You Can See Sunlight From Your Attic
You don’t need us to tell you that this isn’t a good sign because it’s not! If light can get in, so can rain, cold air, and snow. Check for light and also look for water stains. “If you find any, watch them over a few rainfalls and if they change shape or size, that means you’ve got an active leak,” says McGavic.
How much time you’ve got left: It depends on the extent of the damage, so call a pro. Small leaks can be patched, but larger ones, structural damage, and the age factor might make it wise to replace your roof sooner rather than later
Stop Ice Dams With Adequate Attic Insulation
The right amount of insulation in the attic reduces energy loss and the cost of running the HVAC system. Adequate insulation will prevent ice dams when there is snow on the roof.
In winter, your attic should be as cold as the outside air. When heat from your home rises through the roof because the attic lacks sufficient insulation , snow on the roof melts. Water runs down the roof to the unheated eaves where it freezes. An ice dam forms that prevents run-off. Additional water backs up under the shingles where it might rot the decking, cause mold or leak into your home.
Attic insulation installed costs less than $1.50 per square foot in most homes, especially when a layer of insulation is already there. The cost is recouped through lower energy bills within five years in most climates.
Roof Ventilation Is Essential To A Durable And Well
Excess moisture and heat in the attic quickly destroy roofs. Moisture gets into your homes attic from everyday activities like taking a shower, boiling water, and running a humidifier. If that moisture cant get out of the attic, it will cause havoc such as molded insulation, rotted roof deck and premature shingle deterioration. Heat causes shingles to cup and curve. It dries out the asphalt and makes it brittle, so it cracks easily.
There are several key ventilation points in any attic that allow excess heat and humidity to be vented.
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Busy Vs Slow Season For Roof Installation
Most roofing contractors have busy season and slow season. During the slow season, you will get numerous benefits that would not be possible at another time.
1) You will likely negotiate a better price.2) There will be less stress and frustration, and good relations with the roofer.3) You will likely get better installation quality.4) You will not have to wait 3-6 weeks for your project to get started.
Keep in mind, that this will not apply to all roofing companies in your area. Some contractors are so well established that they have more work than they need, all the time.
These are usually larger companies that have an recognizable brand name. As a result, they are not interested in giving any discounts, just to get a new client.
At the same time, there are enough medium and small local roofing businesses that do experience a seasonal slow down in their work load. Many are more than happy to offer a few perks to get a new contract.
You just have put in some effort to get quotes from a number of pros, rather than agree to work with the first roofer that walks through your door.
Flat Roofing Material Lifespan
Flat roofs are common for tall, narrow city homes, in areas like Lancaster, PA, and Harrisburg, PA, for example, and for large commercial buildings or warehouses. You have a flat roof when the entirety of or just part of your homes roof is sloped no more than 10 degrees. Most times, they will have a very slight slope so that water can shed properly. Flat roofing materials offer more limited options that youll see below.
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How To Tell If You Need A New Roof: Warning Signs
There are several warning signs that you should replace your roof. You can learn more here about how to tell if you need a new roof.
The roof that hangs over your home is obviously one of the most important aspects of it. If your roof isnt in great shape, it could compromise the rest of your house in no time at all.
For this reason, you need to know how to tell if you need a new roof and may opt to get professional assistance for example from Roofing Repairs Toronto.
The last thing you want to do is allow a roof thats in desperate need of replacement to hang around for longer than it should.
Fortunately, its not all that difficult to spot the signs thatll let you know you need a new roof. Here are seven common warning signs thatll indicate its almost time to replace your old roof with a new one.
Your Roof Is Very Old
When you own a home, its important for you to know the answer to the question, How long does a roof last? If you dont, you might end up allowing an old roof to linger around for way longer than it should.
There are some roofing types, like metal and tile, that can last for 50 years or more. But generally speaking, your average asphalt shingle roof is going to last for somewhere between 15 and 30 years in most cases.
Your Shingles Are Curling, Cracking, or Missing Altogether
With this in mind, you should keep a close eye on your shingles at all times. Theyll help you figure out how to tell if you need a new roof.
