Select The Right Material
One of the most important decisions is your roofing material. When deciding on a material, consider the appearance, price and lifespan of each available product. For instance, although asphalt roofing shingles are among the most economical options, their lifespan is one of the shortest for residential roofs. Concrete or metal shingles, on the other hand, tend to last longer and are usually a better choice if youre interested in making a long-term investment.
Apart from more traditional shingles like asphalt, shakes and slate, you can also buy beautiful metal roofs that mimic the look of other roofing materials and architectural shingles that are superior to traditional asphalt in both performance and looks. While some of these newer materials can be three times the price of standard 3-tab asphalt shingles, they will also last longer and enhance the curb appeal and therefore, the resale value of your home.
If your last roofing installation was 20 years ago, dont just go with the same material as before take a look at new roof types, too.
Consider each option carefully and think about the advantages and disadvantages of each. If youre unsure about which material would best suit your home, hire an expert to take a look at your roof and figure out which materials would be the best investment for your house.
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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.
Missing Shingles Or Granules
In Florida, strong thunderstorms and hurricanes put a lot of strain on roofs. The extremely high winds often cause shingles to lift or fly off completely. Sometimes you can replace a shingle or two, but the potential for repair depends on the missing shingles location and the condition of those surrounding it.
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You Notice Curling Bending Cracked Or Missing Shingles
At the first sign of damage, even minor, on your shingles, its a good idea to get them repaired right away. Even if one shingle is damaged on your roof, it can comprise the entire system by allowing water to seep in and under the shingles. These leaks can be detrimental to the entire roof and your home.
How To Pick The Right Material
Picking your roofing material is a very significant decision. Examine how a material looks, how much it costs and how long it will last. Asphalt roofing shingles are one of the most affordable materials, but they also have a short life span. Metal and concrete shingles are better options for longevity.
Wooden shingles offer you an elegant, classic look, excellent insulation and the ability to customize to make your roof truly unique.
Traditional roofing materials such as slate, asphalt and shakes offer durability and longevity. You can even opt for elegant metal roofs that can replicate the looks of those materials while providing even better durability and aesthetics. These materials may be more expensive than your typical asphalt shingles, but they can also last much longer, make your home more attractive and boost its value.
You may be tempted to go with the same roofing material you had on your previous roof, but it’s important to consider your other options to see how you can improve. It can help to hire a professional to examine your roof and help you determine which roofing materials would be the best choice for you.
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Tear Off Or Second Layer
It was once common to lay a new shingle roof over the preexisting layer at least once, or sometimes even twice. This roofing practice is no longer allowed in some jurisdictions, where complete tear-off of the previous roofing is now required. Even where layering is allowed, applying a new layer of shingles over the old should be carefully considered based on its pros and cons:
The Fasteners Are Starting To Wallow Out
Remember, a screw down metal roof has the fasteners exposed through the top of the panels. Due to its lack of expansion and contraction, these fasteners get wallowed out until theyre too big for the screws that hold the metal panels down.
If addressed quickly, you can put in the larger size screws and get some more life out of your screw down metal roof. On the other hand, if you dont catch these wallowed fasteners youre going to start seeing leaks. Theyll also be susceptible to wind getting underneath the panels and lifting them up.
If you wait too long to deal with your wallowed out fasteners, youre going to have to start replacing the screw down panels. I recommend that even if youre only replacing one panel, you should go ahead and replace the entire roof.
Did you know your local roofing contractor checks your fasteners for wallowing during your annual maintenance inspection? To learn more about why you should get roof maintenance, read this article on why roof maintenance is important to your roof.
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You Find Water Stains On Your Ceilings Or Attic Floor
Water stains on your ceilings or attic floor are a sure sign that there is an issue with your roof. One thing to note is a water stain doesnt always mean a leak, but it can indicate an issue with moisture in the attic, which can be related to a poorly insulated roof. If youve noticed this, its important to take action immediately and get the problem assessed by a professional so they can determine what needs to be repaired and if anything needs replacing.
Do You Have To Replace Your Roof Flashing During A Roof Replacement
Roof flashing is a thin metal material that roofers install to direct water away from certain areas of your roof. Its one of the most crucial roofing materials that your roof absolutely needs.
Because its so important, does it mean roof flashing needs to be replaced when getting a new roof? The answer might surprise you.
For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners understand all aspects of their upcoming roof replacement. Now well do the same for you by breaking down if flashing needs to be replaced during a roof replacement.
I start this article by diving right into if youll have to replace your roof flashing. After that, Ill give you the 3 things homeowners need to know about roof flashing.
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Cost Materials And Process
Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years.
Kelly Bacon is a licensed general contractor with over 40 years of experience in construction, home building and remodeling, and commercial building. He is a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.
Steven Puetzer / Photographer’s Choice RF / Getty Images
Of all major home repairs, installing new roofing is arguably one of the most important. You have many things to consider when replacing a roof, but you never want to let an old roof fail water can destroy the inside of your home, from the attic insulation down through the painstakingly remodeled kitchen, right on through to the basement family room with a big-screen TV. Fewer home problems can be more disastrous than a failed roof.
