Roof Replacements: How to Tell When You Need One
Roof replacements can be performed at any time. However, this major home repair isn’t something to take unconcernedly. What’s more, it’s a repair that homeowners shouldn’t delay. When you notice that the roof of your home is approaching the end of its life, then you need to replace it immediately. When do you need a roof replacement? Keep on reading to learn more.
What is A Roof Replacement?
A roof replacement is a process that will involve tearing off everything on your home’s roofing down to the deck. After that, new shingles and felt paper will be placed.
Roof replacements, on the other hand, can be performed irrespective of how many layers of shingles are in your roof. Meaning to say, a roof replacement is the best alternative if a reroofing isn’t a choice.
However, it’s worth mentioning that a roof replacement is more expensive compared to a reroofing due to additional labor involved. But the good thing is that there are some ways that you can do to save on this home repair.
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Signs That You Need Roof Replacements
- Sagging roofs
Keep in mind that the top of your roof follows a line that is straight along the edge. Thus, if you notice a sag in the center or a saddleback, it’s an indication of structural damage. Take note, it may cause the roof to flop particularly if not spotted and treated immediately.
Usually, a roof sagging is caused by wrong installations of roofing materials, faulty roofing materials, and exposure to moisture and water. This is also common in places that experience winter.
If you don’t want to experience roof sagging it’s crucial that you get rid of the rainwater in your roof. You should also make sure that you the materials of high-quality.
- Old Roof
If you have an asphalt shingle roof, this type will last about 12-15 years, whereas a tile or metal roof has a longer life. If you think your roof is close to its usual replacement age, you should start thinking about roof replacements.
However, if previous roof repairs were installed over the top of your current roof, you should absolutely think about it.
- Missing Shingles
Roofs are bare to elements such as sun, rain, and snow causing the parts to wear and tear down over time. This will lead to curling, broken, buckling, or missing shingles. Looking for granules or debris from your shingles is a significant indication of roof damage. Bear in mind that missing shingles will make your home more susceptible to such elements.
- Roof Discoloration
One of the factors that badly affect the curb appeal of your home is roof discoloration. But are you aware that dark coverings can be an indication that your roof starts to deteriorate? Well, it’s true. As the days go by, your roofing may develop dark coverings from precipitation and UV rays. However, if you are not certain whether your roof needs a replacement, it’s best that you hire a pro.
- Ice Blocking
The existence of ice blocks, the ice that usually forms at the edge of your roof means that you have roof ventilation problems. When roofs are not ventilated properly, heat coming from your attic will liquefy the snow on the roof. The melted snow will run off your roof’s edge or to the gutter in which the cold air will cause it to freeze promptly.
The ice block will cause the following wave of melted snow to holdup and freeze. The process will make the affected stalactites you see hanging from a home. In fact, the extra ice pressure may pull apart the materials of your roof, letting the water backup seep to your roof’s inner layers.
As soon as the water begins to soak the inside materials, you will be needing roof replacements in just a matter of time.
- Unwanted Animals Are Living Inside Your Home
Have you noticed that unwanted animals are roaming inside your home? If yes, for sure you didn’t allow them to enter your home. Thus, it’s more likely you have a rotting or missing part in the eaves or holes in another section of your roofing.
Animals such as bats, birds, raccoons, possums, and even rats will look for a way to make a comfortable shelter in your home.
So, if this happens, make sure to replace your roof as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
- Light Showing Through the Roof
As a homeowner, the very last thing that you want to see in the roof is the sunlight. When the time comes that the sunlight starts to show, unluckily, it could be an indication that your roof needs a replacement. One way to check this is to assess your attic on bright days, make sure that your lights are off.
- Damaged Flashing
In case you didn’t know, flashing is the material that is placed around the things that overhang from the roof like roof vents and chimney. This material is specially designed in order to inhibit the water’s movement into the roof by stopping the water from the seams in which water runoffs are greater. Flashing is made of thin pieces of solid materials like galvanized steel and aluminum.
Damaged flashing usually happens because of the waterproofing materials under the flashing drying out the material caused by oxidation and weather. Another common issue is the loose flashing. This can cause a water leak in the ceilings and walls and cause damage like rotted wood as well as mildew and mold development. Take note, these may cause irreparable damage to the structure of your roof.
- Falling Mortars
One of the materials that are commonly utilized for verges and bedding roof junctions is the mortar. Your mortars need to be checked regularly since they only have a restricted lifespan. What’s more, make sure you look for signs of deterioration caused by extreme weather changes. These verges and ridges are prone to cracking because of frost and building movements. Sooner or later they may be dislocated and fall off when strong winds take place.
It’s worth noting that a falling mortar is a common issue for older roofing in which mortar was utilized as a bedding for the tiles. If the mortar begins to break down, then it’s a sign that the roof is reaching the end of its life. Also, mortars are based replaced instead of repaired.
How to Save on Roof Replacements
If you can remember, we mentioned a while ago that there are ways that you can do to save money on roof replacements. To give you an idea, here are some of them.
- Use Your Home Insurance
Usually, homeowner insurance will cover roof damage that’s not caused by abandonment. For instance, if hailstorms knock some shingles your insurance provider may pay all or a portion of the cost of replacement.
However, if you don’t have home insurance, you can try the other ways below.
- Ask for Discounts
If you are planning to get a costlier service, consider asking for a discount. However, you need to be careful and consider the experience and reputation of the company. If the company is reliable, it’s more likely to advertise some discounts, most especially during its slow time period.
- Do-it-Yourself
If you’re good at doing home repairs, then consider performing some parts of the work yourself. One way to save a huge amount of money is to install gutters. If you can, you can save by removing your old roof and disposing of it on your own.
The roof installation itself will need skills. However, the vast majority of people are capable of handling demolition. As a matter of fact, if you own shingle roofing, you can save in the labor cost and in carrying the old materials.
- Shop around
Another great way to save on roof replacements is to obtain quotes from various contractors and roofers. Aside from getting quotes, you should also ask for requests and assess local references before you hire someone.
As a piece of advice, be careful of very low bids. This might mean subpar work. Also, make sure that the contractor you are considering offers a warranty on installation and materials.
Need Roof Replacements? Visit Local Services Helpline Today
If you notice any of the above-mentioned signs, then you need roof replacements and make sure to visit Local Services Helpline immediately. This reliable website is able to recommend contractors and roofers to help you in determining whether you not or need this home repair. Remember that, the sooner you call and choose materials, the sooner you will be able to prevent problems like water damage.
Local Services Helpline is devoted to helping homeowners in the USA and Canada find reliable and experienced contractors or roofers. If you are interested, get in touch with Local Services Helpline by visiting LocalServicesHelpline.com.