There are a number of different reasons why it is a good idea to replace your garage roof. The signs that your garage roof is in need of repair are very easy to identify as damage is often visible and wide spread. If you see the following issues with your own garage roof then it is highly advised that an inspection is carried out to determine which areas of the garage require attention.
Roof Age
One of the biggest reasons to replace your garage roof is age. If you have never had it replaced before then you may not have a clue about the age of the garage. The most common indicators can include roof sheets falling apart through wear and tear or extensive rust damage. Another indicator is if the nails of the garage roof are affected. If nails begin to loosen over time, moisture can build up and cause damage to the timber structure of the garage building. An old garage roof can be extremely dangerous. Any weight that is put on to a fragile area (i.e. somebody walking across the roof) could result in injury, so it is best to call an expert to inspect your roof.
Noise
Another reason that your garage roof needs replacing is by listening for noise. During windy days (and there’s sometimes lots of these in Scotland) if the sheets on the roof make a loud banging sound or flap in the air, then this indicates that the nails are lifting. If the problem is not sorted then as more windy days occur you will risk damaging your roofing structure in the long term.
Water Damage
Water damage through leaks is another indicator that your garage roof needs attention. Rain is endemic in Scotland as we all know. Water damage is easy to spot and hard to miss when you see water running down the side of your interior garage wall. Maybe you never noticed a leak until a splash of water decided to cosy itself in your hair when it plummeted from above.
One of the most serious consequences of a leaking roof is the build-up of mould and mildew, which can spread through the structure of the garage and travel through vents or target carpets, furniture and clothing. Mould is a very serious problem and, in some instances, can lead to a number of health issues such as, nasal congestion, inflammations and asthma. A leaky roof could also be a fire hazard especially if your garage is full of electrical equipment, thus it is recommended that electricity to the area is turned off if you suspect a leaky roof.
Asbestos
Many garages that were built in in the 1960s and the 1970s were made of asbestos cement sheets. If you have a garage that was built during the period between the 60s and 70s it is may be possible that your garage roof was built with asbestos. It was a very popular material as it was strong and very weather proof, but it was later discovered that inhaling asbestos fibres could be fatal and cause serious diseases. Thankfully, asbestos is now banned from being used in building materials. If you want an asbestos garage roof to be replaced then it is recommended that an expert is called in to safely deal with the matter.
If you identify anything of the above with your own garage roof then do not hesitate to contact us. We can inspect, repair and replace your garage roof if any of the issues are affecting you.