Check With Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
The first option may be to check with your homeowners insurance policy. Your insurance cover may help finance your roofs damage if its as a result of an act of nature like a storm or if its by fire.
However, the cover excludes damage caused by natural wear and tear or lack of maintenance.
You should first consider your policy details or contact your insurance company to find out information on any exclusion, coverage limitations, and more.
You may still need to pay for a few things with cash even when you have coverage from homeowners insurance. For example, you may have to cater for a deductible fee before your coverage kicks in.
So, if you dont have any cash savings, loan financing can be your next best bet. There are many options for home improvement loans, so lets get into it.
Granules In The Gutter
If your roof has been 10 to 15 years and you find a bunch of granules in the gutter, that is a sign that you have to replace your shingles. Granules make the shingles deteriorate fast when it falls off the shingles and start to melt. The damage can cause danger due to impending failure in your home ceiling and inside the wall lining.
When to replace: If you have a new rood and there is a minimal granule in the gutter, it is estimated that there is a halfway through its lifespan before you think about replacing it.
Damaged Plumbing Vent Boots
Plumbing vent boots can be all plastic, plastic and metal, or even two-piece metal units. Check plastic bases for cracks and metal bases for broken seams. Then examine the rubber boot surrounding the pipe. That can be rotted away or torn, allowing water to work its way into the house along the pipe. With any of these problems, you should buy a new vent boot to replace the old one. Replacing the boot will solve the problem and most likely not mean a complete roof replacement. But if the nails at the base are missing or pulled free and the boot is in good shape, replace them with the rubber-washered screws used for metal roofing systems. Learn more about replacing plumbing vent boots here.
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Your Roof Is More Than 25 Years Old
Think about all the daily challenges your roof faces: scorching sunlight, soaking rain, heavy snow, pounding hail and more. Roofs are designed to withstand strain, but eventually they reach their breaking point. If your roof is more than 25 years old, it may be time for a replacement. Even if your roof looks fine from the ground, there could be unseen damage. Its time to to review your roof.
Other Roof Replacement Or Repair Tips
Here are five easy tips to follow for roof renovation success:
- Get multiple estimates: Getting at least three bids from contractors gives you an accurate picture for your roof remodel cost. Multiple bids also give you negotiating power, so you can land the contractor you want. Even if you plan to DIY, you may want to get a professionalâs input so you can accurately estimate your roofing costs.
- Examine BuildZoom contractor scores:Each BuildZoom contractor has a personal score in the top left-hand corner of the website. A score above 90 means a contractor has verified license and insurance and positive client feedback.
- Consider the added home value: According to Remodeling Magazine, roofing replacement adds, on average, roughly $14,000 to your home. Try to keep your costs below this amount to recoup as much as possible when you sell your home.
- Seek approval from local authorities: Depending on the type of materials you need for your roof, you may need to alert your HOA. Most towns also require building permits for roof replacements. Without a permit, your roof warranty is likely void.
- Splurge on important details: Make sure you talk with your contractor about proper ventilation, any damage to the wood beneath your shingles, and extra protective coverings. Going the extra mile now will save you a tiresome repeat roof renovation in the future.
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Signs Your Roof Needs Replacing
If its been a while since your roof was done, its time to search for signs it needs replacing. Theres a general checklist of things you should look for when determining the status of your roof.
Some signs might be more obvious than others. For instance, you might be experiencing leakage in your home and need a bucket to catch drops of water inside. A leaky roof could be happening without you even realizing it, especially if you have an attic. Point a flashlight into your attic and see if there are any visible stains or streaks related to water damage.
Next, go outside and take a look at the shingles on the roof. They should be laying flat and not have any visible signs of damage, like cracks or buckling. You might even find some loose shingles in your gutters or even flying around your yard. Make sure to analyze the flashing around vents, skylights and chimney seals to see if there are any issues that can lead to potential leaks.
A severe sign that your roof needs maintenance is if its sagging or droopy. This could be due to molding, trapped moisture or rotting points that could potentially fall through. Trapped moisture could also cause moss to grow and might mean your shingles are getting weaker.
