Start By Learning Your Roofs History
Gauge whether youre closing in on your roofs expiration date by determining its installation date. If you purchased a new build or owned your home during the last roof replacement, then this should be fairly straightforward. Otherwise, dig a little deeper by reaching out to one of these sources:
- Ask the previous owners: Give good old-fashioned communication a try and talk to the person who sold you the house. Even if they dont know the exact date, they can provide you with a ballpark estimate. If you no longer have their contact details, your real estate agent can look into their records and provide them to you, so long as it would not violate any existing non-disclosure agreements.
- Find the building permit: A roof replacement typically mandates a building permit from the local county. Head to your local municipalitys code enforcement office and request records of building permits for your address. A code or zoning officer will pull up any documents submitted for the project, including scope and building timeline.
- Contact the roof installation company: If you know which company installed the roof, call and ask if they still have a record of the project in their database.
During your research, keep an eye out for any warranties included. A shingle warranty lasts 20 to 50 years, protecting you against manufacturing defects a workmanship warranty covers issues that may occur due to improper installation.
Some Final Roofing Points To Ponder
Many homeowners don’t pay much attention to their roof until they really need to. Ignoring your roof does not make any sense at all. Your home is nothing without your roof. After all, owning a home is often called “having a roof over your head,” and you should not lose sight of that.
On the other hand, there are some homeowners who “think” they know what they are doing and don’t! For example, you should never power wash your roof. Have you ever seen one of your neighbors up on a ladder with a power washer trying to get off moss and mildew? I have! Doing this could potentially damage your roof.
Self-inflicted damage of that kind will probably not be covered by insurance either. To help clean your roof correctly, there is a range of preventative treatments available. Solutions specifically made to clean off a roof can be found at a Home Depot or Lowe’s. A local roofing contractor could point you in the right direction as well.
New exciting roofing materials are both more environmentally friendly and sustainable. If you would like to cut down on your heating bills, your roof is the best place to start. Remember that heat rises. Most of the heat that we generate escapes through the roof thanks to poor insulation or roofing materials.
A lack of insulation will also increase the odds you will be trying to remove ice dams in the winter time.
Falcon Exteriorsa Certainteed Select Shinglemaster Contractor
At Falcon Exteriors, we choose only the finest materials in the industry to upgrade your home. Our Shingles are no exception! Get gorgeous, long-lasting CertainTeed shingles. For outstanding durability, multiple style choices and vast color selections, enjoy CertainTeed shingles. Our products are backed by the manufacturers warranty, giving you peace of mind. Here are a few of our favorite options:
Material choices arent the only factor that assures a durable, high performance roof. How well your roof installation is performed plays an important role in the toughness and function of a roofing system.
Falcon Exteriors is recognized as a CertainTeed Select Shinglemaster contractor, which means you can be assured of our expertise and qualifications. We specialize in residential roofing.
Also Check: Overhang Extension
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
How To Tell If Your Roof Needs To Be Replaced
Few homeowners in the Chattanooga, Tennessee, area find replacing their roof to be an exciting home improvement project. And, as a result, many homeowners wind up putting it off longer than they should. However, there are compelling reasons to have a new roof installed before it becomes an emergency. Your roof is your homes most important line of defense against the elements and, if its aging, water may be able to infiltrate, resulting in unnoticed damage. If youre wondering how to tell if your roof needs to be replaced, there are a few things you can do.
Recommended Reading: Adding Eaves To Gable End
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.
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.
Recommended Reading: How To Repair A Trailer 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.
Signs That You Need A New Residential Roof
Is your residential roof leaking, falling apart or need repairs? Most homeowners are uncertain about when to replace their roof. Some may think they need a new roof once they spot a leak in their ceiling or when it starts looking old and worn out. There are many different factors that take place in determining whether your roof just needs a repair or if it needs to be completely replaced. Below are some warning signs that will help determine if your home is in need or a new roof and if you should contact a roofing professional.
Read Also: Skylight Metal Roof
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.
Curling Or Missing Shingles Are Visible
Your roof is exposed to elements like rain, snow, and sun, causing the components to wear down over time.
This long-term beating from Mother Nature can result in broken, missing, buckling or curling shingles. Finding debris or granules from your shingles in your gutter system is a telltale sign of roof decay. Any missing parts of your roof makes your home vulnerable to the elements.
You May Like: Cutting Roof Trusses
Sign #1: Rotting Underlay
Roofs rely on the underlay and tiles working together to keep water out. If there is a single tear in the underlay, then you may be able to patch it, but since there is already an existing tear somewhere from the roof, it can be an area where water may seep through.
If you look at the outside of your roof, you might not be able to notice a roofing problem. A tiny leak in the roof can go undetected, and thats what makes it riskier. These leaks tend to grow in size, and youll only notice when water has already seeped through the underlay.
If the underlay is already worn out and rotting, then it will need a replacement. Rotted underlay can weaken the foundation of your roof and cause it to collapse. In this case, a new roof will be required, as its impossible to replace only the underlay of a roof.
How Often Should You Replace Your Roof
Based on the information in this guide, you should now know without a doubt how often to replace your roof. Just look up the average lifespan based on the roofing material in the list above. Then, look for the listed signs of damage on your roof.
