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.
More articles on this subject
Shingle Granules In Gutters
Do a quick inspection of your gutters. Do you see a whole lot of black specks? These are asphalt granules from your shingles. Some granule loss is normal throughout the life of an asphalt roof, but asphalt shingles tend to lose more granules toward the end of their life cycle. Heavy granule loss on a consistent basis is a sure sign that your roof needs to be replaced.
How Do You Know If You Need A New Roof
At the end of the day, how long does a roof last? No matter what kind of material your roof is made from, the amount that it will last depends on a wide range of factors such as the type of roofing materials used, whether or not it was installed over other layers of roofing material as well as how it was originally built and installed in general, and the climate and region that your home or other property is located in.
Knowing when you need a new roof is an important part of being a homeowner, no matter what kind of roof you have. While various types of roofs have different lifespans, an asphalt or wood shingle roof, a slate roof, a metal roof, a tin roof, a tile roof, a composite roof, thatched roof, or any other kind of roof all need regular inspections and maintenance.
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What Maintenance Is Done To Extend How Long Elastomeric Roof Coatings Last
Most roofing maintenance programs begin with a visual inspection and reporting. They are looking for early signs of significant damage. Damage can be caused by numerous events such as wind, rain, debris, or any foot traffic having access to the roof.
Maintenance also includes special attention to areas that impact water travel, such as gutters, drains, and scuppers. A roofing contractor wants to make sure that when it rains, that water is moving the way its designed to off the roof.
NOTE: A maintenance contract is a great way to keep your facility in good shape while holding your contractor accountable for the performance of their work.
Why You Should Replace Worn Out Shingles
You must get your roof inspected immediately upon noticing shingles that are missing or damaged. Questionable shingles hold the potential of deteriorating and releasing dust, water, and, potentially, ice on your home.
For instance, a missing shingle can allow water to seep through and damage the wooden framework and insulation. This could cause a massive repair cost down the line, or worse, major structural damage to your home or business.
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How Long Should A New Roof Last Without Leaking
If your roof is going to leak after installation, youll typically find that itll do so soon!
Rain is a great proof of correct installation.
If youve hired a roofing contractor that has proven quality, you shouldnt have to worry about a leak in your new roof.
Typically youll find leaks in common areas like:
If you have a wide Chimney , youll want to make sure you have a cricket.
In 2012, the International Building Code states these types of chimneys must have a cricket installed.
If your home is older, during replacement you should have a cricket installed so that youre protected from potential water ponding and leaks.
Disadvantages Of Roof Coatings
- Slippery when wet: Each type of coating may become slippery when wet. While this may not pose a problem on the average workday, it may become a hazard during rooftop maintenance projects.
- Strong smell while curing: If your facility features multiple air intakes on the rooftop, you will likely smell the roof coating while itâs curing. The smell will disappear after the coating has cured, though.
- Strict guidelines: Installation guidelines vary based on the type of roof you choose, but, in general, your roof must meet several criteria, including: well-maintained seams, no significant damage and less than 25% moisture saturated.
- Professional installation required: Some may think that applying a rooftop coating looks as effortless as painting a wall. However, if you donât inspect, repair, and prepare the rooftop properly, your coating will not adhere to your roof system.
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What Are The Advantages Of Elastomeric Roof Coatings
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How To Make Sure Your Roof Really Does Last
If you are buying a new house then the quality of the roof and how well it has been cared for should be one of the key points on your list for consideration. If you have a house and are responsible for the roof then there are a number of things you could and should be doing to ensure your roof is kept in optimal condition and will really last. These include:-
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Your Asphalt Roof Is About 20 Years Old
The life of a roof is how many years you get out of it. For a standard 3-tab asphalt shingle roof, thats 25-years.
As long as your roof has been properly ventilated and installed you should get pretty close to that 25 years of roof life. So obviously you want to replace your roof before it starts leaking or fails completely.
A reputable roofing contractor will recommend that you replace your roof somewhere around 80-85% of the manufacturers life of the roof. For example, you should consider replacing a 25-year roof around the 20-year mark.
Dont wait until its too late, get ahead of any potential problems and replace your roof before the end of its life.
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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How Long Does Silicone Roof Coating Last
When contemplating whether you should get a silicone roof coating for your commercial property, one of the biggest questions thats likely to come up is how long it will last. After all, you want to make sure you have a roof coating that is durable and can withstand the test of time. You dont want to have to replace the coating in two or three years.
The answer to this question can vary based on the thickness of the coating and how well you take care of the roof. Typically, moisture cure silicone roof coatings can last for about 15 years. This tends to be the average. This requires that you ensure the roof is properly cared for during that time.
The thickness of the coating will affect how long it can last. When the coating is applied at 1.5 gal/sq , most roofing companies will provide a 10-year material warranty. When the thickness level is increased to 2 gal/sq , the warranty will generally be for about 15 years. This is because the thicker coating can provide added protection.
The length of the warranty can vary based on the company you choose to apply the roofing. Naturally, you will want to check with them about their warranties before hiring them.
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What Is The Best Roof Coating
When choosing a roof coating for your building, you have several types of coatings available. Each has different properties that will be valued more than others. Some of the most common include:
- Acrylic: These are water-based coatings especially fitting for areas of high UV radiation in which reflectivity is required for improved cooling.
- Asphalt: Very effective coatings to use on asphalt-based roof substrates and for colder weather.
- Polyurea: A polyurethane-based coating thats ideal for hail-prone areas or for roofs that get high roof traffic.
- Silicone: Another coating valued for high UV reflectivity, silicone is really good for roofs exposed to heavy, frequent rainfall.
