Category: Roofing

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How Can You Really Tell If Your Roof Needs Replacing or Not?

When you plan to get your roof repaired, there’s always a risk that your existing roof will no longer be able to hold up under the constant pressure of bad weather and the wear and tear that it already gathered over the years. There comes a time when you need to hire Aurora roofing companies to just scrape it all off and replace it entirely.

But is this really the time?

How can you really know if your roof has to be replaced or if the repairs you’re planning will be enough to keep it together for at least a few more years? There are actually certain clues that can tell you that immediately.

One of them is age. If you know how old your roof is and you are aware of the materials that it’s made from, then it’s not too difficult. The average lifespan of asphalt shingle is somewhere between 15 and 20 years, while wood shakes will last a few decades longer. Metal roofs generally have 50-75 year warranties, while concrete and slate tiles will last for up to 100 years or even more, if they’re properly taken care of. A roof that’s older than its projected lifespan might still last a few more years, but most Aurora roofing companies will recommend you have them replaced, especially if they keep needing new repairs at an increasing frequency each and every year.

Aurora roofing companies

Another thing you have to consider is how good the workmanship was when the roof was set up. Roof installation is an art in and of itself, and some materials such as slate and clay can be somewhat more difficult to install. Also, the risk is greater if the installation process isn’t done properly. For instance, slate is an expensive material, and a slate roof doesn’t have an underlayment. A faulty installation will therefore require expensive repairs, and could lead to more frequent leaks. If you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars per year getting new experts in to try to repair your faulty expensive roof, you might want to consider getting a new one.

Of course, it’s not always necessary to replace your roof. Partial replacements are recommended in some unique situations, while in others, even an old and broken down roof could be salvaged. For example, if your roof looks bad because it was affected by storm damage not long ago, but the underlayment and decking are still pretty new and/or in good shape, then most roofers will just recommend replacing and repairing the affected shingles. For homeowners who have an expensive roof, this is great news, and it can mean the difference between a repair job worth about $1,000 and a complete replacement that you’d have to pay $10,000+ for.

Make sure you get the opinion of several Aurora roofing companies before you make your decision on replacing your roof. Making an informed choice will ensure that you won’t need any more repairs for a long time to come, or that the new roof you’ve just invested in will last the test of time for decades to come.

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Pros and Cons Relating to Installation of Slate Tile Roofing

Natural stone, in various forms, has been used for roofing since ancient times. A few examples are some Roman forts and military buildings having slate roofs, Trulli houses in Italy with pyramidal stone roofs made from roughly worked limestone boulders, as well as Romanesque and gothic style slate roofs on different historic buildings. Many of these roofs still stand, so we cannot deny the importance of slate – this noble and highly durable roofing material.

The advantages of slate roofs

Slate became popular in areas where this material was easy to find. In America, slate roofs appeared in the 16th century, but became popular only in the late 1800s. Compared to traditional wood and reed roofs, slate provided some advantages:

  • durability and resistance in any climate
  • naturally waterproof surface
  • low maintenance in most applications
  • suitable for areas of strong winds due to its weight
  • aesthetically pleasing
  • recyclable
  • good fire protection
  • no rot or insects/ pests issues

The service life of a roof is a particularly important constant. Most entrepreneurs are willing to pay a higher price for materials that retain their properties and appearance for a long time.

roof repair Houston

According to experienced roof repair Houston specialists, a metal roof can last for 40-50 years; ceramic tiles have a longer service life – up to 100 years. However, nothing compares with the durability of a slate roof, which has a guaranteed service life of more than 150 years. A slate roof is the best solution for those who want to enjoy impeccable appearance and durability. According to studies, the climate, the level of precipitation and the temperature variations do not affect this material suitable for many types of buildings: residential homes, monumental constructions, churches, etc. Slate tiles are resistant, they face weather challenges and keep their characteristics over time.

