Older homes have their charm, but homeowners should be prepared for the problems they could run into with an older house. Wear and tear over the years causes damage to the house and means that the home needs more frequent repairs.
The home’s roof is exposed to constant wear and tear from the weather, which means that after many years, roofing problems are bound to happen.
Here are some of the most common roofing problems to expect from an older home, and how you, as a homeowner, can prepare.
Leaky Roofs
One of the most common problems facing older homes is leaks in the roof. After years of exposure to the elements, cracks develop in the roofing material. Small leaks turn into big ones, which can cause extensive structural damage to an older house.
If you just purchased an older home, get the roof inspected to catch any leaks. The experts at Reign Roofing recommend getting a roof inspection every year or two for older homes. This allows you to prevent issues.
Call a roofing service to patch things up as soon as you notice a leak. This prevents further damage from spreading through the roof.
Leaks Around Joints
Besides regular leaks, older roofs are prone to leaking around the joints. Areas where different parts of the roof join together or where the shape of the roof is irregular, such as around a chimney, are most prone to developing water damage.
Around roof joints, the roofing material is placed on top of flashing, which wears out over time. If you hire someone for a roof inspection, ask them to pay particular attention to the flashing.
Missing Tiles
Another common problem on older roofs is missing tiles or shingles. In stormy weather like the kind we are prone to get in Texas, tiles blow off easily, especially if they are older and the attachment has loosened.
You can usually identify missing tiles and shingles visually. A roof inspection can also help you notice any pieces missing from the roof. Replace the tiles as soon as you can before you spring a leak.
Roof Mold
In damp climates, older homes are prone to developing mold. The EPA warns that mold can form inside the roof, between tiles or shingles, and the insulation material. If the roof is not insulated well enough, dampness gets trapped beneath the surface and forms mold.
This is another problem that regular roof inspections can discover.
Sagging Roofs
A sagging roof is one of the most severe problems that you can encounter with an older house. Over time, the boards that support the roof become damaged and waterlogged, which affects the overall structural integrity of the roof.
Sometimes, the sagging is so severe that it is visible to the naked eye. Other times, you need to physically get up on top of the roof to notice areas that feel structurally unsound.
If you notice that your roof is sagging, call a professional roofer immediately. You will probably need to get the entire roof replaced.
Old Materials
Over time, the materials on your roof begin to show wear and tear. They will fade or crack.
This is another form of damage that you can notice just by looking at the roof. If the roof seems discolored, faded, or old, that means the materials have reached the end of their lifespan. Older materials don’t just make your home look bad. They are more prone to leakage.
Hire a professional roofer to replace older materials. Remember that most experts recommend replacing roofs every 15-20 years, depending on the materials you use.
Poor Drainage
The drainage system on older homes also tends to suffer over time. Gutters become clogged or detached. Older gutters are also far less efficient at channeling away water than newer ones.
You may have to clean gutters on older homes more frequently than on newer ones. If you notice pooling or standing water even though the gutters are clean, contact a professional roofer to replace them.
Patchwork Roof Repairs
Chances are that the previous owners of an older home also had roofing problems, but you may not be thrilled by the way they fixed them. Good luck to the owner of an older house whose previous residents were enthusiastic DIY-ers.
You may need to fix outdated or poorly performing roof repairs on an older home. For that, it’s best if you hire a professional.
Addressing Roofing Problems in Older Homes
Older homes tend to have problems with the roof due to the older materials, outdated construction, and regular wear and tear. These problems don’t have to cause lasting damage if you conduct regular inspections and call a professional roofer as soon as you notice leaks.