger problems and more damage.
The Importance of Roof Inspections
Regular roof inspections are very important to maintain a safe and secure roof. It is difficult for homeowners to know when their roof may have issues, it can sometimes be not until late that you notice your roof has a leak. By this time there could be substantial damage to your roof and also internally. A cared for property whether home or business needs a roof inspection at least once per year, the best time for a roof inspection is before winter so that any issues are fixed before the bad weather arrives.
Understanding the Causes Behind a Failed Roof Inspection
A failed roof inspection simply means that roofing issues were found during the inspection. This could be something small like a broken tile or something larger like deteriorating felt. If you book a roof survey with Point Roofing & Guttering we will provide a detailed report of all our findings and provide recommendations and a quote for the necessary work.
Below are some of the issues that a failed roof inspection can cause:
- Water Damage
- Energy Inefficiency
- Structural Compromises
- Decreased Property Values
1. Water Damage
Water damage from you roof is an obvious issues as if your roof is not water tight then water will get into your property. It only takes something small like a broken tile, hole in the felt or cracked lead for water to get into your property and cause issues. About 1 in 10 UK homes, nearly 2.5 million houses, require roof repairs, as reported by The Guardian.
2. Energy Inefficiency
A damaged roof will compromise on energy inefficiency as any vulnerable areas like missing tiles or insulation will lead to your roof letting out heat. By not getting your roof repaired after an inspection, leaving it will not only cost you more in the long run on repairs but you energy bills will also be higher. Depending on the size of your a house, in the UK a roof replacement can vary from £5,000 up to £15,000, while repairs cost about £500 to £1,000, with final expenses influenced by repair complexity and size.
3. Structural Compromises
When a damaged and leaking roof starts to have structural issues this is when it can start to become very costly. Any signs of structural problems needs a roof inspection to ensure the roof is safe and whether it needs replacing. Hiring Point Roofing & Guttering for a roof inspection can help prevent issues like damaged walls, collapsing roofs, ceilings, or compromised foundations.
4. Decreased Property Value
According to the Association of British Insurers, Around 10% of home insurance claims in the UK are related to roof damage. A big part of this comes down to homeowners neglecting their roof and not getting roof inspections soon enough. Another reason for this is roofers not carrying out thorough roof inspections, this is why at Point Roofing & Guttering we provide detailed roof inspections with reporting of what needs doing. Potential buyers have home surveys done before buying, this is where roofing issues will show up and lead to potential buyers wanting a reduced price or not want to buy at all.
Strategies to Prevent a Roof Inspection Failure
A failed roof inspection can be daunting but by taking the simple measure below you can get the most out of your roof and avoid costly problems.
1. Regular Inspections
- Schedule annual inspections by a certified professional roofer like Point Roofing & Guttering. This is the first step to identifying issues early.
- Conduct your own inspections, you don’t have to get up on the roof yourself but by simply checking for any missing or broken tiles or lead flashing that looks broken can help to catch a leak early.
2. Maintenance Matters
- Keeping on top of all aspects of your roof will help prevent issues. Clean your roof and gutters regularly to stop blockages, have regular pointing repairs to ridge, chimney and verges.
- Trim trees that are close to your roof so that the branches can’t cause damage to your roof or build up dirty, moss and algae that leads to roof problems.
- Fix minor roof repairs as soon as they are identified. Don’t ignore small cracks, leaks, or missing tiles. Fix them right away to prevent them from becoming bigger and costly problems.
3. Choose the Right Materials
- Your local roofer can help recommend the best roofing materials for your roof. Better quality materials suitable for your roof offer better longevity.
- Consider energy-efficient options. Certain roofing materials can help you save on energy costs.
- Invest in quality felt underlay. Strong, long lasting and breathable membrane underlay is your roofs best protection.
4. Seek Professional Help
By hiring a professional roofing company with expertise like Point Roofing & Guttering you have the peace of mind that your roof is being inspected properly. If you don’t have any experience with roofs, hiring a qualified roofing contractor ensures proper installation and avoids costly mistakes.
- If you need roofing repairs make sure to get at least 3 quotes so you can compare prices.
- Check online that the roofer has good reviews and any references.
Conclusion
A failed roof inspection does not need to be a major concern but you need to act fast and get any issues fixed quickly. The longer your leave your roof issues your open yourself up to more costly and inconvenient consequences. Regular roof inspections at least once per year are essential to ensure the longevity and resilience of your home. Remember, a well-maintained roof can be the key to a happy and healthy home.
FAQs
Q1: Why do roofs fail?
Roofs fail when water penetrates the tiles and felt underlay that leads to water ingress internally. Other vulnerable areas are chimneys, flashing and eaves.
Q2: Which roofing issue is the most common?
The most vulnerable part of a roof is the eaves as the most amount of water falls here as it drains into the gutters. If your eaves fail water can get behind the fascia and cause rotten and leak internally into rooms.
Q3: Can roofers in the UK work in the rain?
Except for flat roofing and roof tear-off, roofers may complete the majority of roofing tasks in the rain. No cementing work can be carried out in the rain as it will not set. Also certain flat roof coatings such as GRP cannot be installed below certain temperatures.
Q4: How much does a roof inspection cost in the UK?
Point Roofing & Guttering offer free roof inspections if you already know you have a roof issue. For a more detailed roof inspection in the UK it usually costs between £100 and £300, depending on the size of the property and the kind of inspection that is necessary.
