It’s important to routinely check your roof for signs of damage. However, if you are not a roofing expert, you may not know what signs to look out for when inspecting your roof. Roof damage can be costly to repair as oftentimes it goes unnoticed until significant damage has occurred, and perhaps even the structural integrity of a home is compromised. To prevent this from happening, consider your roof replacement options when you notice the following warning signs:
Water Stains and Discolouration
Water stains on the interior part of the roof and ceiling are prime indicators of a damaged roof. The best place in the house to check for water stains is the ceiling of the attic, since it is the closest to the roof. Over time, water stains can cause moisture build-up and discolour the ceiling, walls and flooring.
Leaking During Heavy Rainfall
If you have a leaking roof it should be time to consider a roof replacement. Leaks in roofs are often easily noticeable and should be addressed as soon as they are noticed. Leaks can result from missing shingles and cracks or holes in the roof which can also weaken its structural integrity. The longer you wait to fix a leak in your roof, the more extensive the damage will become, and the more expensive it will be to repair.
Spike in Energy Bills
When there is roof damage, especially if you have damaged or missing shingles, your HVAC system may be overworking to regulate the temperature within your home. This occurs due to the poor insulation from the damaged roof, resulting in rapid heat or air loss. This can lead to an unusual spike in your energy bills.
Light Coming Through
Light passing through small holes or cracks in your roof is an indication that you need a roof replacement or repair. If light is able to pass through your roof and into the interior of your home, this indicates that the damage to your roof is significant and your roof should be looked at by a p[rofessional immediately.
Missing or Damaged Shingles
Missing or damaged shingles can be easily detected during an inspection of your roof. Look thoroughly around the perimeter of your roof for signs of damage. If you find any problems, consider replacing the missing or damaged shingles immediately to prevent issues such as water leakages.
In most cases, these signs of damage can be observed by performing a simple inspection of your roof. However, if you observe any problems with your roof and are unsure of what is causing it, contact a professional roofing contractor to find the source of the issue.
The roof plays a critical role in the home, aesthetically and functionally. Meanwhile, an existing roof may get so bad that you unavoidably need a new roof. Are you planning to get a new roof for your home? Do you want to know what benefits are there in getting a new roof? Read this write-up to the end.
Here are the benefits of getting a new roof for your home:
1. Enhanced Curb Appeal
The first benefit that getting a new roof for your home offers is improved curb appeal. When a professional roofing company installs a new roof, the result is always amazing. In addition to the architectural uniqueness of the home that will be accented, the overall curb appeal of the home will also be improved.
2. Low Energy Costs
A new roof enhances the energy efficiency of a home. The poor state of the attic and the roof contributes to energy loss in a house, which will cause the HVAC to work and use more energy, resulting in high energy bills. However, when you get a new roof, especially if installed by a professional roofing company, the rate of energy loss will reduce, and you will save money on energy.
3. Increased Property Value
A new roof is crucial in any home and has an essential impact on the value of a property. With the improved curb appeal of the home and assured protection of the home and property, the value of the home will undoubtedly increase, as there is assurance that there will be no need for roof replacement for several years to come. If you are planning a renovation project that can add great value to a home, getting a new roof is one.
4. Lower Insurance Premiums
When you install a new roof, the insurance premiums you will be required to pay will be low because you replaced an older roof, reducing the chances of water damage that can result in costly claims. Moreso, you will be qualified for many discounts that may be as high as 20 percent on your premium if you replaced your roof with either fire-resistant or water-resistant shingles.
5. Reduced Stress
Getting a new roof for your home relieves you of worries and stress about the condition of your roof. You will not be disturbed about curling or missing shingles, a leaky roof, exposed nails, damaged flashing, and lots more. You do not have to bring a roofing company to your home frequently to fix your roof any longer.
Takeaway
The above are the benefits of getting a new roof for your home. Meanwhile, ensure that you hire a reputable roofing company for the project to get the best results.
When a roof has reached the end of its lifespan or has suffered damage that undermines its ability to protect your home effectively, it is time to begin looking into a full roof replacement. An aging roof is a threat to the safety and structural integrity of your home, and a replacement should be considered a priority above any other home improvement projects. If you neglect your aged or damaged roof, there are many issues that can arise.
Here are 5 things that can go wrong if you don’t replace your aging roof:
1. Extensive Water Leaks and Damage
The first thing that can go wrong and probably will if you fail to replace an aging roof is that your home will be vulnerable to massive water seepage and extensive water damage. Water leaks are not always easily detected as they may not be noticeable if the water stays in an attic or seeps behind your walls. Over time, even the smallest leak may cause extensive water damage to your attic, insulation and drywall, and can lead to mold, mildew, and potentially structural instability.
