Cracked Roof Shingles Repair
If a shingle is simply cracked or torn, you don’t have to replace itjust repair it. Start by applying a thick bead of roofing sealant under the crack. Press the shingle down and apply a second bead of sealant on top of the crack. Then spread the sealant with a putty knife.
The best part of this fix is that no one has to know you made it. It’s easy to camouflage: Check the gutter for an accumulation of colored granules that have washed down the roof from the shingles. Then gather some into a small cup and sprinkle them over the sealant to mask the repair.
How Often Does A Roof Need To Be Replaced
A roof replacement is never a fun experience. It can be stressful, time-consuming, and, most importantly, expensive.
The less you go through the process, the better. But that doesnt stop you from worrying about how often youll actually have to get your roof replaced. Especially if youve had bad experiences in the past.
For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners understand when and how often they’ll have to replace their roof. Now we want to do the same for you.
We’ll kick this article off with helping you understand when and how often you should replace your roof. After that, we give you the lifespans of the 5 most popular roofing materials, so you know when you should replace your specific roof.
And at the very end, we give you a guide that you and every homeowner needs for a roof replacement.
How Long Does A Tile Roof Last
Tile roofing systems can last for years if properly cared for, and they tend to be popular in warmer and wetter climates due to their heating and cooling efficiency and water resistance.
A tile roofs lifetime largely depends on the type of tile roofing material that you choose and any regional weather factors that may apply.
A tile roof will have a longer or shorter lifespan based on the climate it is located in for instance, a tile roof in Florida is going to require a different type of maintenance than a tile roof in Illinois.
Furthermore, a tile roof might last longer than a shingled roof in Florida, for example, because tile roofing can better withstand the heat and humidity and possible hurricane or tropical damage that can occur in that state.
On the other hand, a tile roof in Illinois can still last for several decades, since the climate is much more temperate and the roof is less likely to be subject to thermal shock, hurricanes, or other weather events that can cause serious damage.
You May Like: How To Extend A Metal Roof Overhang
How Long Does It Take To Reshingle A Roof
There might be times that some problems for your roof can be easily solved. Missing shingles, unmounted flashings and sometimes lose screws can be easily repaired. However, problems like roof leaks, holes made from hailstorms, dark stains, organic growths, and warped shingles can leave permanent damages to your roof. Whenever permanent damages are incurred on your roof, the best course of action is to replace your roof.
Some people might not like the idea of having to tear off and replace their roof, but it is still a necessity nonetheless. Replacing a roof or re-shingling your roof can be a big investment. Not only are you looking for the right materials for the job, but youre investing in thousands of dollars worth of labor, roofing materials, and equipment. Moreover, youll also need to do your own research on your roofing contractor to ensure that they have a good track record.
But before anything else, we have to first look at how long the reshingling process will take. We have to also look into certain factors that will influence the reshingling process.
You May Like: What Is Under Roof Shingles
Can You Shingle Over Existing Roof Shingles: Complete Guide
It is not uncommon for homeowners to roof over existing shingles this is called reroofing. New shingles can be installed or laid over the old ones when a new roof replacement comes instead of tearing off the existing roof.Heres what inspecting houses for decades have taught me:
You should only reroof over existing shingles if the roof decking is in good condition and there is presently only one layer of shingles on your roof. Adding more than two layers of shingles can cause the roof structure to sag under the weight. Its best to replace flashings when re-roofing.
On a typical day, a roof replacement would involve tearing off the old roof down to the decking to remain only with the roofs trusses or rafters, which sometimes need to be reinforced if damage or rot exists. In reroofing, none of this happens.
Quick Article Navigation
Read Also: Roof Replacement Cost California
Schedule Your Ames Roof Replacement Now
Sometimes, the seriousness of your roof situation makes it necessary to replace your roof despite treacherous winter conditions. If your roof is leaking, moisture infiltration can cause significant damage to your home. A qualified roofing contractor will help you evaluate whether you can repair your roof temporarily and schedule a full roof replacement for the spring or whether you should replace your roof immediately.
If you need your roof inspected, repaired, or replaced, contact Hedrick Construction today for a free roofing estimate.We install MetroSHAKE stone-coated steel roofs in Ames, Ankeny, Huxley, and surrounding communities as well as traditional asphalt shingle and architectural shingle roofs. Contact us to learn more about our quality roofing products and service.
