how to tell if your roof needs repair

How To Tell if Your Roof Needs Repair

• Look at the Shingles on Your Roof. Go outside and check out your roof. ...
• Dig Through Your Roof Gutters. A less obvious indication of shingle wear and tear can be found in your gutters. ...
• Check The Interior of Your Home For Roof Leaks. Head back inside and examine the walls and ceilings of your upper floors and attic. ...

Full Answer

What do you need to know before you replace your roof?

5 Things to Know Before You Replace Your Roof

1. Shop around. Some roofers don't worry much about customer satisfaction since replacing a roof is a once-every-few-decades job, which means they don't have to count on repeat business.
2. Strip away the old. You're permitted to have two layers of asphalt shingles on your roof, so if there's only one in place now, you can have a new ...
3. Go top shelf. ...

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How do I tell if I need a new roof?

• Shingles that are buckling or curling
• Bald spots
• Loose material around chimneys and pipes
• Shingle granules in your gutters
• Soft spots on the roof interior indicating rotted plywood

What are signs that roof needs replacing?

7 Signs That Your Roof Needs to be Replaced

1. Shingles. Shingles are an obvious sign of a roof needing replaced, and when they’re damaged, they tell you loud and clear.
2. Flashing. The black, sometimes metal, lining that seals parts of your roof is called the flashing. ...
3. Leaking in the Attic. ...
4. Exposed Nails. ...
5. Missing Granules. ...
6. No Chimney Cricket. ...
7. Bowing or Sagging. ...

What do you need to know when repairing your roof?

When Repairing Your Roof, necessary Ideas You Need To Know Wait till it’s absolutely entirely dry to take care of the leak along with on top of that have a look at if you discover a leak in your roofing system covering while it’s showering. When collaborating with a roof covering work, protection should certainly be your leading fear.

What are signs of a damaged roof?

9 Signs You Have Roof DamageCollection of Granules. As your roof ages, the granules loosen due to time and the elements. ... Leaky/Clogged Gutters. ... Broken, Cracked, or Curling Shingles. ... Missing Shingles. ... Hail Damage. ... Water Damage on Walls or Ceilings. ... Problems in the Attic. ... The Extent of Shingle Damage.More items...

How often should you repair your roof?

In general, this is the recommended replacement schedule based on the material used: Composition Shingles: 12-20 years. Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years. Wood Shingles: 20-25 years.

Should I replace my roof if it's not leaking?

So obviously you want to replace your roof before it starts leaking or fails completely. A reputable roofing contractor will recommend that you replace your roof somewhere around 80-85% of the manufacturer's life of the roof. For example, you should consider replacing a 25-year roof around the 20-year mark.

How much does it cost to roof a house?

The national average cost to replace a roof is around $8,000, with most people spending in the range of $5,500 to $11,000. The two largest variables you'll deal with on a job like this are the square footage of your home (and thus, your roof), and the type of roofing material you choose.

How many years does a roof last?

Slate, copper and tile roofs, which are on the upper end of the price spectrum, can last more than 50 years. Homeowners with wood shake roofs should expect them to last about 30 years, while fiber cement shingles last about 25 years and asphalt shingle/composition roofs last about 20 years, the NAHB found.

How many years should a shingle roof last?

Vented properly and installed correctly, you should get around 80-85% of the life span out of an asphalt roof. That means you can expect to get about 20-22 years out of your 3-tab shingle roof and 25-28 years out of your dimensional shingles.

How long do roofs last in Ontario?

Asphalt shingle roofs are the most popular type of roof material in Ontario. Their life span ranges from 15 – 30 years based on various factors, but eventually, asphalt roofs will need to be replaced.

How long do roofs last in Canada?

How long a roof will last depends largely on its materials. Most laminate shingles last 25 to 35 years, while cedar shakes and shingles usually last 20 to 30 years with the right maintenance.

How to check for roof damage?

Inspecting the interior side of your roof by taking a trip to the attic provides a solid starting point to check for roof damage. Discoloration and leaks in this area can indicate a more serious problem. Light peeking through any section of the roof should warrant immediate action.

Why do you need a roof repair?

As an essential part of roof maintenance, a roof repair job can help maintain the life of your roof and keep you from needing a full replacement for many years. But sometimes a roof is beyond repair and needs to be replaced. Knowing the difference can save you a great deal of money with a repair or keep your home from further damage ...

What does bowing on a roof mean?

The Roof’s Sturdiness – When walking on your rooftop, bowing presents a clear indication that your roof has sustained serious damage.

What to do if your roof is bowing?

If you experience bowing, contact a professional immediately. If you find that your roof needs replacing, don’t delay in getting it fixed. While a full roof replacement can be a hefty expense, avoiding the work will cause more damage to the structure and interior of your home, costing you far more in the long run.

Why is it important to have a roof?

Having a quality and well looked after roof will keep your home sheltered and secure. Your roof protects your home from the outside elements, and severe roof damage can cause problems in your home’s interior unless taken care of. ...

What to do if things look questionable?

If things look questionable or beyond your repair, have a roofing contractor take a look at your property. A professional roofing contractor knows exactly what to look for and how to address any issues that may arise. They can keep you from missing any damage that may be harder to notice, saving you time and money.

What to do if you have bald patches on your roof?

If bald patches exist on the roof, assess the under layer for damage before replacing any shingles. Often times, a roofing contractor can assess the amount of damage best, so don’t be afraid to call a professional.

What is underlayment on a roof?