2. Compromised Structural Integrity and Potential Collapse
An aging roof that is no longer able to protect your home from the elements, can lead to serious issues. If water is entering your home, it can cause rot and wear on your beams leading to reduced structural integrity of your home. Structural instability of an aging roof makes it vulnerable to collapse as the roof will no longer be able to support the weight of water or snow that accumulates on it. Not only will a collapse lead to extensive damage, it can also put you and your family members in danger.
3. Fire Hazard
Another result of failing to replace an aging roof is the possibility of a fire hazard. Nobody wants to deal with a potential fire in their home and any fire hazards need to be looked at immediately. An aging or damaged roof can lead to water leaking into the attic and making its way down your walls. If this water reaches any electrical wiring, it can cause a spark that can lead to a fire. A fire in your home, no matter the reason, is extremely serious and will lead to extensive damage and potential injuries or worse.
4. Reduced Home Value
Even in a hot real estate market, homes that have signs of damage or are in disrepair will have a lower value than if they were in tip top shape. Beyond not being able to get top dollar for your home, a damaged and aging roof takes away from your home’s beauty and may not attract as many potential buyers as a home that is in better condition or “move in” ready.
5. Higher Replacement Cost
If you do not replace your aging roof early, it will lead to additional damages to the sheathing, attic and other components that make up the roofing structure. When you do eventually look into a full roof replacement, you may be shocked at some of the additional costs that will be incurred because of the additional materials and time needed to repair the damaged areas.
It may be easy to neglect your roof considering it is well above your field of view, however neglecting your roof can have severe consequences as it can lead to extensive damage and high repair costs. To avoid falling into this situation, have your roof inspected and complete maintenance annually. When the first signs of damage or aging are noticed, do not hesitate to contact a professional roofing contractor to complete your full roof replacement.
How to find a roofing contractor?
When it comes time to replace your older or damaged roof, there are a lot of things to consider, such as the type of material, the colour and of course you will complete your full roof replacement. Hiring the right roofing contractor for your new roof installation project is arguably the most important aspect of your roof replacement. Even the highest quality materials will falter if they are not installed correctly, and your best chances of having a new roof installed properly is with an experienced, professional roofing specialist.
To help you with your search for a qualified roofing contractor, we have put together a list of key items to look for when searching for the perfect roofing contractor for your project.
1. Compare Roofing Contractors Around You
The first step to finding the right roofing contractor for your full roof replacement project is by contacting several roofing contractors that are located or familiar with your local region. Have each of these contractors inspect your roof, and get their insights and quotes on your replacement project. This will not only give you an idea of the price range for the project, but will also get you multiple opinions on the project and potential issues involved with your project.
2. Experience
When finding the right roofing contractor for your new roof installation, make experience one of the factors you will prioritize. A novice contractor doesn’t necessarily mean that your project will have a disastrous outcome, but an experienced roofer does offer a higher probability that the job will be completed properly. Years in business is not a great indicator of experience, ask to see current jobs completed and ask if they can show you any jobs they completed in your neighbourhood.
3. See What Other Have to Say
Searching online for current reviews will provide you with a better understanding of what to expect if you partner with a contractor for your project. Look for multiple different review sites such as Google, Facebook and home renovations sites to have a wider range of perspectives. Look past just their rating and look for similarities in the explanation of the positive and negative reviews.
4. Proof of Insurance
Prior to signing a contract with any roofing contractor, ask to see their proof of insurance. The contractor should be insured against any potential damage that may occur to your property or a neighbour’s as well as insured against injuries. Accidents happen, but if the contractor isn’t properly insured, you may be liable for any damage or injuries that occur on your property.
5. Free No-obligation Estimates
Receive a free, no-obligation quote from the roofing contractors you have contacted for your project. Compare the rates and the details. Avoid contractors that use complex and unclear terms on their quotes. If a contractor refuses to provide a free estimate, or doesn’t provide details regarding a quote, this is a red flag.
6. Warranty
Your new roof will be covered under a manufacturer’s warranty, this protects you against any defects with the materials. However, in most cases a manufacturer’s warranty does not cover the cost of labour to replace the damaged materials. Make sure that your contractor offers you both a parts and labour warranty in writing. This provides you with peace of mind, that if anything was to go wrong with your new roofing system, it will not cost you anything out of pocket to repair the issues.
When completing your full roof replacement, it is imperative that you partner with an experienced roofing contractor to ensure your project is completed properly. The above tips will help you find the right roofing contractor for your full roof replacement project. One final tip is to trust your gut. If you find a contractor that meets all of the above criteria, but you just don’t feel right about them, keep looking. On the flip side, if you find a contractor that you feel very confident about, but they do not meet all of the above, make your decision on what you feel is best for your project.