Roof replacement is not something to take lightly, nor is it a repair you should delay. It’s not too difficult to replace or repair a single shingle, but if one shingle fails, it’s a good idea to have your roof inspected to check the rest of its integrity.
You might also need a permit in your state or locality to repair a roof, depending on the size of the area and the type of repairs. A permit may also be required when reroofing. When you sense that your roof is nearing the end of its useful life, brush up on these basics before soliciting bids from roofing contractors.
Do You Have To Replace An Entire Roof
If your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan, or you notice any of the problems described above, your roof may need to be replaced. But before you go down that road, its best to have a professional roof inspection from a quality roofing contractor.
Many roof concerns can be addressed without a full replacement if caught early and repaired in time. Regular roof inspections and maintenance are the best way to protect the roof of your home. No one wants to deal with big problems like major leaks or a roof collapse. Not only can it become dangerous for everyone living in your home, but it can also be more expensive for homeowners.
If you suspect that you have a roof or section of your roof that needs to be replaced, start looking for a roof inspector now before your home sustains more damage.
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Understand Your Roofs Maintenance Needs
Besides checking for general damage, its a good idea to go through the following checklist for roof damage to determine how often to replace roofing and if its time for yours to receive that treatment.
Check Your Shingles
Take time to check your shingles to see if anything is out of place, cracked, or broken. This also means checking out your chimney for anything out of place. If you see any cracked or missing mortar, or if your chimney is leaning to one side, it might be good to have an inspection for foundational problems.
Check For Tree Hazards
If there are any low-hanging branches close to your roof, trim them or cut them entirely away. Doing so can also prevent leaves from getting into your gutters.
Clean Out Your Gutters
If leaves or debris congest your gutters, they can become heavy and drag on your roof, so keep them clear with mesh guards and regular cleaning.
Wash Off Your Roof
Certain roofing types can gather algae, so wash that away before it becomes a more significant problem. A mixture of water and bleach should do the trick.
As always, when in doubt, contact a roofing professional. Our talented team can help you decide when its the best time to replace your roof.
It Will Improve The Energy Efficiency Of Your Home
Roofing is one of the many components in the homebuilding and remodeling sectors that has become more energy-efficient in recent years. There is a good chance that roofing technology has improved a lot since your last roof was installed, and upgrading your roof now will allow you to enjoy those benefits.
Your roof greatly influences your homes climate, as it helps to control how much heat enters or leaves the top of your home. For this reason, a roof replacement can make controlling the temperature easier and reduce the load on your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
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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.
How To Find The Right Company
Due to costs, it may be appealing to try to install a roof yourself. When weighed against the amount of time, effort and safety concerns, however, most homeowners opt to contact a professional roofing company. Contact businesses in your area and ask neighbors or friends who they’ve used for installation in the past.
Be patient during the process and find a reliable service you can trust, like us!
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Other Signs You Should Replace Your Roof
If you ever walk on your roof, pay attention to how the shingles feel underneath your feet. If your roof feels spongy, it may be a sign that the underlying decking has moisture damage.
Likewise, the next time youre in your attic, make sure theres no moisture in the insulation. You also shouldnt be able to see daylight coming through the roof boards.
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.
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Why Choose Good Guys Home Services For Your Roofing Replacement
- Years of roofing experience under our belts. Our local roof replacement specialists are knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced. We also have access to better quality roofing materials.
- Were properly registered and insured, so you get more protection in the long run.
- For emergency service, you can get help faster when you book through our app and online booking.
- Within our exclusive app you have the option to look at each technician’s bio, giving you the opportunity to choose which technician shows up at your home.
- We provide one-year service warranty on repairs & peace of mind guarantee on all services
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How Do I Find A Roofing Contractor In My Area
If you have a roof that youre pretty sure will need to be replaced, youre likely wondering how to find the best contractor for your house. We recommend starting with an online search for a professional that works on roofs in your area. Not all roofing contractors are credible so take the time to read through reviews and verify the information you find. You may also wish to visit the National Roofing Contractors Association and search for a contractor that they recommend to replace a roof.
At CCI, we offer a free, no-obligation inspection for roofs and homes in our area. If you think you may need a roof repair or replacement, contact us to schedule your appointment with our team of expert contractors.
Signs That You Need To Replace Your Asphalt Roof
May 12th, 2020 | 6 min. read
Is your roof leaking? If so youre probably worried that the entire roof will have to be replaced.
But just because your roof is leaking doesnt mean you need a complete replacement. So, when should you replace your roof? The answer to that question isnt going to be the same for everyone.
Bill Ragan Roofing has been replacing roofs in the Nashville area since 1990. We know what it takes to give you a roof replacement thats going to give you years of peace of mind. Thats why we even offer a lifetime warranty on our workmanship.
Replacing your roof never comes at a convenient time so its important to know when the right time to replace your roof is.
Keep reading to learn the 3 reasons why your roof should be replaced so you know when the time is right for you. By the end of this article, youll know why your roof may need replacing and what to consider before you replace your roof.
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