Can I Repair Or Replace The Roof Myself
You can do your own roof work however, working on the roof is hard and dangerous work. You need the right tools and equipment including ladders, scaffolding, and nail guns. Theres also a lot of debris with a roof replacement, so you need a dumpster as well. You have to coordinate the arrival and pickup of the dumpster and take care of all the cleanup from the roofing job.
While you may save a small amount of money doing the roofing job yourself, consider how much it will cost to buy everything needed. Replacing a roof can take several days, and you need to take into account whether you want to sacrifice your time to work on the roof. In the long run, hiring a professional roofing company will ensure that the job gets done right and in a clean and timely manner.
The Flashing Around Your Chimney Is Damaged
The flashing around your skylight, chimney, vents, roof seams, etc. are what keep the weather out of your house. But as these seals age and deteriorate, they cant do their job the way theyre supposed to.
This could cause leaks to form on your roof. It may also be the reason you can see light in your attic.
Damaged flashing could contribute to an entire roof replacement.
How To Tell If You Need A New Roof
A Guide To DIY Roof Inspection & 14 Signs You Need A New Roof
As a homeowner of an old or aging house, you are probably wondering how to tell if you need a new roof.
You likely also want to know when your roof needs to be replaced and how often your roof should be replaced. Finding answers to these questions can be tricky sometimes and, often, the answers you need arent all in one place.
We want to change that.
In this how to tell if you need a new roof guide, we will cover three main topics:
How to perform an interior roof check
How to perform an exterior roof check
What to do if you identify roof damage
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Sign #: Falling Mortar
Mortars are mainly used for bedding roof junctions such as ridges and verges . You should check your mortars frequently, as these materials have a limited lifespan, and you should also look out for early signs of degeneration caused by extreme changes in the weather. These ridges and verges are highly susceptible to cracking and eventually may be dislodged and fall off in occurrences of strong winds.
Falling mortars may be a problem for older roofs where mortar was used as bedding for the tiles. If this starts to break down , then it may be an indication that the roof is reaching the end of its life. Keep in mind that mortar is best replaced rather than repaired.
The Roof Is Sagging Or Drooping
The most obvious sign that a roof needs to be replaced is sagging and drooping. This is a sign that you can usually observe from the groundin fact, if your roof appears to be sinking, you likely shouldnt climb up there yourself.
A licensed contractor will check the surface of your roof for trapped water and rotting boards and suggest either a repair or roof replacement before further damage is done to your home.
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Sign #1: Gutters On The Ground
Roof shingles rely on an overlapping system to be fully functional, and these tiles are kept in place by sealants that act as glue. If you notice parts of tiles or excessive amounts of granular material on the floor or in the gutters, your roof might be telling you something.
Tiles are made to last for years, but these tiles tend to get exposed to constant and extreme changes in the atmosphere, which most likely be the cause of sealants losing strength that eventually will cause tiles to weaken, crack and chip off parts. It is important to check your roof if the weather permits. If not, you might evidently notice parts or granules of your tiles on the floor or in the gutter, and it might be time to call your roof repairman, or for you to change or repair your roof before those chipped off parts hurt someone.
Get in touch with Findley Roofing & Building Yorkshire to arrange a free, no obligation roof health check today.
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Lack Of A Chimney Cricket
If you currently own an older home with a large chimney, be sure to verify that your chimney has a chimney cricket installed. A chimney cricket is a solution that acts as an additional roof for a homes chimney. As the seasons pass and weather changes, chimneys collect debris, dirt, and water buildup. Without a chimney cricket in place, you run the risk of furthering issues in your home from leakage, water damage, and even from nature outdoors. Ensuring your homes chimney has a chimney cricket in place can significantly reduce the risk of encountering issues with your homes roof system and your chimney.
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Time For A New Roof 10 Signs Your Roof Needs To Be Replaced
Installing a new roof is a significant expense, and its one you dont want to face too often as a homeowner. Whether your roof is leaking and obviously damaged, or its just approaching its expected lifespan, there are some tell-tale signs to help you decide if you need a roof replacement. Capitol Improvements has been installing and replacing roofs of all types for over 30 years. In this article, well use our expertise to help you determine whether or not you need a new roof. Here’s how to tell if you need a new roof.
