As the saying goes, a man’s home is his castle. We tend to think of our houses as solid structures that will last forever, but as every homeowner has discovered, this is invariably not the case. Homes need constant maintenance, and if you live in a place where violent storms are the norm, you may find yourself having to consider a roof replacement more often than you’d prefer. Even if you live where inclement weather is not the norm, general wear and tear can take its toll. A standard shingle roof should last many years, but regular inspections by a professional company will advise on when you need a roof replacement.
Signs That Your Roof May Need Replacing
Your roof will tell you in subtle ways that it’s time to be replaced.
Shingles are Cracked or Curling
It may begin to shed shingles, or their edges will start to curl up or crack. Take a walk around the neighborhood and see how many roofs have been replaced recently. This will give you an indication as to whether your roof has reached its sell-by date and is in need of replacing.
It’s Older
The lifespan of your roof depends on the materials it consists of. Shingle roofs in a climate such as South Florida will last 15-20 years and a tiled roof between a quarter and half a century.
Water Leaks
Mold is not unusual in a hot, humid climate, and this can significantly affect your roof if not attended to. Water leaks are another issue that should be addressed immediately when they are noticed, as they may indicate a serious problem. If you see algae or plants on the roof, this means moisture is present. Water stains on the inside roof or a musty smell are other clues that water may be seeping through under your roof tiles.
Overexposure To Extreme Temperatures
At the other extreme, extended sunshine can be equally detrimental. Continued exposure to UV may leach away the protective covering on shingle tiles and cause them to deteriorate over time. Continued expansion and contraction in different temperatures can lead to the shingles coming apart.
Roofing Pro Tip: Keep in mind that any one or combination of these symptoms do not necessarily mean that your roof needs to be replaced, but they are certainly a warning that your roof needs some TLC before the situation worsens.
What Does A Roof Replacement Entail?
So, what happens after you’ve received a consultation from a roofing company and they’ve recommended a roof replacement? There are a couple things to consider.
Step One: Remove All The Old Roofing Materials
A roof replacement involves removing all material down to the deck. When the roof is replaced, new waterproof flashing will be installed in the main areas, including all the nooks and crannies.
Step Two: Apply Roofing Underlayment
A layer of high-performance roof underlayment will be laid down to act as a barrier from the elements, enhancing your roof’s protection.
Step Three: Install The New Roof
Once you’ve decided on which roofing material you’d like to use, roofers will begin the installation process. Depending on the size and style of roof, a complete replacement can take anywhere from one day to five days to complete.
Roofing Pro Tip: Discuss the various roofing options available with your contractor and make sure to identify the pros and cons of each type. Depending on your budget, chosen materials, and the square footage of your roof, the cost of the project will vary.
Hire A Reputable Roof Replacement Company
To avoid any mishaps, it’s wise to use a roofing contractor who has an impeccable reputation and is qualified to take on the job of your roof replacement. If you think your roof could use some attention or you’re looking to replace it entirely, call ABC Roofing Corp. today at 954-344-4622.
