It might not be the most compelling of topics, but when your roof starts to leak or even collapse inwards, you will certainly start to develop an interest in the subject. Typically, homeowners tend to forget that their roof even needs maintenance until a tile falls off and smashes on their patio, or they develop a water leak after a heavy storm. 

As you can probably tell already, having a basic understanding of how to make sure your roof is in good working order and how to tell when it is time to repair it is key to avoiding any potentially catastrophic structural issues in the long term. 

Obviously, some roofs will be easier to reach than others when you want to carry out checks, but most tell-tale signs of disrepair should be obvious even from ground level.

Of course, you shouldn’t worry if you are uneasy about stepping onto a ladder, as there are many roof experts who can help you out. So, when should you consider repairing your roof? This is what you need to know.

When there is a leakage

The most obvious time to start repairing your roof is when it springs a leak. By the time this happens, you need to jump into action immediately. Water can be incredibly damaging to a property because it can reach incredibly tight spaces entirely undetected, slowly destroying the structure of your home from the inside out. Once the damp has set in, a house is never truly the same again. Therefore, it is crucial that you address the crux of the issue (the leaking roof) as soon as is humanly possible.

You should regularly check for leaks by looking inside your attic and upstairs rooms, where you might find tell-tale signs of damp, or even water itself. This is particularly important to do after a heavy storm, when it is more likely that your tiles have been damaged and water has found its way in. Of course, if you have suffered this issue, then it is crucial that you search up “roof repair near me.”

When there are missing or damaged shingles

Another form of evidence that will tell you it is time to repair your roof is when there are missing or damaged shingles (or tiles). This can usually be seen from ground level if you own a single- or two-story property, but you may have to crack out the ladder if your property is any taller.

You may also find evidence of missing shingles if the culprit has fallen from the roof and smashed on the ground near your house. 

If a shingle is missing then it could quickly lead to a water leak, so you need to be ready to act if this has happened. 

If your gutters are clogged

Finally, if you can see that your gutters are becoming clogged with detritus such as leaves, or are simply not draining properly, then it could be a sign that your roof is in a poor condition. 

The reason is that if water cannot drain through the guttering system, then it could be pushed back onto the roof—causing the water to seep between the shingles and down into your home.