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Asphalt And Architectural Shingles
If you buy a new home, chances are its covered with asphalt shingles, which are the least expensive type of roof covering available today. That isnt necessarily a bad thing, since asphalt shingles are inexpensive to install and maintain. Theyre also simple to replace when theyre damaged or displaced.
While both asphalt and architectural shingles are made of the same material, the difference between the two is their density. Architectural shingles are as much as three times denser than standard asphalt shingles. Thats why they have longer manufacturer warranties and are considered more attractive than typical asphalt varieties. Thats also why architectural shingles are well worth considering when it comes time to redo your roof.
What Is The Best Temperature To Replace A Roof
The best temperatures for roof installation is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It becomes too cold to roof your home when the temperature drops below 40° F. Roof installation and replacement require adhesive products that need the suns heat for activation.
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Should I Maintain My Roof
For the most part, roofs are out of sight and out of mind. Unless you find a shingle lying on your lawn or detect a growing stain on a ceiling panel, homeowners usually dont give their homes roof a second thought. Perhaps they should, especially after a major storm.
While the roof is designed to shrug off wind and rain, as roofs age, they become more susceptible to the elements. So too does roof flashing. Everything from solar radiation and frost to leaf litter and tree limbs can take their toll on roofs.
You can also see if any tree limbs are growing too close to the roof for comfort. The secret to making your homes roof last as long as possible is to make sure that minor signs of deterioration dont become major sources of leaks.
Considerations To Take Into Account
If youre thinking about investing in a commercial or industrial property, there are multiple factors to be taken into account. At first glance, it may seem as though the roofs condition might be one of the least important considerations.
For example, in an arid climate such as that in Nevada, it may seem logical to assume that the roof will be less subject to deterioration than in areas with more rainfall. Unfortunately, hurricanes and monsoons can come, seemingly out of nowhere, causing property owners millions of dollars due to leaks and the costs of complete roof replacements.
The roofs of commercial and industrial buildings are typically flat rather than pitched. Theyre constructed using different techniques, with special materials, and their lifespan will be different from that of a traditional roof. How long is it since your roof was thoroughly inspected? What do you know about how to maintain it in optimum condition?
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Excessive Growths On Your Roof
Have you recently noticed moss or other types of nature growing on top or out of your roof? Dont panic. Nature tends to grow over any structure in its path if it is not properly tended to and maintained.
When inspecting your roof and the new growths you have spotted, be sure to do so by inspecting both the interior and exterior of your roof. While most plant growths are likely to be visible from the exterior and outside of your roof, if there is a more serious issue at-hand, nature may also be growing on its own indoors without your knowledge.
Oftentimes, treating and eliminating nature growths from a roof is a way to quickly remedy the issue without further investments or repairs. However, if you do notice excessive growths around your roof or even inside of your home, it is highly advisable to work with a professional to determine the root cause and reason for the growths.
When a roof has been completely overtaken by growths in nature, you may need to replace the roof in its entirety to stop the process in its tracks.
How Long Do Tile Roofs Last
Tile roofs are frequently used in the southwest of the United States. In general, tile roofs are more expensive due to their longevity, design, and labor for install. So how long do tile roofs last?
Tile roofs in general last about 30-40 years. Although some roofers or manufacturers may say 50 or 60 years, it is not guaranteed to last that long. You can have a tile roof last as few as 25 years, or as long as 45 years
This is especially because of the maintenance, design, and environmental factors. Lets dive in deeper.
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What About Slate Roofs
Natural slate is a beautiful product which is quite fragile to work with but creates a beautiful finish and has a durability and longevity that is very impressive. An average lifespan of 80-100 years is not uncommon for a well maintained and cared for slate roof and some will go on even longer than that.
Fibre cement roof slates have a reasonable lifespan of around 50-60 years whereas the much cheaper synthetic manmade slate products will only last for around 20 years on average.
Your Asphalt Roof Was Damaged From A Storm
The weather where you live and the kind of storms your roof faces factor into how much wear and tear it goes through. But that isnt the only thing you have to worry about when it comes to weather.
This may seem obvious, but heavy storm damage will also lead to a roof replacement. If high winds come through and rip up your shingles or a tree falls on your roof then clearly youre going to need a new one.
If you have a metal roof system, then hail damage to your metal panels will lead to a replacement if the integrity of the metal is compromised. But for an asphalt shingle roof to be replaced from hail it has to cause damage to the soft metals that are on your roof.
Whatever kind of storm damage your roof has, its important to know if your roof is covered. Read this article on replacing your roof through homeowners insurance.
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How Long Does A Metal Roof Last
Metal roofing can last for decades, which is one reason that it is popular in many areas.
In addition, the look of a copper or zinc roof can be aesthetically pleasing and add value to your home due to its appearance and longevity.
After all, what potential buyer wouldnt be interested in a beautiful roof that can last for decades?
More importantly, a metal roof can last for 50 years or even longer if they are well cared for and no major disasters or other problems occur.
In fact, copper and zinc roofing can last for well over five decades and can be fully functional for 100 years or longer, which might make these types of metal roof costs well worth the investment if they are the right style and fit for your home and your style preferences.
Metal roofs have become increasingly common due to their longevity as well as their energy efficiency, since they can often keep your property cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Standing seam roofing systems are the most common types of metal roofing systems that youll see in most residential neighborhoods, and they can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years to over 100 years depending on the material, construction techniques, and the location of the property itself.
Standing seam roofs can be crafted from a variety of materials including stainless steel, copper, titanium, and zinc.
Another affordable option for metal roofing is ribbed metal panels, which offer many of the same benefits but work well on steeper or gabled roofs.
