Do I Need A Permit To Replace Shingles
If youre following the steps above to complete a minor repair, you dont need a permit, as thats considered routine maintenance. However, if youre replacing a larger area of the roof, even if it isnt the full roof, youll need a permit as thats considered reroofing. To be sure, just check in with your local building department to determine what constitutes a large area to make sure youre in compliance.
The Shingles Are Cracked
Cracked shingles are typically a result of wind damage. If just a few shingles are cracked, you can certainly replace them. “If the cracking isn’t isolated to one particular area and it’s random throughout the roof, that’s a telltale sign that you should start thinking about a new roof,” says Graham.
How much time you’ve got left: You may need to replace the whole thing within three to five years.
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.
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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.
What To Consider When You Are Replacing A Roof
One important thing to consider when you are choosing a roofing system or purchasing a new property is the resistance of the roof to wind uplift, which is the suction effect created by wind forces as the air flows parallel to the surface of the roof.
When a gust of wind hits the side of a house or other building, some of that air moves upwards across the roof, creating a pressure differential that can blow off or damage shingles or tiles, or even entire sections of the roof altogether.
Roofing systems are rated based on the amount of wind uplift they can withstand measured in miles per hour.
If you live in a particularly windy area or one that is prone to tornadoes or hurricanes, youll want to ensure that you go for a higher rating for wind uplift to avoid a wind damage roof.
Youll also want to consider other factors before replacing your roof or purchasing a property the age of the roof, how many layers of shingles there are, and whether the roof is properly braced and ventilated.
A roof inspection performed by a professional can help you answer these questions and more, and you can also visually examine the roof yourself for curling or buckling shingles, missing shingles, damaged shingles, damage to the flashing or seals around the chimneys, skylights, or dormers, granules or debris in the gutters or around the ground near your home, and other signs of future problems.
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Safety And Final Tips
- Be safe a warm, dry day in the late morning or the afternoon is best for executing a shingle replacement. You want clear visibility and no threat of rain while your roof decking is exposed, and no slickness on the surface of the roof from morning dew or precipitation as youre working. This keeps you safe up there and makes the task quicker and easier.
- Shingles can snap or bend in very cold weather, so if youre repairing them in winter, be extra gentle with the manipulation of your shingles.
To that point, you can definitely tear shingles with a pry bar, so go easy as youre working so you dont make your project bigger than it needs to be.
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And How Long Does A 30 Year Roof Really Last
The lifespan of a 30-year roof can be 30 years or 3 decades, or it can last for significantly less time if you experience a disaster like a fire, major hailstorm, tornado, or a hurricane.
Many roofing warranties may cover a roof for 20 or 30 years, depending on the location and type of roof, but youll want to always check the fine print and review your homeowners or property owners insurance policies as well, and ask any questions before you sign on the dotted line to buy a home or replace an existing roof.
If you are looking to purchase a property with an older roof , you may even see 50 year old shingles or roofing systems on the market and while you should always get a roof inspection before buying a new home or building, it is possible for some types of roofing to last that long.
Read on to learn more about the average life of various types of roofs, when you should get a roof inspection or consider repairing or even replacing your roof, and more
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Learn More About Shingles
Its important to have your property up to date with roofing materials in good condition. In order to protect your home from problems such as leaks, asphalt shingle roof repair will need to be done in a timely manner in order to avoid problems from worsening into replacements. If youd like to learn more about asphalt shingle roof repair make sure to contact your local qualified roofing company. Until then, here is some general background information regarding asphalt shingle roof repair that may be useful to you in the future.
When Is The Best Time To Replace Roof Shingles
Home»Roof Repair»When Is the Best Time to Replace Roof Shingles?
A roof is an integral part of the house. Aside from the aesthetic value it has, it shelters you from the sun, rain, snow, and hail storms. Roof shingles are roof coverings consisting of individual overlapping elements. These elements are typically flat, rectangular shapes laid in courses from the bottom edge of the roof up, with each successive course overlapping the joints below.