Paying Out Of Pocket May Not Be An Option For Most Homeowners
Knowing how much a new roof will cost can help you determine how you will be financing a new roof. Compare roofing materials to determine which are the best for your budget. Muth & Company Roofing, one of the top roofers in Columbus, OH, encourages you to contact at least three contractors to provide estimates for roof replacement. Estimates should include cost of materials and labor.
Before taking out a loan or making repairs to the roof, contact your insurance provider. See if your home insurance will cover some or all of the costs. If damage to the roof occurred as a result of inclement weather, you may be covered for roof repairs or roof replacement.
Calculate the overall costs for home equity lines of credit and personal loans. Depending on your current finances, you may not be able to afford additional payments and interest for a new roof on your home. An option for financing a new roof for most homeowners includes taking out a line of credit or a loan.
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The Shingles Are Cracked
Cracked shingles are typically a result of wind damage. If just a few shingles are cracked, you can certainly replace them. “If the cracking isn’t isolated to one particular area and it’s random throughout the roof, that’s a telltale sign that you should start thinking about a new roof,” says Graham.
How much time you’ve got left: You may need to replace the whole thing within three to five years.
Shingles Covered With Moss And Algae
The moment you find moss on shingles you may panic that its time for replacement. Actually its not something to be done immediately. Yes, aesthetically it will look bad but you will have time before replacement. The problem is many people scrap off the moss and algae that that damages the shingles too. Thus, its better that if you find nay algae or moss out there call a roofing company to let them check and decide if steps are to be taken or not.
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Other Elements To Be Aware Of:
There are a few other things you should be aware of when inspecting your roof or trying to decide if its time to replace it.
- Moss or Algae Growth: While moss and algae growth doesnt mean your roof needs replaced, it needs to be taken care of. Leaving moss and algae to grow on your roof can trap moisture and lead to water damage. If you see it, simple spray it off with a garden hose. If it doesnt come off with a hose, try light scrubbing it off with a damp sponge.
- Inspect Valleys: A roofs valley is one of the most important parts of the whole system. A valley is an intersection formed by two sloping planes where water can run off. If there is damage to your valleys, be sure to address it immediately.
- Shoddy Installations: One of the best ways to ensure your roof reaches its full life expectancy is to make sure its professionally or properly installed. Any patchy-looking areas or panels that look awkward can be a sign of bad workmanship. Make sure to do your research and carefully review installers before moving forward.
If you have any questions about replacing your roof, get in touch with one of Bridger Steels Product Specialists today. Our team of experts can help you find the best metal roofing type for your home and environment. Well help you select the best panel profile, color or finish, and gauge for your home. Were here to help make the roof buying process as easy as possible!
Shingles Are Curling Or Entire Shingles Are Missing
Shingles can curl in two ways. Either they will curl from the edges or the edges will be flat but it will curl in the middle. Whatever happens its a sign that shingles are ageing and they need replacement. At the same time you may also notice that some of the shingles are missing. This can happen due to various reasons, like after a heavy storm they may be missing! You have to consider these as signs for replacing your roof.
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Light Shining Through Roof Boards
Rays of light are beautiful in the forest, but not so much in your attic!
We all love the feeling of seeing the sun break through storm clouds or shining through the trees while on a hike, but your attic is one place you should not see rays of beautiful sunshine! If you peak in your attic and see light shining through, that is how to tell if a roof needs replacing or repair.
If you see even the smallest crack of sunlight shining through, it means that shingles are missing and you have a leak in your roof. You absolutely need a roof inspection if this is the case.
Perform An Exterior Roof Check
Once you have performed an interior roof check, it is also a good idea to take a look at your roof from the outside. Interior roof checks are essential because they will help you identify roof damage that has already reached the interior of your roofing structure.
Exterior roof checks, however, are money-savers because they can help you to identify roof damage before it actually becomes real roof damage.
