Category: Roofing Services

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What Are The Signs That You Require a Roof Replacement?

Roof replacements are costly, yet sometimes they are necessary.

Though homeowners can extend the lifespan of their roofs with good care and maintenance, there will eventually come a time when they must hire a roofing service and arrange to have a new roof installed.

Whether this happens as expected or due to unexpected damage, here are some signs that it is time to contact a roofer service and arrange to have a new roof installed!

  • Old Age - The main reason why any homeowner will eventually need a roof replacement, even if they have taken great care of their roof, is old age. Eventually, all roofing material will start to deteriorate past the point when repairs are cost-effective. Homeowners can usually estimate when that time will come according to the lifespan of their current roof and how well it has been cared for. Still, as roofs age and start deteriorating in various ways, a roofing service can determine if there is any life left or whether a roof replacement is the best option before leaks and other damage starts to occur. 
  • Widespread Damage to the Roof Decking - For various reasons, whether related to hidden leaks, condensation caused by overheating, or other causes, widespread damage to the roof decking usually requires a roof replacement even if the external materials are in good shape. Once the decking loses its integrity, the entire roof is at risk and since repairing it is impossible without tearing everything off, a new roof becomes necessary. 
  • Wind or Hail Damage - When strong winds lift and loosen many of the shingles or roof panels or hail causes significant damage across the roof, the only repair that roofer services can recommend to regain water-tightness and prevent additional damage is a roof replacement. 
  • Building Code Upgrades - Occasionally, roofing services come across situations when making repairs turns into a bigger problem than initially expected due to changes to the local building code. If a roof was built under less stringent safety codes and repairs must adhere to newer ones, it could involve replacing the entire roof, as making repairs to roofs that are no longer code-compliant may not be possible.
  • Neglect - When a roof starts showing signs of neglect, regardless of its age, and leaks, rot, and other damage is found in multiple places, roofing services typically recommend a replacement over repairs, which could end up being ongoing and costing more money in the long run.

Homeowners noticing any of these issues or who may be questioning the fitness of their current roofing installation should have a roofer service give them an assessment on whether it is time for a roof replacement.

When repair is either impractical or impossible, the best solution is to opt for that new roof sooner rather than later to avoid additional damage to the roof and potentially the whole house.

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Why Is Good Ventilation So Critical for Protecting A Roof?

A silent, sneaky killer of asphalt shingle roofs is poor ventilation.

When roofing services install a new roof or do routine inspections, ventilation is one of the most important factors that must be checked every time.

If roofing companies ignore this step, significant damage that can destroy the whole installation is possible, especially in hotter climates like Texas, can occur.

Importance of Roof Ventilation

Why is roof ventilation so important?

It prevents the roof from overheating, which experienced roofing services know to be one of the main causes of widespread damage that can make a roofing replacement necessary.

Adequate ventilation under the roof that keeps air flowing through the attic space is critical for keeping the temperature in that space lower.

Without that efficient airflow, attics can heat up so much under the shingles that the heat emanates through them, effectively broiling them on the top of the house. 

Damage Caused By Poor Roofing Ventilation

What type of damage do roofing contractors see due to poor ventilation?

Overheated asphalt shingles can exhibit numerous different symptoms of overheating, all of which permanently affect their condition and their ability to function as a watertight system.

Blistering is a common symptom of a roof that is overheated due to poor ventilation as is shingle curling due to the adhesives and asphalt melting and then the asphalt curling up.

Hot roofs may also exhibit drying as well as cracking and roofing companies find leaking to be common with installations that are damaged due to poor ventilation. 

How Much Is Enough Ventilation? 

Roofing companies experienced in testing and installing adequate ventilation suggest at least 1 foot of air movement for every 150 feet of attic space.

A qualified roofing contractor can perform a smoke test or test ventilation in other ways to determine whether the existing vents are providing enough air movement or if more vents should be installed.

At the very least, there should be ridge vents and soffit vents that work together to promote good upward airflow; however, when those are not enough, more can be added. 

Don't Let This Common Problem Destroy Your Roof!