How Long Does A Roof Last
by BarrettM | May 20, 2020 | Uncategorized |
Are you aware of the condition of the roof over your family or employees?
If you own a property, you should be.
Most of the time, property owners dont realize that their roof is beyond repair until it is too late.
Whats more, many property owners dont really know how long a roof lasts or when to replace a roof.
In this guide, youll get answers to this question how long should a roof last?
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Your Asphalt Roof Fails Prematurely
Your roofing materials should live as long as the manufacturer specifies. However, there are cases when your roof fails prematurely and leads to a roof replacement well before you should need one.
Two of the common causes of premature roof failure are improper roof installation and inadequate attic ventilation.
When your roof wasnt installed using correct roofing techniques youre going to find shingles in your yard or even full sections sliding off your roof. If your attic wasnt properly ventilated then the damage from the trapped heat and cold will drastically shorten your roofs life.
Be aware, when your roof isnt properly ventilated or properly installed the manufacturers warranty on your roofing materials will be voided. This leaves you with only your contractors workmanship warranty to fall back on to replace your prematurely failed roof.
How Long Does A Slate Tile Roof Last
A slate tile roof last a century or longer.
Slate is a fine-grained natural metamorphic stone that is ideal for cutting into homogeneous roofing tiles. Slate roofs are a costly alternative, ranging from $600 to $1,500 per square foot, but they can withstand almost anything Mother Nature throws at them , keeping their structural integrity and stunning beauty. Manufacturers of slate tiles provide guarantees ranging from fifty years to a lifetime, and if the slate tile breaks, it may be simply replaced. Aside from the cost, the major disadvantage of slate tile roofs is their weight. Because the standard roof framework is insufficient to support these large tiles, the rafters on the roof must be strengthened before they can be fitted.
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Holding Down The Roof In High Winds
Q: My daughter lives in hurricane country in a 15-year-old stucco house. Can she install hurricane clips to prevent her roof from blowing off?
Don, McKeesport, Pa.
A:Tom Silva replies: Those galvanized metal straps and clips that strengthen the connection between walls and rafters really do help to hold a house together in high winds. But it will be next to impossible to reach those spots from the attic. The only way to retrofit hurricane clips in most houses is by cutting out a section of the siding and the wall sheathing at every spot where a rafter rests on a wall or taking off the roof sheathing at the eaves.
Here’s an easier option: Go up into the attic and run a bead of construction adhesive alongside each rafter where it meets the plywood roof deck. That simple measure will roughly triple a roof’s resistance of being torn off by wind.
Roof Plan Or Roof Scam
Q: My friend has a new 9,000-square-foot home and has had problems with the roof leaking. The roofing man and two painting guys have told her that the caulk on her roof was the source of the problem. They told her that she should have it checked every six months for cracking and possible replacement because the caulk doesn’t last long. I have never heard of this before and was wondering if they are pulling her leg or if this is a real problem?
Shari, Park Hills, Mo.
A:Tom Silva replies: I’ve got to tell you, it sounds like they’re pulling your leg. You shouldn’t need any caulking on a roof with proper flashing. You need a second opinion.
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How Long Does Clay Tile Roofing System Last
A Clay tile roof last on average 50 years or longer.
Clay tiles come in a variety of earthy colors, but theyre most recognized for their strong terracotta tones. A clay tile roof will cost between $600 and $800 per square foot, but you wont need to replace it anytime soon. The long-lasting, low-maintenance tiles have warranties ranging from 30 years to a lifetime. The Average lifespans of these types of roofs cant be beaten!
Can You Install A New Roof On Top Of Old Shingles
Many homeowners wonder whether or not its a good idea to install a roof on top of existing shingles .
The biggest reason for keeping the existing layer of old roofing is obvious extra cost. As we just explained above many people would rather avoid spending an additional $1,000 on removing the old shingles.
Despite the high cost, doing this is absolutely essential! Leaving the old material will greatly accelerate the disintegration of the new roof and shorten its life cycle.
This is because ventilation is reduced, which in turn increases the average temperature of the shingles, causing the product to dry up quicker and the granules to start falling off faster.