Of course, youll still need to know the age of your roof for this information to be relevant. Thus, you may yet have more questions.
Are you still wondering how often should you replace your roof? If so, contact us here to set up you free roof inspection.
Also Check: How Many Screws Per Square For Metal Roofing
Start Budgeting For Your Asphalt Roof Replacement
A roof replacement is an investment. And just like every other investment, its not cheap.
If your roof is 15 years old, youre going to need to replace it in 5-8 years. So start budgeting for it now. roof replacement estimate just so youll have an idea about how much you need to save when the time comes.
The numbers wont be the same because of the fluctuation of roofing material prices, but youll have an idea so you can start budgeting.
Roof Valleys With Shingle Grit
Roof valleys are the areas where two sloped roofs meet. They can be the most difficult areas of your homes roof to repair, as they are often small and not easily accessible by ladder.
There are several different issues that cause roof valleys to wear out:
- Leaves and debris build up in these areas over time, which can increase wind resistance and lead to more frequent damage in an area that is already weak because of poor drainage or poor construction.
- Poorly installed shingles can lead to buckles along these edges when water runs down them during rainstorms.
- Construction materials such as nails or staples may have been used instead of proper fasteners like screws or rivets in this area, leading them to loosen over time due to weather conditions and repeated stress from heavy winds blowing against them.
Whether you live in Bettendorf, Davenport, or somewhere nearby, if you notice any signs of roof damage, a serious shingle leak, or any other issues that cause concern about your roofs integrity, its time to contactChallis for some roof repair. Were the leading roof repair company in Bettendorf and the surrounding area. And our friendly team is equipped to handle everything from small repairs to full-scale replacements.
Recommended Reading: Attic Trusses Cost
Sign #: Debris In Gutters
Check your gutters for pieces of asphalt shingles or sand-like granules that are used as a top coat this material protects your tiles, and if granules are falling from your tiles and into your gutters, then it could be a sign that your shingles are deteriorating. Of course, a few loose granules are normal, but if you notice an increase in residue, this may be a warning sign.
The protective coating of a roof tends to slough off due to atmospheric changes, constant exposure to weather, long-term usage and moisture, which causes the asphalt to weaken. Therefore, you should aim to repair tiles and replace their protective coating on a regular basis.
You should also check for debris falling from trees nesting on your roof, as this can cause the coating of your roof to weaken. Therefore, regular garden maintenance is important.
Make sure that you inspect your roof regularly in broad daylight, and if you notice deformed, distorted, curled areas, or tiles bald from their protective coating, then you may need to make some roof repairs. And, if you live in North Yorkshire, give us a call. Wed be happy to have our Harrogate roofers take a look at your property and recommend repairs.
How To Know When Your Flat Roof Needs To Be Replaced
If youre a property owner with a flat roof, be it commercial or residential, its vital to keep a close eye on its condition. Due to their design, flat roofs generally require more work than other standard roofing options. Although it may have been simple to build, a flat roof requires regular inspections and maintenance to ensure everything is functioning properly. One of the most difficult decisions is understanding whether you need to replace your flat roof or if making a few minor repairs will be enough. In this blog, we outline issues you may come across that tell you the time has come to replace your existing flat roof.
Also Check: How To Extend A Metal Roof Overhang
When To Replace The Roof
At some point in the life of any roof, replacement is necessary. The older a roof is, the less efficient repairs will be. You can continue to repair a roof but repairs are only going to get more costly. If your roof is old or nearing the end of its original 20 to 30-year warranty, replacement is a safe bet. If you dont know the age of your roof, you should assume it is beyond the time for roof repair.
If the damage to the roof is extensive, you should also consider replacement. Most damage can be repaired up to a certain point. If the damage has started to affect the structural integrity of the roof, however, its time to replace.
Finally, if you notice a lot of water damage or leakage in the interior of your house, replace the roof immediately. While some damage can be repaired, the time and effort it would take too much. The top priority should be to have a solid roof over your head as soon as possible.
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.
Read Also: How Much Does It Cost To Shingle A Roof
Begin By Inspecting Your Roof From The Inside Out
Once you have started to brainstorm the idea of investing in a new roof, begin conducting your own research at home by inspecting the condition of your roof from the inside out. Take a flashlight with you to your attic or to the space in your home where the interior of your roof is visible and look for the following potential signs that may indicate a more serious issue:
Beams of Light: Light beams are common in roofs that require replacements or repairs. For best results, inspect the interior of your roof during the day to catch and identify any light beams.
Leaks: Inspect the interior of your roofing area for drips and potential leaks. If your roof is beginning to leak, other areas of your home and its foundation is put at risk, especially if you do not address the roofing problem as quickly as possible. Water dampness can lead to additional rot along with mold growth that can contribute to breathing and other health ailments.
Streaks and Stains: Take note of all of the interior of your roof and look for potential spots, stains, and streaks. Inspect any discolored area of your roof for further information on its cause and potential leak culprit. Stains and streaks within the interior walls of your roof can signal a deeper and more serious problem involving your roofs durability.