The insulating properties of any roof are important because they affect the well-being and personal comfort; at the same time, they influence the value of the utility bills. The chemical and physical composition of a slate tile roof is complex, which allows efficient insulation, reducing heat losses and overheating. Homes with slate roofs require 30% less resources for being heated, compared to those covered with metal roofs, so you can expect to achieve significant financial savings over time.

However, as with any other materials, there are also some cons relating to slate tile roofing:

  • a slate roof is one of the most expensive roofing options – both in terms of material costs and labor
  • It is a very heavy material, so the roof structure may need additional support
  • it is risky to walk on it, for making necessary repairs, as slate is brittle

Also, restoring the slate roof is a long and expensive operation, which is why regular maintenance is preferable. After a period of 20 years, an inspection is required every 2 years, and after 40 years, you should consider annual inspections. Broken or cracked parts must be replaced, as well as rusted accessories. Maintenance also involves periodic removal of moss and algae that typically grow on any natural roof.

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How Can You Tell Whether You Need a New Roof or Just a Repair Job?

Sometimes a quick repair can solve all your problems for a while, and you don’t have to pay more than a few hundred dollars for it. Even if it doesn’t solve your roofing damage permanently, it can still keep your home safe from rain, hail and all the other damaging elements of nature, until you can hire a roofer to tackle the issue at a deeper level.

Knowing whether you need a roof repair or replacement is, of course, one of the key issues here. Having that information will help you save a lot of time and money, as well as making it easier to complete your repair or remodeling work once and for all, rather than just opting for quick and ineffective fixes.

When a Repair Job Is Enough

Repairs are typically enough when the issue is a small one and the roof is relatively new. If it hasn’t been more than 10 years since you had your roof installed, and you haven’t had too many issues with it, then chances are most damage will be fixed through a quick repair, such as replacing a few shingles, fixing a part of the flashing, or managing some small structural repair work on a part of the underlayment.

For durable roofing systems, such as a slate or metal roof, even 2-3 decades after it was installed, you can still get away with managing even harsh damage without needing a replacement. The only times when that doesn’t work is when a natural catastrophe hits your home, or when the roof is so badly damaged that you’re better off just replacing it.

Gaithersburg roof repair

Getting a Brand New Roof

Getting a new roof is advantageous in a number of situations, and you’ll find that you don’t always have to get it done when the roof is too old or too damaged. You can also consider it, for instance, when you’re moving to a new house and you want to improve your home’s curb appeal and overall value. If your roof is even just 15-20 years old, then installing a brand new one makes sense, even if the old one is in relatively good shape.

Another case when a new roof might be a good idea is if there are structural issues. Over time, the roof can lose its structural integrity, so you might end up with bad ventilation, and your attic could get very hot during the summer. In such cases, while some repairs might be effective, most experienced Gaithersburg roof repair contractors will recommend a complete replacement especially if your roof is a little older and there are new roofing products and new upgrades available as well.

Even though one or more of these factors might be in play, it’s still best to try to be certain, before investing thousands of dollars into a brand new roof. So, instead of planning your roof replacement project from the start, consider calling your local Gaithersburg roof repair experts to inquire as to whether or not the damage on your roof might warrant a complete replacement.

Usually a quick roof inspection is all you’ll need to tell, especially if the roofer you contact has the experience and expertise required to help you out.

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When Do You Know It’s Time to Get A Whole New Roof?

Roof replacement is a huge investment that most roof owners want to postpone for as long as they can. While proper maintenance and timely repairs whenever a roofing problem appears can successfully prolong the problem-free life of your roof, the time when you need to replace the structure will come inevitably. Here are some signs and aspects that tell you to start preparing for your new roof.

The Age of Your Roof

Whatever the type of your roof, the materials used on it come warranted for specific amounts of time. Standard asphalt shingles, for example, come with a longevity of around 20 years, metal roofs are usually warranted for around 40 years, while the roofs made from natural slate and clay or cement tiles can last for over 70 years. If your roof is approaching the age that it is warranted for, you start saving for your new roof, even if the old roof is still standing on your building.