Once you are in your attic, see if you can identify one of these 10 signs that you need a new roof:
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When Is Reroofing Not A Good Idea
A professional and honest roofing contractor willand should always warn you if your roof is not a good candidate for an overlayor reroofing. That is what a roofing inspection is for and should always bedone before any action is taken on the roof.
After a thorough inspection, a roofer will come to you with his report or a recommendation, explaining why your roof is or isnt up for reroofing. You can ask for a few roof estimates from different contractors just to be sure that you are doing the right thing, so that you can choose the best roofer for yourself.
One of the main and most straightforward reasonswhen an overlay is not possible is when you dont have asphalt shingles. Installinga new roof over an existing one can only be done if you have shingles becauseyou can only put shingles over shingles. It is not possible to mix materials,nor to install a new layer over slate or wood tiles.
Another reason is curling shingles, as you can onlyinstall a new layer if the first one is completely flat and level. Shingles cancurl over time due to different reasons, so if you still want to go with theoption of reroofing, you should first get to the bottom of this problem withyour roofer and replace the curling shingles.
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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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How Do You Finance A New Roof
If your roof needs replacing or repairing, it can be more costly to wait. Although it can be expensive, repairing or replacing the roof of your Chattanooga home is not something we can always afford to put on hold. Thankfully there are ways that you can afford a quality roof even if you cant pay upfront.
Can You Jack Up A Sagging Roof
The short answer is yes, you can jack up a sagging roof. However, there are a few things to consider before doing so.
First, make sure that the roof is actually sagging. Sometimes a roof can appear to be sagging when it is actually just sloping. If the roof is sloping, jacking it up will not fix the problem and could actually make it worse.
Second, consider the weight of the roof. If the roof is very heavy, jacking it up could cause even more damage. In this case, it is best to consult a professional before proceeding.
Third, think about how you will support the roof once it is jacked up. Usually, this will require placing supports underneath the roof. These supports must be very sturdy in order to prevent the roof from collapsing.
Fourth, jacking up a roof is a temporary fix. It is important to identify and fix the underlying problem that is causing the roof to sag in the first place. Otherwise, the roof will just sag again in the future.
Jacking up a sagging roof is generally a safe and effective way to fix the problem. However, it is important to carefully consider all of the factors involved before proceeding. Consulting a professional may be the best course of action in some cases.
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What Happens If You Dont Replace Your Roof
Health Risks. Old leaking roofs are more likely to cause the growth of molds and mildew. Prolonged breathing of their dangerous spores could eventually lead to your family members suffering constant headaches and breathing problems. Damaged roofs can also let in unwanted pests and animals to your home.
How To Repair Your Roof
How to DIY a shingle repair
If your roof is less than 20 years old, but you still are considering repairs, make sure you do your research. You can often patch or repair a roof without having to replace the whole thing.
If youre confident in your DIY abilities, you can replace damaged shingles and underlay material yourself. Heres how:
- Locate the damaged shingle, lift it up with your fingers and pry out the nail with the back of your hammer
- Remove any old roofing cement residue with a wet rag and paint scraper
- Round off the back corners of the new shingle with a sharp knife or box cutter
- Slide the new shingle into place and secure it with roofing nails into each upper corner
- Cover the nailheads with roofing cement
You can buy shingles, roofing cement and nails at any home improvement store. Take a piece of your old shingle with you so an employee can point you towards the correct shingle.
How to find a roofer
If you think you need to replace your entire roof, research and find a reputable contractor. Make sure their license is authentic and up-to-date. Pay attention to whether their references recommend them without hesitation. You can also check sites like HomeAdvisor or Thumbtack for verified reviews of contractors in your zip code.
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Your Roof’s 25th Birthday Is Approaching
“An asphalt shingle roof should last between 20 and 30 years,” says Claude McGavic, executive director of The National Association of Home Inspectors. “If you have a 40-year-old roof,there could be a problem even if it looks good from the ground.”
How much time you’ve got left: Five to 10 years, depending on your roof’s condition. If you live in a development and your neighbors are all starting to replace their roofing, that could be a sign that you should do the same.
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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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