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.
Sign #: Loose Roof Tiles
During your annual roof check, check to see whether any of your roof tiles are loose. By simply stepping on them and checking their state, youll be able to access whether repairs are needed.
If you spot more than a couple of loose or missing tiles, then you should consider replacing your roof. A weak roof with missing or damaged tiles could cave in on you so act quickly.
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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Roof Deck Repair Considerations
The roof decking is the layer of plywood or O.S.B. nailed to the trusses or rafters. Roof decking is typically 7/16 and comes in 4×8 sheets. If youre tearing off old roofing, the roofer can look for damage that needs to be repaired once the deck is bare.
If youre adding a second layer of shingles instead of tearing off the old ones, then a contractor or inspector should:
- Walk the roof to feel for spongy or flexing areas that indicate rotted or broken roof decking
- Look for areas where roofing nails are pulling out, an indication the wood beneath is soft and wont hold the nails securely
- Examine the underside of the roof deck from inside an attic, where possible, to look for damage or staining caused by leaks
- Look for mold or rot on the underside of the roof deck indicating that moisture levels in the attic are high because the attic isnt properly vented, a problem addressed later in this guide
Tearing off and replacing roof decking or sheathing costs between $1.50 and $3.25 per square foot, depending on whether all or just select plywood sheets or boards require replacement.
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.
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Moss Is Growing On Your Roof
Moss can be a serious threat to the lifespan of your roof. If your roof has had moss growing on it for an extended period of time, it could be a sign you need a new roof. Moss traps moisture, which can deteriorate your roofing over time.
However, there are things you can do to get moss off your roof. You can mix water with dish soap or bleach and scrub away the moss. You can also use distilled vinegar instead if you want to use a more natural solution:
- Just mix 1.5 to 3.5 cups of distilled vinegar with two gallons of water.
- Then wet the affected area of your roof with a hose, spray the area with the solution.
- Let it soak for 25-45 minutes.
- Then scrub off the moss.
To keep moss from growing on your roof, clear it of overhanging tree limbs, which can keep your roof moist. Keep an eye on your roof to prevent the accumulation of moss and patch cracks or crevices when you notice them.
How To Tell If You Need A New Roof: Weather Damage
Water damage can be caused by several different factors. In Colorado, a storm can blow through town, causing rainwater to find its way into the attic or crawlspace under your home.
One way or another, if theres moisture in places where it shouldnt be , then it could mean serious trouble for your roofing integrity as well as the structure of your home overall.
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Your Roofing Materials Fail Prematurely
Remember, 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. If 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. To learn more about your warranty options, read this article on what roof warranties cover.
Water Damage In The Upstairs Or Attic
Moisture marks, brown, yellow, or grey stains, and peeling paint on walls and/or ceilings could all indicate a damaged, leaking roof. Also take a peek in your attic, where damp rafters or leaks could additionally point to roof damage. Although you are the first line of defense when it comes to spotting roof damage, be aware of your limitations. Call in a roofer for a professional inspection once a year. A basic inspection could save you thousands of dollars in roofing repair costs by spotting minor damage before it turns into a major problem. A trained professional also has the tools and safety techniques to get up on your roof and check for damage.
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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.
What Happens After The Installation
Southland Roofing is a roofing contractor in Winston-Salem, NC. They specialize in roof installation, repair, and replacement. Southland Roofing is a family-owned and operated business that takes pride in their work.
After the installation is complete, Southland Roofing will perform a final inspection to make sure everything is done correctly and to your satisfaction. If there are any problems with the installation, they will be fixed immediately. Southland Roofing also offers a warranty on all of their work.
Southland Roofing is dedicated to providing the best possible roofing experience for their customers. They offer free estimates and consultations so that you can get the best roof for your home or business. Southland Roofing is the Winston-Salem NC roofing contractor you can trust.
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What To Consider When Choosing A Roofing Contractor
When it comes to choosing a roofing contractor, it is important to consider a few things. First, you will want to make sure that the contractor is licensed and insured. Secondly, it is always a good idea to get referrals from friends or family members who have had work done by the contractor. Finally, you will want to get an estimate from the contractor before signing any contracts. By taking the time to consider these factors, you can be sure that you are choosing the best roofing contractor for your needs.
Southland Roofing is a licensed and insured roofing contractor in Winston-Salem, NC. Southland Roofing has been providing quality roofing services to the Winston-Salem area for over 10 years. We offer a wide range of roofing services, including repairs, replacements, and new construction. Southland Roofing is committed to providing quality workmanship and customer service. We offer free estimates, so you can get an idea of what your project will cost before signing any contracts. Contact Southland Roofing today for all of your roofing needs!
How To Determine If You Need A New Roof
Perhaps youve noticed missing shingles, weak spots, or even sunlight seeping into your attic. These issues could indicate that you need minor roof repairs, or perhaps you need an entirely new roof. If you are unsure whether you need a roof replacement in Maryland or Washington DC, use the following list to help you determine the extent of your homes roofing issues.