Of all the reasons for homeowners to experience roof leaking and other widespread problems with their asphalt shingles, not enough attic ventilation is a common and frequently overlooked cause.

Unfortunately, ventilation issues can be an expensive oversight that costs the homeowner thousands in the end when their shingles must be replaced sooner than expected.

Hiring an experienced local roofing service that is knowledgeable about ventilation is the best way to prevent these problems and protect asphalt shingles.

Combined with good general maintenance like gutter cleaning and regular inspections, adequate ventilation helps a roof last as long as it should!

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Important Things To Keep In Mind When It Comes To Your Roof

When it comes to your own roof, chances are you don't know too much about how to maintain it properly; however, investing some time and energy into performing annual roof inspections and other common roofing procedures can save you from a lot of future troubles.

Read on and learn what steps you need to take in order to take care of your roofing needs.

A Damaged Roof Can Impact Your Home's Foundation

While damaged shingles on your roof are sometimes the cause of leaks, it is also a good idea to check with your home's foundation as well.

If your home has dry rot in the outside walls, water can enter there.

Look for ever potential entry area, rotten wood included, to be sure you get the problem permanently fixed.

Don't Overlook Protruding Pipes On Your Roof

When installing a new boot on any pipes which extend through your roof, make sure they fit as snug as a bug in a rug.

If they're even slightly loose, water can seep inside of them, causing you a roofing headache you don't need.

Choose the right size to spare yourself from problems down the road.

Cracking Shingles Cannot Be Ignored

When there is a crack in a shingle, you must replace it.

In fact, any cracking of shingles on your roof usually means that you'll have to replace all of the shingles as they're likely to start cracking too.

Whether it be from inferior materials or improperly installed shingles, you'll save yourself many problems by getting it all replaced.

How to Safely Repair Leaks

Always make safety your first priority when it comes to fixing your roof because trying to get a leak repaired when the weather is bad is something that could really hurt you.

Put a bucket beneath any leaks until the weather improves, then go inspect the roof and see if it's possible for you to repair it.

What We Have Learned

As was mentioned earlier, taking proper care of your roof is extremely important.

Use the information provided in the article above to handle any and all of your roofing needs and save some money in the process.

You will learn a valuable skill and your bank account is sure to appreciate it.

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Work To Do Prior To Start Roofing Installation

There are things you must consider doing before starting with your roof replacement project that might include: paint, tree limbs, cleaning of gutter and downspout, and chimneys repairs.

Painting

Is important that if it is more than ten years on your house paint or if you are thinking to paint your house again, you should consider doing this first before getting a new roof.

If you have dormers or dividers walls above sections in your roof, you should paint those first to save yourself the risk of splattering the shingles.

Also paint any metal chimneys or metal vents prior the roofing.

Painting before you install your new roof will make your roof maintained its color.

Overhanging Tree

If you've got a tree close to your home, this may have limbs that are hanging on the top of the roof.

It is important that you clear those limbs because they can damage your roof during high winds or snows.

Another benefit of removing the tree limbs is that they will not leave any debris on the roof.

Debris on your roof can cause moss, moist retention, and if not clean, it can cause a water leak in the future. Remove any leaning; dangerous tree limbs before you install your new roof.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

It is important to clean the gutter and downspouts before the replacement of the roof is done because most likely it has been a long time since they have been cleaned.

Remember that gutters trap leaves, debris, and anything that comes down your roof.

Cleaning gutters can be a messy job, but if they are not clean before the installation, it will be harder to clean them after the job is completed.

If you do not have any gutters, installing new gutters will be a great addition to the roof because gutters can help route the water that comes down the roof to the desired place you want.

Request a quote for the installation of gutters and if you are subcontracting, ask the contractor for any deals he might be able to offer you.

Repair Chimneys

If you have a brick chimney, it is a great idea to insect before the roof replacement is done.

Inspect the concrete and make sure is not cracked and make sure the chimney cap is not loose.

If your chimney needs to be replaced or repaired, doing it before your roof replacement is a must so the chimney is accurately in place before new roofing is placed around it.