If you notice that your roof shingles are not looking as they used to, it means that they may no longer be in the best condition. It also means that its time to change them. But when exactly is the appropriate time for shingle roof replacement? In this article, our Greenville roofing experts at Lanier Roofing provide insights on the best time to replace roof shingles. At Lanier Roofing, we are experts at installing new roofs and replacement.
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Should I Repair Or Replace My Roof
When it comes to your home, an ounce of prevention is most definitely worth a pound of cure. In other words, regular maintenance is good for both your homes appearance and your wallet. Putting off needed repairs might save you money in the short-term, but it will end up costing you a lot more in the long run.
However, not all home improvement decisions are cut and dry. For example, its sometimes possible and entirely acceptable to repair a roof rather than replace it. Which route you take depends on several factors, including the type of damage and what percentage of the total roof surface is in need of repair.
How Long Does A Slate Roof Last
Slate roofing not only looks elegant, but it can last for a significant amount of time in some environments, slate roof tiles can last for over a century.
However, they dont always last that long and if you have a slate roof, you need to keep up on the maintenance and replace any broken or damaged shingles as soon as possible.
Slate roofing is prized for its luxurious look as well as how long-lasting it is a slate roof can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years, and in fact there are slate roofs that have been standing for over a century.
They are a common feature on high homes and mansions as slate is often rather costly, but it may be worth it in the long run due to the value a slate roof can add to the property.
Since slate is a natural stone with ideal tendencies for being cut into roofing tiles, it tends to be one of the more durable options that handle all kinds of weather conditions from wind to rain to snow to even hail.
One thing to note is that slate roofing is quite heavy as compared to the alternatives, so the underlying structure needs to be correctly built in order to support its weight if you are replacing a different type of roof with slate tiles, you may need to enhance or build up the bracing and rafters in order to hold up the slate.
Another consideration is that while slate roofing can withstand a high amount of wind uplift, if the tiles fly off during a storm they are especially dangerous due to their weight and sharp edges.
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Whats The Difference Roofing Replacement Vs Repair
What is roofing replacement?
Roof replacement involves removing all the old shingles and felt paper or moisture barrier and replacing them with brand new materials. It might also involve repairing or replacing the deck or any other damage thats revealed when removing the old roof.
How is roof repair different from roof replacement?
Roof repairs focus only on the damaged areas of the roof. If the damaged areas arent widespread, repairing can seem like a good option. But even if the damaged area is small, it might still be advisable to replace the whole roof.
There are also two other repair options you might have heard about. These are sometimes offered as budget-conscious solutions when the roof damage affects more than one or two areas: partial replacement and re-roofing.
Partial replacement is often done when damage is a little more extensive, but its still limited to just one or two sections of the roof.
Partial replacement involves removing all the old shingles from the entire section or side. A new roof is then installed and merged with the old roof at the ridges or valleys.
New shingles rarely match the old existing shingles. So the main idea here is to avoid the patchwork effect that can result from repairing just a few damaged or missing shingles.
Re-roofing, simply put, is adding a second layer of shingles on top of the old. It could technically be considered a repair because it doesnt replace the old shingles.
Can You Replace Roof Shingles During Summer Months
Because the ideal temperature range for replacing shingles is between 40 to 80 degrees, summer might not be the best time to replace shingles. This is because, similar to cold weather, it is hard to work with shingles in a hot climate. Some of the issues your roofing contractor would experience are:
- Shingling damaging easily
- Softening the asphalt in the shingles
- Shingles sticking together and
- Shingles tearing during installation.
The only upside about summer is that, unlike winter, there are fewer interruptions. But the heat sometimes makes it unbearable to stay on the rooftop for long hours. So again, ask your roofer in Greenville, SC, if they can work in the summer.
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How Much Does It Cost To Reshingle A Roof In Ontario
| The two most frequently asked questions from home owners are: what are the roofing prices in Ontario and roof shingles price in general. While it is a straightforward question, the answer is not as simple. By just speaking to a professional roofer and providing dimensions and basic information of your roof, it is not possible to quote a price.
