If you are considering repairing or reinstalling your roofing system, you might have several questions in your mind. In this post, we have answered some common questions that might help you make the right decision. So, spare a few minutes and read further to get a complete idea.
How to Identify Your Roof System Has Problems?
Several types of damages can lead to problems in your roofing system. For a person with no background in maintaining and installing a roof, it is challenging to determine where to begin to look for damages. Mostly, homeowners are not even sure what they are searching for.
This is when it is a smart decision to hire a roofing expert to let them inspect your roof thoroughly. The annual inspection of your roof is important for you and your property’s safety. A professional can pinpoint the problems in the beginning and resolve these issues to limit their impact on your roof.
How Long Can You Expect Your Roof to Last?
The average life span of the roof system is 20 years. You need to consider several factors to determine the life expectancy of any roof, such as material suitability, roof system design, proper installation, building structure, local climate, periodic maintenance, and much more.
But of all the factors, the material plays a great role in deciding the longevity of the roofing system. Some materials like metal, slate, and clay tile can last longer than others. Whenever you choose to install a new roof or repair your existing roof, always check the warranties on the material. Generally, reputable and premium quality product manufacturers offer warranties on their items. Plus, it’s best to avoid products that don’t come with a warranty.
How Can You Choose the Right Roofing Contractor?
Whether you want a new roof or repair the existing one, the most important decision you need to make is finding the right contractor. Look for a trusted and credible roofing company to avoid contractor scams. When it comes to a new roof, the right skilled contractor can give you satisfactory results, and a roof with a longer lifespan. To protect yourself from roofing disasters, do complete research before hiring a contractor.
First, ask your friends and family for a good contractor. You can also post on social media in different groups, as it will help you get to know about the best contracts in your area. Try to contact the one who has more positive reviews. Also, look for the reviews and testimonials on their website from previous customers.
Lastly, investigate about the company. Check their ratings with the Better Business Bureau, manufacturer’s designation, and insurance and licenses. If a contractor doesn’t have these credentials, the possibility is that they are scammers or at least don’t offer good quality results.
Do You Have to Replace Your Leaking Roof Completely?
If your roof is leaking, it is surely not a good thing. But it doesn’t mean you need to replace the roof completely. How much work and repair you will need to do on your roof depend on the damages that occur due to leaking. Experts can help you understand whether you can go for minor repairs or need a full roof replacement.
Several problems can lead to a leaking roofing system. Therefore, it is important to inspect your roof regularly to identify common warning signs. You can look for the leakages by yourself by simply checking your entire roof.
Will the Contractor Remove Your Current Roof?
Some contractors claim to save money and time by inspecting your roof without using any equipment. And if they think your roof does not need extensive repairs, they shingle over it. This approach is wrong, and your contractor can note problems by only seeing them from far.
Your roofer needs to pull up the shingle to check the rotten wood and soft spots beneath the old shingles. If these things go unnoticed, they can create a bigger and serious problem in the future. So, don’t allow any contractor to place a new roof on your house until they remove the old roof.
Does the Contractor Use Ladder Stabilizers or Standoffs to protect Your Gutters when you Install Your Roof?
Few people know that the method a company chooses to get onto your roof is as crucial as the roof material you choose. They should choose standoffs or ladder stabilizers for every type of roofing job. When it comes to stabilizers, these have big arms that experts set side of the roof or on the roof. It helps you to keep the weight off from the gutters, which can weigh around a few hundred pounds.
If your contractor doesn’t use a stabilizer or standoff, they may offer good roof installation services, but the gutter system may get broken needing repairing. In case the companies you are hiring don’t use any of these tools, make sure to ask them what they will use to ensure the safety of your gutter system. Don’t trust them if they don’t answer your question, and look for another company.
Are Having Dark Green and Black Stains an Alarming Sign?
If you live in an area with a wet and humid climate, it is normal for your roof to show green and black stains over time. These spots are the sign of plant growth, such as algae, lichens, or moss, which develop on your roof and start to grow. Make sure to wash them off whenever you notice them on your roof.
Since these plants have the ability to spread, they can eat shingles and asphalt granules. If left untreated, they can reach your roof deck, causing mold, leaks, rot, and other major problems in your roofing system. So, when you see odd discoloration on your roof, it is time to do roof cleaning. The simple and easy way to avoid this problem is to regular cleaning and maintenance of your roof.
Bottom Line
A robust roofing system can protect your home from outside weather. However, if it gets damaged, it can lead to several problems in your house. So, ensure regular maintenance and repairs to limit the risk of possible problems.