Finding A Reputable Roofing Contractor
One of the most important steps to ensure a successful roof replacement is connecting with an experienced roofing contractor that you can trust. The roofing contractor that you choose will have a direct effect on the lifespan of your roof. You may be able to clear some debris, recognize standing water, etc. However, there are other issues that will take a trained eye to spot. When in search of your roofing contractor ensure that you check reviews, references, and proof of insurance. Additionally, ask your contractor for pictures and/or videos of projects that they have recently completed that are similar to yours. Remember, your roof is one of the more important aspects of your house. Invest in a knowledgeable contractor to ensure a successful roof replacement.
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What To Expect If You Just Repair The Roof Before You Sell:
Maybe your agent cautions that a full roof replacement is overkill. Instead, they recommend making a few minor repairs and disclosing the roofs condition to interested buyers. At a minimum, you should invest a small sum to boost curb appeal and hire a professional to power wash your roof, scrub down the siding, and clear out the gutters.
Heres an overview of how much roof repairs costs:
How Can You Spend Less On A Roof Replacement Or Repair
Believe it or not, terrible weather and a good home insurance policy can help you get a significant discount on your roof repair or replacement. I dont know if I would call it lucky, but here in Phoenix, we get monsoons. Monsoons are very bad wind storms that kick up a lot of dirt, debris, and dust.
All of that junk combined with powerful winds typically means cars, outdoor furniture, and yes, roofs, sustain serious damage. If an inspector agrees with you, you may be able to have your homeowners insurance policy pay for the majority of a roof replacement or repair.
That was the case with us a monsoon did some serious damage, we called several roofing companies, and one was able to work with our insurance to get an entire roof replacement with minimal cost to us
You can also save on a roof repair or replacement by:
Whatever you do, dont try to fix your roof yourself. My husbands family worked in roofing and even my husband wont tackle a roof replacement. You might be able to repair part of a tile roof yourself, but I would not recommend you even try it. Too dangerous!
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Should I Repair Or Replace My Roof
If you decide to have your roof repaired, hire a professional roofing company. Doing so will ensure the roof is fixed properly with the right materials for your roof style. Keep in mind that repairing a damaged roof may only fix a problem temporarily. Consulting with your roofing company can help you determine whether its worth the time or money to make a repair or replace the entire roof. Most roofs last for 20 years, so its a good idea to have the roof replaced if yours is around 20 years old.
Missing Shingles Or Granules
In Florida, strong thunderstorms and hurricanes put a lot of strain on roofs. The extremely high winds often cause shingles to lift or fly off completely. Sometimes you can replace a shingle or two, but the potential for repair depends on the missing shingles location and the condition of those surrounding it.
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There Are Holes In Your Roof
Noticing holes in your roof is probably the most obvious sign it is time to replace your roof. Furthermore, you can also look at the interior of your house for signs. For example, if you look in your attic, do you notice any patches of moisture leaking through? Or can you see sunlight peeping through the roof? If so, it is time to call a professional home improvement contractor and get your roof replaced.
There are plenty of signs that indicate it is time to replace your roof, you just need to know what to look out for because it is not always so obvious. While roofs generally have quite a long life-span, there are many factors that go into how long a roof will last, so it is important to regularly check whether or not your roof is in tip-top shape. If you are unsure, just ask a home improvement contractor to come and check your roof out. They know the signs, like the back of their hands, and will be able to tell you whether it is time for a new roof, or if a simple repair will do the trick.
Youre Frustrated By Your Cooling Bills
In Florida, keeping a home cool takes constant energy sometimes, almost year-round. There are several ways that a good roof can help keep the cool air inside, reducing your energy bills. First, any leaks in the roof can allow air to escape. Second, the color and material of your roof can make a difference. Lighter colored tiles or reflective surfaces like a metal roof help to reflect the hot Florida sun. Adding solar panels to your roof is another great way to save electricity.
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Curled Bumpy Or Missing Shingles
Your shingles should lay flat against your roof. If they start to curl or fall off completely, thats a good sign theyre no longer in good condition.
When shingles live through extensive weather, the edges will begin to curl or misshape, giving the roof a bumpy, uneven appearance. This usually means the shingles are losing their granules, and that, in turn, means theyve lived beyond their expectancy.
They may even start to fall off when they get to this point. As shingles get old, their tabs will also start to fail. So if you lose one, you may be losing many more in the near future.