So how much does a new roof cost? There are many factors that impact the cost of a new roof. To prepare a proper estimate, an experienced roofer must visit and inspect the health of the roof system as well as note measurements and other important variables which will determine the price of a roof replacement. Note: If you have a flat roof, click here to learn the cost of replacing flat roofs. |
How Often Should You Replace Your Roof
Sadly, an often ignored part of the house is the roof. Unless it starts to leak or break apart, you probably wont notice whats going on up there. However, regular inspection for potential problems is recommended twice a year according to the National Roofing Contractors Association.
If you are afraid of heights, see if a family member or friend can help. Otherwise, a local roofing contractor can conduct an inspection.
Look for:
- Loose, cracked or damaged shingles
- Missing shingles
- Signs of water damage or leaking
- Holes or dark spots
Hopefully, a bi-annual inspection will catch small problems before a leak develops or a larger section of the roof fails. It is important to maintain the roof and conduct regular visual checks. Better to pay for a small repair than deal with a roof collapse and extensive damage.
The underlying structure should last the lifespan of the house. However, depending on the materials used for the covering of the roof, a full replacement is necessary. Unless the roof is made of concrete, then it just needs inspections for cracks or other wear. Tile roofs are also very durable and rarely need a full replacement.
In general, this is the recommended replacement schedule based on the material used:
- Composition Shingles: 12-20 years
- Rubber Roofs: 30-50 years
- Metal Roofs: 50-75 years
If youre looking for a professional roof inspector, contact our roofing replacement contractors at RoofAdvisor today to ensure your roof performing at its peak!
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Do I Need To Remove Old Shingles Before Installing New Shingles
Although not removing the old shingles might seem like it would save you money, its a bit like putting a bandaid over a broken bone. You cover up the problem, but the damage is still there and its only going to get worse over time.
Most local building codes allow homes to have up to two layers of shingles, so its definitely possible to shingle over an existing roof. After two layers of shingles, however, you risk putting too much weight on the structure of the home. For this reason, the majority of building codes dont permit a home to have more than two layers of roofing materials.
Check Your Roof For Wind Damage
It is always important to keep the temperature and climate of where your home is located in mind when conducting renovations and roof inspections.
If you live in an area that is prone to high winds and major storms, your homes roof may require more attention or reinforcement depending on the type of roof you currently have installed.
A solid roof that is currently in good condition will remain flat even during massive storms and heavy winds. When your roofs shingles begin to curl up, fly away, or even break apart after a big storm, it may be time to conduct further investigation into the overall health and condition of your current roof.
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All Of Your Neighbors Have Replaced Their Roofs
Another way to determine whether or not it is time to replace or repair your old roof is to take a look at the roofs around you. If all of your neighbors in your local neighborhood have already replaced their roofs or are currently in the process of replacing their roofs, it may be time to take a look at your own.
If you are new to the neighborhood or if you are unsure of the age of your roof, consider asking a friendly neighbor who has lived in the area for longer than a decade. A long-time neighbor will likely provide you with valuable insight into when your roof was last replaced and whether or not it was installed brand new or over a previously installed roofing setup.
Roof And Interior Showing Signs Of Water Damage
A roof that displays signs of damage caused by excessive water should be a signal to replace the roof. A soggy roof can, over time, lead to additional moisture which can lead to rot. If the interior core mat is made of organic materials, the chances of rot occurring is much higher. Any browning or yellowing on the inside of a home is also a sure indicator that the shingles need to be replaced.
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Should I Call Insurance Or Roofer First
If youre in need of asphalt shingle roof repair it may be a good idea to contact your insurance company as they may be able to cover the cost of repairs. In some cases, however, if they dont pay then this claim can increase your insurance policy premium. Get an idea of what should be done by doing your research or speaking with a roofing company to see what can be done with your roof.
Can You Patch A Roof Instead Of Replacing It
In some cases, replacing a few shingles is all you need to restore beauty and function to your roof. Asphalt shingles are designed to last for decades, and todays modern roofing designs are engineered to last for as long as you own your home.
Before you decide to replace shingles, however, its important to have a professional inspect your roof to determine if any of the underlayment or decking is damaged. Theres a big difference between a few missing shingles lost during heavy winds and a leak that extends through the various layers of your roof. If the damage is extensive, its usually a better idea and a better value to replace the entire roof.
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