Old Age
If you are able to get up on your roof and walk around and you feel areas that are somewhat soft or feel like they give slightly under your feet, that is a sign that you have weak spots that will need to be looked at. Those weak spots may be due to undetected leaks or other issues that could lead to you needing a roof replacement.
Weak Spots
Moisture causes mold, and if you have a leaky roof, you need roof replacement in Bowie to remediate the fungus breeding ground. Even though you have several layers of protection from your roof, these barriers can become damaged by the elements and/or break down over time. All it takes is a pin-sized breach in the roof deck, water shield, underlayment, shingle starter strips, shingles and flashing to allow moisture into your drywall and, voila, you have the unsafe growth.
Peaking Sunlight
If you can see sunlight peeking through the roof boards in your attic, you need to call a professional. There could be a major leak or open space in your shingles, which could ruin the insulation or cause significant damage to your roof boards or your homes interior.
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Metal Roofing Types And Features
Metal roofing has come a long way in the last few decades and now is a viable option for any house including upscale luxury homes. Heres an overview of your options.
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Standing Seam:
Standing Seam
This is the most popular and most pricey type of metal roofing. It can be roll-formed on the jobsite to reduce transportation costs and create a custom fit for every house. The purpose of the standing seam on these vertical roofing panels is to keep rainwater from penetrating them as it cascades off the roof.
Two popular types of steel standing seam are galvanized steel dipped in zinc and Galvalume steel dipped in a blend of aluminum, zinc, and silicon.
After steel, aluminum is the next most frequently used metal in roofing. Aluminum and zinc make for a great choice in coastal areas and heavy salt spray environments.
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Metal shingles, shakes and tiles:
Tamko MetalWorks Steel Shingle Profiles
Metal can also be stamped in interlocking shingles, shakes, or tiles that are about the size of asphalt shingles and can resemble other materials including slate tiles, cedar shakes, asphalt shingles, and clay or concrete tiles. Stone granules can also be added to these materials to reflect sunlight to help lower surface temperature.
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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Your Attic Has Great Natural Light
If your roof is approaching the end of its expected lifespan, or you have other reason to suspect that you might need a new roof, the first place to check is the attic or crawlspace.
Its often much easier to tell if there are holes, cracks, or leaks in the roof from underneath than from above.
One reason for this is that accessing the crawlspace is usually safer and more straightforward than accessing the roof, especially if you have a sloped roof.
Its also easier to detect sunlight streaming in through a hole or crack in the ceiling of your attic than to try and find small defects in the roof beneath your feet.
The first giveaway that you need a new roof will often be a leak in within the attic or top floor or your home. But keep in mind that a leak does not always mean you need an entirely new roof.
Take steps to manage leaks as well as you can before professional help arrives, and have the damage analyzed by a licensed contractor before more extensive damage occurs.
Do You Notice Dark Stains On Your Ceiling Or Walls From Above Your Roofline
Dark stains on your ceilings and walls are a sign of water damage. The stains indicate that there is an ongoing leak in the roofing system. As moisture gets into your home, it will cause mold to grow. Mold will leave dark stains on the ceiling or walls, which can lead to other problems such as allergic reactions and respiratory issues for occupants in your home.
If you notice these dark stains, its important to have them inspected by a professional roofer who can determine whether theyre caused by condensation or a leak in your roofing system.
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Why Is It Called A Gambrel Roof
The term is derived from the Medieval Latin word gamba, which means horses hock or leg. Gambrel is of American origin, as opposed to the earlier European designation, curb roof.
It has been spelled gambrel, gambrelle, gamber, and gable. It is an old French term for a saddle-bow, which is why in New England, it was called a lop-sided roof.
Sign #: Light Coming Through Your Roof
Make it a habit of turning out the lights in the upper rooms of your home and looking up at the roof every once in a while. The best time to do this is at sunset, as it will be dark enough inside with the lights out yet bright enough outside for you to see the light coming through.
Light coming in from your roof could mean that you have cracks and holes in your roof which should be attended to as soon as possible. Check your roof to see if repairs could fix the damage, or whether an entire roof replacement is needed. Of course, you can get in touch with the experts at Findley Roofing & Building Yorkshire for a free roof health check.
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When To Replace A Roof In Tennessee
You should replace the roof on your Tennessee home roughly every 10 to 30 years depending on the type of roof installed on your home and its level of wear and tear. Roofs in Tennessee must stand up to harsh weather conditions.
If you arent sure when to replace your roof, first consider the roofs age before making note of any warning signs. A roofing contractor can inspect your roof further and determine if repairs are needed or a full replacement is necessary.
Shingle Pieces In The Yard
Shingles dont always fall off in full strips. For deteriorating roofs, it can be just as typical to see small chunks of shingles in the yard, and its not always easy to see where theyre coming from. Homeowners that notice small pieces of shingles in their yards after a few different windstorms should consider getting a closer look at their roof or calling in a pro to inspect it.
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