New year, new roof?- Typically, homeowners don’t think about the roof of their house until something goes wrong, say, a leak or a break in the ceiling, or shingles flying off. When you really stop to think about it, almost everything you own is protected by that roof– including those you love. That is why Best Roofing recommends starting off your new year with a new roof.
Before you go that far, though, a quality inspection is in order. You can start with a preliminary DIY look as outlined below. Then, if the roof is old and you notice any of the flaws listed here, call Best Roofing to perform a more thorough inspection and recommend a plan to get your roof repaired or replaced.
Do You Need to Replace Your Roof
To determine if a replacement is in order, take a look at the following steps. And as with any roofing concern, please be very careful if you are going to DIY your preliminary roof inspection.
1| When you’re trying to decide if you need a new roof, the first place you should check is not actually outside. It’s inside your home in your attic. Grab a flashlight and climb up under the eaves and look for any sign of light coming through your house or any stains and streaks which will imply a leaking roof.
2| The next thing you want to do is grab a ladder and climb up to your roof; if it is safe for you to do so. Look for any damaged, cracked, or buckling places in your roof.
While you’re up there, you can check out the condition of your downspouts and gutters. We recommend a professional do this, but if you are capable, check out the condition and give us a call for the rest.
3| When Best Roofing comes to your house to inspect your roofing, we will look around at skylight vents and chimneys and seal the seams of the roof from the weather and rain. We’ll examine these points on the roof to ensure there are no cracks or breaks, which often result in leaks. In older homes flashing is typically made of cement or tar. Still, we always recommend upgrading to a metal flashing system for added durability.
4| If you or our Best Roofing technicians discover a sagging or drooping roof, it is easy to say that it needs to be replaced before additional damage happens to your home. We will check around the surfaces to look for trapped moisture, sagging spots, and rotting boards. Our primary focus will be the lowest points on the roof.
Why You May Need a Roof Replacement
Plant Growth– If you discover any kind of growth, like moss, vines, fungi, or any other type of plant, it can cause moisture to be trapped, which can damage up there. While being safe, try your best to sweep away trapped moss in the shaded spots of your roof, especially the lower points.
A Leak or Missing Shingles– Don’t panic if you see a few damaged shingles or a small leak. Sometimes your roof can get by with repairs instead of a full replacement, but it’s always best to contact a professional to get their opinion on what the next steps should be. When properly installed, it will typically last 15 to 20 years.
Water Damage– If you see any marks like yellow, brown, or gray stains and peeling paint on your ceilings and walls, this could mean your roof is damaged and leaking. We will take a look in your attic to see where the dampness and the leak is coming from. A simple inspection once a year can save you a lot of time and money.
A Sagging Roof– If you have noticed your roof is sagging, that’s a clear indication that trapped moisture has made the boards underneath rot away. The best way to get a good look at a sagging roof is to step back from your house and look at it from different angles.
It’s typically best to go over to a neighbor’s driveway and look at it from that point of view. Your roof should be straight and have straight lines so that when slumping and sagging occur, it’s very easy to notice.
Buckling and Curling Shingles– When shingles on a roof start to buckle and curl, it means that they are no longer attached properly and have sustained damage. Typically, the cause of a curved shingle could be due to strong winds. Sometimes a roofing company can repair those specific shingles. Still, it’s always best to get their opinion as this problem can sometimes lead to a bigger issue.
Missing Gutter Guards, Flashing, or Fascia– Common to shingles, if any of the supporting structures are missing or cracked, it’s an immediate sign that your roof needs to be inspected. You want to make sure it is structurally supported and will not be a risk of collapsing.
High Energy Bill– If you live in a hot climate, keeping your home constantly cool takes up a lot of energy; sometimes, it can even be year-round. A good roof has so many benefits, especially when it comes to keeping cool air inside your home.
This will also reduce your energy bill. If there are any leaks in the structure, this allows your cool air to escape, which means you’re constantly running your air conditioner.
Also, the material and color of your roof make a difference and your energy bill as well. Lighter color shingles or reflective surfaces like a tin roof help reflect off the sun. Or you could also add solar panels to your roof, which is another excellent way to save on electricity.
Determining the Types of Roofs Available
Below you’ll find three of the most common types of roofs. They are all long-lasting, and each serves unique purposes.
Rolled Roofing– Rolled roofing is a common material that’s used in rows on residential roofs and buildings like shops, sheds, and other utility structures. Rolled roofing is a long roll of mineral asphalt topped with mineral granules. It’s one of the cheapest roofing options, but it doesn’t give you a nice look.
This type of roof is very fast insulation because this material is just large thin strips that cover sloped type buildings that are as important as your home. They’re typically applied with a torch or roofing nails. This roofing material will need to be replaced about every five to eight years.
Asphalt Composite Shingles– This kind of roof is what you typically see when you’re driving around. It’s the most popular roofing material in North America. It’s made from a fiberglass base topped with asphalt and mineral granules. There are three different layers to this shingle, making it an all-around good choice for most people’s homes. It’s lightweight but durable.
You could also look into composite shingles, as they are very good at withstanding some movements due to contraction and expansion. These kinds of roofs typically come with a 20-to-30-year warranty. Most of the time, the individual shingles are repaired, and it’s an easy job. Depending on the quality of the shingles you choose, this roof can last you between 12 to 30 years.
Metal Roof- The most common metal roof is a standing seam roof. It is made of aluminum or steel that are raised and interlocked to keep moisture from getting inside. Metal roofs have become very popular in areas with heavy snow or where you have a danger of wildfires. This has proven to be the most durable roofing there is for fire.
This kind of material is long-lasting, and it’s recyclable whenever it does finally wear out. Installation can be a little bit trickier as it requires special roofing skills, and not every roofing company does this kind of installation. These roofs have a shocking lifespan of 30 to 50 years. Some metal roofs have even lasted up to 75 years.
New Year, New Roof? Call Best Roofing
Did you know Best Roofing has over 20 years of experience in the construction and roofing industry? We can guarantee we are the best company around. Our qualified team offers gutter systems, repairs, specialty roofing, replacements, and emergency roof repairs. And being conveniently located near the border, our experienced technicians service Tennessee and Virginia. Give us a call today for your quality inspection and a new roof in the new year.