Installing a new roof can be challenging, exhausting and an expensive task; however, it is not all that bad. The process can be turned into an exciting and bonding experience for you and the rest of the family; especially for the children, who could find the whole process interesting and fun. Whether you are hiring a professional installer or doing it yourself, you need to put in a lot of effort to get it right. This is why being educated about the processes will help you make informed decisions so as to get the best deal out there.
There are some signals your roof gives to show that it is deteriorating and needs replacement.
Some of the Telltale Signs
The Roof is getting old
The average lifespan of a roof is between 20-30 years. Anything exceeding that time duration is one its way to doom. When a roof has lasted for about fifteen years, it is imperative that they are replaced. You need not wait for when the roof falls over before you change it and get a newer one. It is a reasonable thing to do to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
Shingles are Buckling and Curling
Normally, shingles are not meant to be curling or buckling but when they do, that spells danger to your roof as it indicates that your roof is damaged and needs replacement.
Roof Valley Starts Leaking
A roof valley is a junction where two roof slopes meet. This point of intersection is vulnerable to weather elements, thus causing it to deteriorate so much that it starts to leak. So if you find out that your attic is wet or certain parts of your house like the wall, back of the wardrobe, even the bedroom and sitting room floor are wet after the rain, you should know that your roof definitely requires replacement.
Certain Parts of the Roof Shows Darker and Inconsistent Color
When you notice that some areas of your roof have started showing some color patches that are distributed all over, especially darker and Inconsistent colors, it goes to show that your roof has seen better days.
Daylight can be seen through the boards of the Roof
Another way to know that your roof is worn out or damaged is when you are capable of seeing light seeping through the roof and reflecting on the roof board. This depicts that the roof has some cracks or openings and needs urgent replacement.
The Roof is sagging
The apex of your roof is meant to follow a straight line along the ridge but if it develops a saddleback in the center, it means that the roof has been exposed to extremes of temperatures and pressure thus subjecting it to rot that needs to be substituted for a better one.
Gutter Containing Granules
If you are in doubt about whether your roof is wearing out or not, you should take a look at your gutter. If there are granules from cracked shingles or roofs, it is a confirmatory sign that your roof is in dire need of a replacement.
Algae or mould growth
It is unusual to find bacteria, algae, mould, or moss growing on the roof. When this happens, it means that your roof is under attack, and replacing it isn’t such a bad idea.
There are some factors to consider before you get your hands dirty with installing or hiring a roofing installation company.
1. Choosing the Right Company
It is of utmost importance that you carry out a market survey and source for information on the company that will give you the best services in terms of quality work, best discount offers and free consultations.
2. Selecting the Right Materials
When it comes to roofing, there are different materials that are being used. The popular ones include asphalt, shake, tile, metal, decra, and rubber. If you are on a budget and also short on time, asphalt is your best choice as it is cheaper compared to the aforementioned; nevertheless, they are less durable and have a shorter lifespan.
3. Deciding Between Peeling and Laying on
Normally, the lifespan of a roof is between 20-25 years before it starts deteriorating. When you notice that your roof needs replacing, you could decide to go for a more cost-effective method by layering. Layering involves attaching a new shingle to an existing roof, but this method is not often recommended as it can be very limiting. Firstly, you can only use this method once. Secondly, this approach will prevent your roofing company from putting down an ice and water shield under your roof to prevent leaks. Peeling, on the other hand, involves the complete removal of the old roof and replacing them with new ones. This method is more expensive and time-consuming. However, the quality, durability, and efficiency of the peeling method are what sets it apart from other methods; and let’s be frank, the cost of a new roof is expected to come at a high price when you’re prioritizing safety and quality.
4. The process could be noisy and harmful for children and pets
It is always advisable that children and pets be kept away from the working area. This is because the loud noise could cause increased anxiety and disrupt sleeping routines. In addition to this, there will be a lot of dangerous tools and building paraphernalia lying around which could injure your children or pets. It is, therefore, safer to have them stay with friends or relatives during the period of the repairs.
5. Inspecting the Status of Your Roof Frame
It is recommended that you regularly examine the plywood supporting your roof to check whether or not you’ve had leaking problems before. Should you notice areas where the sheath is damaged, disintegrated, soft or broken, it should be replaced as soon as possible.
6. Preparing for the Worst
Maybe your intention was to simply replace your roof only for the contractor to discover that the decking beneath the shingles is deteriorating or sagging. It has also been noticed that when these shingles start decaying, replacement should be done as early as possible. When faced with situations like this, repairs need to be done before using a new set of shingles.
In conclusion, being informed about the procedures will enable you to be able to make informed decisions regarding the installation of roofs. If your roof is 20-30 years old, has inconsistent color on some certain parts, light rays come through the holes on the roofs, then you must replace your roof urgently as these are signs of damage.