The Severity of the Damage on Your Roof

Each type of roofing material is affected by its own ailments that indicate that roof replacement is the best solution. Asphalt shingle roofs are most commonly affected by blistering, curling and the loss of surface granules; clay and cement roofs are most commonly affected by impact that cracks or chips the tiles, while the sign that indicates the necessity to get a new metal roof is extensive rust, cracking and denting – if you see these issues, you can know that replacement is imminent. Roof damage can affect not only the roof surface – it can also compromise the integrity of the roof’s support structure, causing roof sagging on the slopes or at the roof’s ridge.

The frequency of the leaks that you notice is also revealing of the condition of your roof, even if the roof does not show any visible sign of damage. If the leaks that you get are increasing in frequency as well as in severity, you might need to get your entire roof replaced.

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How to Find the Best Roof Restoration Solution

Roof damage can be tricky, some types of minor damage can look really scaring and there are also forms of severe roof damage that produce hardly any symptoms until the final phase. To make sure that the condition of your roof is correctly assessed, it is not enough to perform an amateur assessment – you need professional Denver roofing companies to check every inch of your roof as well as of the roof’s support structure and to help you decide the best course of action. If you suspect that your roof is severely damaged, call an experienced, properly licensed and insured Denver roofer and get a professional assessment. Your roofer will be able to help you with information regarding the best solution – if it is complete roof replacement, your contractor will also be able to provide information about prices, the materials that will work best on your roof, the phases that make up the roofing process and any other related aspects.

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What to Ask a Roofing Maintenance Contractor Before Hiring

What is a roofless house? – Anything but a house… We cannot live or work there, we can only carry out activities while being exposed to the elements: sun, rain, wind or snow. So, obviously, the roof is an element that requires our full attention.

Unfortunately, the general attitude of home owners and building managers alike is to repair and improve the visible parts and to neglect the others – and this will often end up costing lots on money. To avoid such situations, professionals recommend building owners and managers that, in addition to the initial investment in a quality roof, to also invest time and attention in its periodic maintenance, in order to prolong the lifespan of the roof.

roofing companies in Sarasota

The key to the effectiveness of a roof is its complete protection. Make sure to perform an annual general inspection, identify major problems and make the necessary small fixes before they become a big problem. To do this, you must contact licensed roofing companies in Sarasota and schedule an inspection to obtain a diagnosis of the condition of your roof.

This inspection includes all components of the roof (resistance structure, cover materials, attic windows, solar panels gutters and downspouts etc.). Also, specialists will continue to advise you in making a decision about materials, repairs and renovation projects and will provide you with the necessary information, products and services – everything so that your roof stays in good shape, for as long as possible!

Choosing a specialist is an important and not easy process, so make sure to ask several roofing contractors these following questions, before hiring one, just to make sure that your collaboration will generate the best results.

  • Can you show me your license and certifications?

It is of utmost importance to make sure you work with a real professional, otherwise the contract you sign will serve you nothing and you risk being scammed and lose money in the process. Evaluate a roofing contractor as a whole and consider its qualifications and local reputation.

  • How long have you been in the roofing business and what similar roofs have you worked on?

You want to make sure that the roofing companies in Sarasota you hire to maintain your roof is not only experienced in roofing, but also in the type of roof you have. You should not simply assume that all roofers have the same level of expertise; some may be more experienced in inspecting, repairing or installing certain roof types and materials than others.

  • Can we make a long-term contract for periodic maintenance?

Especially for commercial building owners, a long-term contract for periodic maintenance is advantageous. First, roofing companies may offer discounts for those who are interested to remain their customers in the long run, and then because this is a proactive attitude: you make sure that your roof stays in good shape and do not ignore it or forget about it.

  • What can I do to keep my roof in good shape?

A professional roofer is always your best source of information about protecting your roof.