Another reason why you should NOT leave the old shingles is because a roofer will typically not install underlayment between old and new roofing. If there are pre-existing problems in the leak prone areas: such as skylights, chimneys, vents and valleys, installing new shingles will not solve them! This means that your new roof will continue to leak.
Failing to tear off old roofing will also negatively impact your warranty. Most large shingle manufacturers explicitly state that your material and labor warranty automatically becomes void, if their product was installed on top of an old roof.
In most states, the building codes require that you remove the old roofing materials, if there are more than two layers of it already there.
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Increase Your Roof Lifespan With Regular Roof Maintenance
The key to having a long-lasting roof is to schedule regular roof maintenance and inspections performed by roofing contractors. By identifying issues early and performing roof repairs, you can extend your roofs lifespan with these small home improvements.
If it is time for you to consider a new roof, get in contact with local roofing contractors to receive multiple quotes on the cost of a replacement. With a trusted roofer on your side, youre sure to have a long-lasting roof that will shelter you for years to come.
Calculating Patio Roof Costs
The average cost to install a new patio roof ranges from $1,037 to $2,445 depending on the size and materials used. A small living room patio with asphalt roofing installed will cost $605 while a large outdoor dining patio with a metal roof costs $3,712. Of the four most common patio styles, the two that are generally considered large enough to warrant a roof include:
- Living room patio – Average size is 16 by 18 288 sq. ft
- Outdoor dining patio – Average size is 12 by 14 168 sq. ft
Patio Roof Costs
- Class A 21 to 45 feet long
- Class B 16 to 25 feet long
- Class C 20 to 35 feet long
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The Entire Roof Is Sagging
This is when you should panic. “A sagging roof is typically an indication of a structural issue,” explains Graham. There could be a problem with the decking in the attic or, worse, with the supports in the foundation. “You’re not necessarily in imminent danger, but this is the kind of thing that’s a lot easier to take care of when it’s small and localized, than when it has progressed.”
How much time you’ve got left: Not much, if you do nothing. If you see a depression or a droop, call in an expert as soon as you can.
Synthetic Shingles Slates Or Tile
Synthetic roofing materials are composite or made of plastic, but have been gaining popularity as the green option. Specific synthetic materials can be made from 100% recycled materials and be recycled at the end of its life. The synthetic shingles, slates, or tiles have the potential to last longer than most regular shingles with an expected 40-60 years of life including a lifetime warranty.
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Two Roofs Are Not Better Than One
Q: I have an old tract house with composition roof shingles. I need to re-roof but the roof has two layers of shingles on it already. Do I have to have them taken off? Also, which rate or weight of composition shingles is best to use?
Irene, Riverside, Calif.
A:Tom Silva replies: Yes, you need to strip the shingles. I don’t like to shingle over any old shingles, but one layer is acceptable. Two is not. A single layer looks better, lasts longer, and won’t put any unnecessary extra weight on the roof.
As to which shingles to use, the longer the warranty, the heavier the shingle and the greater the cost. You want to look for the best warranty you can afford.
When Is The Worst Time For Roof Replacement
Many home improvement experts recommend that the overall best time to get a new roof is in the fall. If you poke around the internet for advice, the fall season is most likely going to be a highly popular suggestion.
However, as you will learn in this post, fall is actually one of the worst times to get the job done. Roofers recommend it, because this is the time they can charge premium for their services.
What is a better alternative?
The short answer is: get your roof installed during the SLOW season for contractors.
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Bay Window Roof Replacement Cost
To replace a bay window roof with architectural asphalt, you can expect to spend $398 for a 12 square foot perch.A typical bay window is 7 feet wide, and your bay window roof will extend 24 from your wall. Add another 6 inches for the roof to extend over the front of the window. The chart below shows the price for architectural asphalt shingles, clay tile, and copper roofing.
Bay Window Roof Replacement Cost
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- Pay for permits
How To Extend The Life Of Your Roof Shingles
Since it can be a large investment to replace your roof, it pays to know how to make your roof last longer. Other than choosing the right type of roof shingles for your climate and not just for budget or aesthetics, here are five ways to extend the life of your shingles:
Also Check: How Much Does A New Shingle Roof Cost