Factors The Affect Roof Lifespan
No world is perfect and roof lifespans can vary. We have done our best to list the factors that affect roof lifespan.
- Deferred Roof Maintenance Your roof should be inspected/repaired every 1-2 years.
- High Wind Events Such as tornadoes or hurricanes.
- Heavy Rain This can easily wear down roofing material.
- High Heat/Southern Climates High heat can easily dry out shingles.
- Poor Installation Practices If your roof is installed improperly or unprofessionally, leaks can develop sooner.
- Roof Over If you have two or more layers of roof installed, your newer roof will not last as long.
Also Check: Travel Trailer Roof Repair Kits
Some Damages You Should Keep An Eye Out For
Get the most out of your roof by maintaining it. Your roof should be inspected twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. You should periodically check for attic stains, mildew, leaking, curling, missing or bald shingles, broken tiles or any other kind of weather damage. If your neighbors are all getting their roofs replaced there is a good chance yours needs it too.
Is It Ok To Roof Over Existing Shingles
It is not OK to roof over existing shingles most of the time. Roof replacement is a tough decision to make because it requires a lot of money plus time to carry out the job comfortably and delivers a befitting result.
The answer to whether it is acceptable to roof over an existing roof could be a skeptical maybe or a maybe not. Roof replacement is a tricky and challenging project for many homeowners, and it all depends on your budget.
This question is not definite because roofing over another is wrong on so many levels as much as we would love to.
Let us look into the main reason why reroofing is not suitable for your household and your property.
Recommended Reading: How Much Does A New Shingle Roof Cost
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.
Shingle Weight Per Square Comparison
The weight of the bundle is decided by the type and quality of the . Three-tab shingles are lighter than architectural shingles, and slate tiles are usually the heaviest type. The quality of the shingle can also influence its weightâa 30-year shingle is heavier than a 20-year shingle. A square of shingles is 100 square feet, and we will use the weight for a 1500 square ft. roof.
| 800 â 1200 lbs. |
Read Also: How To Make A Copper Cupola Roof
Read Also: Cost To Install Trusses
Holes Drilled On Purpose
Tiny holes in shingles are sneaky because they can cause rot and other damage for years before you notice the obvious signs of a leak. You might find holes left over from satellite dish or antenna mounting brackets or just about anything. And exposed, misplaced roofing nails should be pulled and the holes patched. Small holes are simple to fix, but the fix isnt to inject caulk in the hole. Youll fix this one with flashing and spot replace the roof.
Your Flashing Around Valleys Chimneys Windows Etc Appears Damaged
Flashing is often one of the first things to go on the roof, which is critical because flashing is what keeps water from leaking into all the areas on your roof that meet a wall, pipe, ridge, or other roofing elements. If the flashing is cracked or damaged, it leaves your home highly susceptible to leaks. Get these repaired immediately and you should be in good standing.
Recommended Reading: How Many Screws Per Square For Metal Roofing
Get Multiple Opinions On What Your Asphalt Roof Needs
Before you replace your roof, its crucial to get multiple opinions. When a roofing salesman comes to your home, their job is to sell you a roof.
Thats why the first thing you should do after getting one roofing estimate is to get another. For example, if one contractor says you need a full roof replacement but three others say you just need repairs, then your roof probably only needs repairs.
Read this article on whether you should repair or replace to learn more about if your roof just needs repairs or a complete replacement.
How Long Should A Roof Last
Roofs werent made to last forever, although some roofing materials seem to last far longer than others. Of course, those premium roofs cost a pretty penny upfront, but the longevity pays off over time by not having to replace your roof ever again .
Depending on the type of roofing material, where you live, and how well you maintain it, your roof could last anywhere from 15 to 100 years. Lets go over how long different types of roofing materials are intended to last.
Read Also: Add Overhang To Shed
When Is The Best Time To Replace Roof Shingles
Perhaps youve glanced up at your roof recently and noticed things arent looking exactly like they used to. Youre worried that some of the shingles are no longer in the best condition, but is now the right time to get those shingles replaced?
External Damage On The Roof
You can also notice indications of roof damage externally. How often to replace the roof will also depend on if the shingles are rotten, cracked, damaged, or missing shingles are a key sign that you have to replace your roof.
Shingles that get damaged from wind, water, or other weather elements, you might find pieces on the ground or in the gutters. Check your chimney and flashing as well.