But a lost shingle or two doesnt necessarily mean you need a new roof.
If you just lose a few and your roof doesnt display any other signs that its getting old, youll probably be able to replace the missing shingles without a problem.
Excessive wind damage can also cause your shingles to crack. And a lot of cracked shingles is another good sign your roof has lived past its prime.
Will A New Roof Affect The Value Of My Home
Yes, a new roof will increase the value of your home. If you plan on selling your home, you want a new roof on it. The roof is one of the first things a potential home buyer sees. If the roof looks old with missing shingles or tiles, has moss growing on it, or is sagging, it wont leave a good impression. Overall, a new roof will help increase the value of your home, whether you plan on selling it soon or in the future.
The roof of your home protects you and your family from the elements. It also helps regulate the temperature, keeps your home safe, and adds an aesthetic appeal. Replacing your roof is a big investment, so you want to make sure that the job is done right with high-quality materials and professional roofers.
Our team at Guardian Roofing can repair or replace your roof in the Woodlands, Texas, area. We also service several cities in the Houston area. Contact us today for a consultation on your new roof and to learn more about our roofing services.
How Do I know I need a New Roof? Top 6 Signs Its time for a New Roof | Guardian Roofing Houston, TX
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How Can You Tell When You Need A New Roof
More than five million people make the decision to have their roof replaced every year in the U.S. In many cases, homeowners wait until their roof is on its last leg before they begin scheduling estimates with roofing companies. While holding off on a roof replacement may seem innocuous, there are many negative consequences that can stem from this decision. Some of those include a compromised roof structure, higher utility bills, and a decreased home value. It is important to recognize the signs that it is time for a roof replacement and then act quickly. Furthermore, if you are interested in prolonging the lifespan of your roof, there are a few preventative measures that you can take to accomplish this goal. Once you are ready to replace your roof, ensure that you connect with a proven roofing contractor in your area.
Shut Off The Water Valve To Your Evaporative/swamp Cooler
If you have an evaporative cooler, even if you dont use it, tell the roofing people where the shut off valve is.
For those of you who dont know what evap coolers are, theyre for dry climates and are similar to air conditioners except theyre less effective and make the air really humid. Thats not the actual description, but thats my version. Theyre very common in Phoenix because theyre generally cheaper to run.
Our evaporative cooler is a piece of junk and we dont use it. When the roofers showed up, they didnt mention the evap and we forgot to ask. Unfortunately for me, in order to move the evap to replace the roof, they needed to shut off the water valve to it. Instead of finding the valve , they turned off the water all day.
And no, turning off the water for the entire day is not common, which I found out after going from 7 AM to 6 PM without any water. Plans of getting any laundry done? Erased! Plans of washing my hands, ever? Thank goodness for hand sanitizer
If you dont have an evaporative cooler, you are so lucky. For my fellow dry-climate folks with evaps, show your roofers where the evaporative cooler shut-off valve is . If you have to be home , you should not be without water!
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Water Seeping Under Roof Tiles
Tile roofs are common in the Houston area. They give the home a Southwestern or Mediterranean appearance suitable for a Texas lifestyle. However, they can get damaged, especially during inclement weather. If you notice water seeping under the tiles or see that your tiles are shifting, stained, or missing, you need a tile roof replacement. Water leaking under the tiles can lead to rot on the wood deck underneath. A rotting wood deck will cause damage to the house.
Clear Signs You Need A New Roof Installed
Most homeowners often confused as to when to replace their old roof with the new ones and the answer is simple, you have to keep on looking for obvious signals and signs.
So what are those signs? Well, in this article, we have curated the top 7 signs you need a new roof for your house and building.
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Sometimes The Worst Happens Make Sure To Read Through Your Contract Carefully
Everything Ive mentioned so far is excusable either because of poor planning or a minor inconvenience .
However, around 3 p.m., I heard a loud crash, louder than normal. It turned out a guy crashed through our roof, into the living room.
Yes, that happened. A man fell through my roof. Thank goodness he was okay and happened to land in one of the safest spots in the house: right in the middle of the living room. He missed a coffee table, chair, lamp, and side table to land right plop in the middle.
Its actually kind of a miracle, because 10 minutes before, I had been standing in that living room, watching TV.
Luckily, it was in our contract that if a guy falls through our roof, fixing the roof and patching the drywall is covered by the company.
