PART 1: A ROOF PAST ITS PRIME - KNOWING THE SIGNS
Different roofs have different lifespans, depending on their material and the level of upkeep they receive. While some roofs will be certainly tougher than others, all will fail eventually. Ideally, you don’t wait around for this moment to happen before you take action so it’s important to know the signs that your roof has started failing. WHAT TO WATCH FOR Missing Roofing Material A shingle or two gone is nothing to worry about but it’s a different beast altogether if bald spots on your roof have become a common occurrence.
Damaged Roofing Material Just because your roof doesn’t have bald spots doesn’t mean that it is doing fine. Damage may be camouflaged by discolorations associated with natural wear and tear so only a closer look will uncover them. Granules in Your Gutters and Downspouts Asphalt shingles shed their granules as they deteriorate. The granules protect the shingles against the sun’s rays so the roofing material starts to become brittle when they are gone, making them likelier to crack and lead to leaks.
PART 1: A ROOF PAST ITS PRIME - KNOWING THE SIGNS
Why physical damage is the most telling sign that your roof is in trouble, it’s not the only one that you should be mindful of. Signs of roof failure can also appear indoors, manifesting as: Ceiling and Wall Stains/Mold and Mildew Growth These are indicative of leaks. It’s much worse to spot mold and mildew alongside water stains because they mean that moisture exposure has been occurring for a long time. While inadequate ventilation may be a contributing factor, water stains and mold and mildew growth can stem from a problem in your roofing underlayment and/or roofing material.
Higher Energy Bill There are different things that can drive up electricity costs in your home and one of them is ineffective insulation. Your roof can be a contributor depending on how much heat it lets in from the outside. Once deteriorated, however, it won’t be able to perform as well as before, pushing your HVAC system to work doubly hard to maintain indoor temperatures. ooooo
If you spotted any of these signs, then it’s important that you take action. Head on over to the next part to learn why getting a replacement is better than roof repair.
PART 2: WHEN TO GET A REPLACEMENT OVER ROOF REPAIR
When faced with a roofing problem, homeowners are generally given two options to address the issue: repair or replacement. Being the quicker and more affordable way of taking care of the problem, roof repairs are commonly the first option considered. However, there are times when opting for a replacement is better than getting roof repairs. Consider the following: Extent of Damage Anything can technically be repaired. However, just how much work goes into a repair depends on the extent of the damage a roof has. When damage is so big that repair work and costs is almost comparable to what a replacement would entail, then it’s more practical to choose the latter.
Roof Age All roofs are rated to last a certain period of time, mostly dictated by the kind of material they are made of. Whether a roof reaches their prescribed lifespan or not is then determined by the kind of upkeep it receives after being installed. Say, your roof was rated to last 20 years and it’s nearing or has passed that point, you’re better off getting a replacement because you’ll only be seeing more repairs down the line given the roof’s age and the level of deterioration it has accumulated.
PART 2: WHEN TO GET A REPLACEMENT OVER ROOF REPAIR
Your Long-Term Plan What you do for your roof today will affect future decisions related to roofing. Repairing an aging roof can take care of a problem right now but it won’t be long until the problem repeats or a new one crops up. Individually, repairs may not amount to much but, when you start needing too many of them, costs can pile up. Even when you don’t have to worry about working with a budget, choosing replacement will give you more value for your money. TEAR OFF OR ROOF OVER? Once you’ve decided to get a replacement, you’ll be faced with another decision to make: do you do a tear-off or a roof-over? A tear-off is ideal because you’re essentially getting a completely new roof over your home, including all other roofing components. A roof-over, on the other hand, will retain anything below the topmost layer of roofing material.
Given this, a tear-off will be more expensive, but it can assure that you’ll be free from roofing problems longer. If your underlayment and other roofing structures are in perfectly fine condition, then a roof-over should be no problem. Except if you’ve re-roofed twice before or have slate, wood shake, or clay or cement tile as your current roof, according to the International Residential Code. ooooo
Now that you’re looking for a new roof, it’s important to get to know your options. Let Part 3 of this blog series clue you in on roofing choices available to you.
PART 3: YOUR RESIDENTIAL ROOFING OPTIONS
Having a lot of options available to you is a good thing but it can make the selection process overwhelming. However, it is important that you get to know your options as that will help ensure that you choose the right roofing replacement for your home. Exact roofing options offered by contractors will vary but the following are generally in the market for your consideration: Asphalt Shingles They’ve been around for centuries but asphalt shingles remain to be one of the most popular roofing options today, mostly because they are a highly cost-effective option. Aside from coming in a range of color options and shingle shapes, they come in two types: three-tab and architectural. The three-tab variety appears like three separate shingles but is actually just one piece, while architectural shingles have thicker bottoms that give it a more dimensional look. The two generally differ in appearance only and share other attributes regarding durability and ease of maintenance. Metal Roofing Metal roofing used to be only used on agricultural and industrial structures but are now growing in popularity as a residential roofing option. They come in different profiles to add character to a property and can be painted with whatever color you choose. Metal is naturally weak against moisture exposure but manufacturers have addressed this concern by applying protective coating over the material. With this, metal roofing is able to withstand even the heaviest of rains, alongside other weather conditions. It also naturally loses heat faster than other roofing materials so it is considered an energy-efficient roofing option.
PART 3: YOUR RESIDENTIAL ROOFING OPTIONS
Slate Roofing With a lifespan exceeding 100 years, slate can’t be beat when it comes to longevity and durability. However, this high-level of performance comes at a cost, making slate roofing one of the priciest in the market. Aside from incredible value for money, the roofing option offers a unique kind of charm as it is made of natural rock, making it an attractive option for those who want to make their roof a focal point. Tile Roofing While commonly seen over Spanish-styled homes, tile roofing can complement a range of architectural styles, although it favors the more traditional ones. Concrete and clay tiles come in a variety of profiles, colors, and finishes and are highly durable. They can withstand any weather but perform best in areas with warm weather. Wood Shakes and Shingles Wood shakes are split while shingles are sawn, which is why the former has a more uneven appearance than the latter. Shakes are also thicker at the butt end, usually split at one or both surfaces to create a textured effect. Shingles, on the other hand, feature uniform thickness and taper evenly. They can be made from redwood, cypress, pine and western red cedar and are typically treated with fire-retardants and other chemicals to boost fire-resistance and keep insects and premature decay at bay.
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Different roofing options can offer you different things. To learn more about available choices to you, don’t hesitate to give your local contractor a call.
Patriot Roofing 1623 Stone Drive NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
(253) 448-8222 Patriotroofing.biz