If you find that you want a professional to do your roof replacement, Red Canyon is here to help! Contact us today to get your free estimate!
Also Check: Skylights In Metal Roofing
Up And Over Versus Rip Off
There are two methods commonly used when reshingling a roof. The first method is to install the new shingles on top of the old shingles, which is called an up and over job. The second method is to rip off the old shingles and roofing paper and install new roofing paper and shingles on the bare wood sheathing this is called a rip off job. Common sense will tell you that there is more labor costs involved in doing a rip off, but if an inspection from the attic or attic crawlspace shows damage to the underlying roof, the extra cost will be worth it in the long run.
A Quick Roof Replacement Isnt Always Better
Iâve seen some roof replacements that cannot be done in a single day. Be warned that some companies come in and promise that they can do it in a day.
When this happens, youll have a large number of installers on your roof and shingles flying everywhere: its mayhem. There wont be enough time to do a proper cleanup and I can guarantee the roof isnt going to be installed properly.
In the roofing world, you shouldnt choose speed over quality.
When you choose speed over quality, its not a matter of if your new roof will leak, but when. If a contractor only cares more about getting the job done quicker, theres going to be corners cut and its going to show in the end product of your roof replacement.
The local contractor you hire should get the job done in a timely manner while still maintaining the quality you expect when you invest in a roof replacement.
Also Check: Hydrostop Premium Coat System
The Shingles Are Curling
Shingles can curl in two ways: There’s cupping, which happens when the edges of the shingles turn upward and there’s clawing, which is when the edges stay flat and the middle starts to come up. “Both are signs of weathering and indicate that problems potentially leaks are relatively close to fruition,” says Mark Graham, vice president of the National Roofing Contractors Association.
How much time you’ve got left: “Depending on the extent of the curling, it could be anywhere from a year to five years before you need a new roof,” says Graham.
How Often Should I Replace My Roof
In this modern day and age, it seems like almost everything from cellphones to new cars are designed to be thrown out or replaced after just a few years. While this might not be a bad thing as far as technology is concerned, most homeowners very often focus on custom home renovations, but sometimes dont want to invest in a roof that needs to be repaired or replaced as often as a trend-obsessed teenagers smartphone.
Read Also: How Much Does A Roof Cost In California
Spots Of Light In The Attic
If you see spots of light shining through the attic, you should definitely get your roof checked soon. Noticeable light spots in the attic mean holes in the roof that will likely let in water, snow, cold air, and potentially wayward pests. If you do find any light leaks, keep a careful eye on them during the next few rainfalls. If the holes warp or change size, you may have an actively leaking roof on your hands.
Thankfully, not all holes are a huge issue. Smaller leaks can easily be patched without needing to replace the entire roof. However, larger leaks, especially those that involve structural damage to older roofs, may require more extensive repairs.
Health Of Your Gutters
Your gutter system can also tell you a lot about the state of your roof. Gutters are designed to transport rain from your roof to an area away from your homes foundation. It is normal to find certain debris inside your gutters, such as leaves or the occasional twig. However, if you start to notice granules in your gutters, there may be a problem with your roof. These granules are often bits of your shingles that break apart and end up in your gutters. If you notice an increasing amount of granules, roof replacement may be the next step.
Read Also: Metal Roof Skylight
S For Reshingling A Roof
Average Life Of A Roof
How long your roof lasts will primarily depend on the type of roof you own and how well you maintained it over the years. Common three-tab asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing options. However, this affordability comes at a price a reduced lifespan. Most roofs with asphalt shingles will last an estimated 15 to 20 years. You can expect architectural asphalt shingles to last a bit longer at an average of 25 to 30 years. Galvalume or metal roofing materials have an estimated lifespan of 30 to 45 years, and concrete tile generally lasts between 30 and 50 years.
Other factors can also impact the lifespan of your roof, such as the color, orientation, and slope of your roof. Darker-colored roofs typically absorb more heat than lighter-colored roofs. If the person lives in a warm climate with lots of sun, their roof may need to be replaced more often. If your roof has a slope that faces south, the sun will have a bigger impact which causes a reduction in the lifespan of the roof. Also consider the pitch of the roof. Roofs that have a high pitch will generally last longer as rain and snow are not able to settle as easily.
You May Like: Skylight On Metal Roof