When a roof is being constructed , the first thing that gets laid on the roof deck is called underlayment. It’s a water-resistant barrier made out of rubberized asphalt, asphalt-saturated felt, or non-bitumen synthetic material. It acts as a protection against bad weather. The tiles and underlay keep water out by working together. Standard roof patches can be used to repair a small, single tear in the underlay. But larger tears or ones in hard-to-reach places are more difficult to repair. Water leakage sometimes happens through these area.

Why do roofs need flashing?

Roof areas the protrude, like a vent or a chimney, are also candidates for flashing. Sometimes flashing can get damaged because of what are usually placed underneath them: caulking. This material dries out due to oxidation. When the caulking becomes damage, the flashing usually becomes damaged as well.

What to look for when checking a roof?

When you’re checking the roof, look for tiles that are curled, distorted, deformed. Also, notice any tiles that have stripped of their protective coating. By the way, make sure you’re only checking your roof when the weather is good. Be safe. 2.

What does it mean when you see a chipped tile?

If you see many chipped tiles, missing tiles, or crooked tiles, this means the sealant is weakening. Don’t be alarmed by any little piece of asphalt shingle or asphalt gravel you see in the gutter. A small degree is normal. But if you find a lot of roof debris collecting, this is a cause for concern.

What is flashing on a roof?

Roof flashing is roofing elements placed on areas where water runoff is expected to the greatest . It redirects water away from vulnerable seams. Flashing is made of a material that water cannot penetrate, like galvanized steel or aluminum. Roof areas the protrude, like a vent or a chimney, are also candidates for flashing.

What is ridge damage?

Ridge Damage. Ridges are the place on your roof where two separate areas meet. For example, a raised point where two sections of tiles laid in different directions come together. Ridges (or at least one of the ridges, depending on the layout of your roof) is usually the highest point.

How to tell if your gutters are deteriorating?

Eventually, this results in tile deterioration which you can tell by looking in the wind gutters that line your roof. If your gutters have lots of stuff in it (tile pieces, grainy material), this is a sign.

Look at the Shingles on Your Roof

Go outside and check out your roof. The most obvious place to start when examining it is the exterior armour: your shingles. Shingles should be flat against the roof in the overlapping pattern in which they’ve been laid, and anything that looks different from this is fairly obvious, even to non-professionals.

Dig Through Your Roof Gutters

A less obvious indication of shingle wear and tear can be found in your gutters. Clean out your gutters and look closely at what you’re pulling out. If you notice a high amount of asphalt or composite grains, this is a good sign that the shingles are wearing down.

Check The Interior of Your Home For Roof Leaks

Head back inside and examine the walls and ceilings of your upper floors and attic. A leaky roof is often the culprit when there’s even a little discolouration from moisture. If water is getting into your home, the problem is going to be more than just the shingles. This, unfortunately, is how a lot of homeowners find out they need roof repairs.

Why are flashings important?

Flashings around skylights, valleys, eaves, rakes, wall details, stacks and chimneys are all potential entry points for water because of separation, lifting and dried out caulking. The flashing details can lift and separate due to the general expansion and contraction that comes with temperature changes.

Why do shingles have a waterfall effect?

The condition can be caused by poor drainage, causing a waterfall effect.

How often should I clean gutters?

You should clean your gutters a couple of times a year, in fall and spring, removing sticks, leaves and other debris. If your roof doesn’t drain properly, water could back up in the gutters and enter your property, during rain and snowfalls.

What to do if you see gaps between the roof and chimney?

If you see gaps between the roof and chimney, or windows, vents and so on, then you need to take action. Caulking could solve the problem. But over time roof repairs, and vent and window replacements might become necessary.

Why do shingles curl?

Curling or clawing can be a sign of aging shingles and heat damage. They are then susceptible to being torn off by winds or ice damage. Buckling shingles, usually seen in wave patterns, can also be caused by aging, as well as poor installation and wet conditions. Wind and ice are also a threat here.

Can animal droppings cause shingles to wear out?

Animal droppings can actually speed up the wear of shing les. These should be cleared away and nearby branches trimmed so that it’s harder for animals to get on the roof. Any moss or algae growing on the roof should also be removed. These are more likely to appear on shaded parts of the roof.

Can shingles go missing?

Shingles can go missing or get broken after big storms, weakening the roof’s ability to shed water and providing entrance points for leaks. It’s a good idea to have some spare shingles on hand for roof repairs, or to contact your local, Denver roofing contractor . We can discuss our impact resistant shingle option to help prevent future storm damage.

Consider the Age of Your Roof

Before you start inspecting your roof, it is important to consider its age. Most roofs have a lifespan of about 20 to 25 years. If your roof is made of a material such as slate, concrete, or clay, its lifespan may be slightly longer, around 30 to 40 years.

Take a Look at Your Shingles

If your roof has shingles, you can quickly determine the state of its overall health by looking at the shape that your shingles are in. If there are just a few shingles that are missing or damaged, it’s unlikely to be a significant concern.

Check the Overall Structure of Your Roof

Just like any other part of your roof, the decking, which is the support structure that holds your roof up, is subject to damage over time. Many things can affect the decking of a house, such as extreme weather, age, water damage, or perhaps the roof was just built poorly to begin with.

Inspect the Flashing

Flashing is a type of roofing material that is used to make a water-tight seal around chimney’s vents, and skylights. The integrity of this material is essential because it helps to protect your home from moisture and improves the insulation of your home. When inspecting your roof, be sure to check these areas thoroughly.

Check out the Attic

Carefully checking the ceilings and walls of your attic is a great way to determine whether there are issues with your roof. Look to see if there are any leaking spots, water damage, mold, or mildew. These things may all be indicating that the structure of your roof has been compromised and is allowing moisture to come into the attic.

Getting a Professional Inspection

Although these tips can help determine any imminent damage to your roof, they are no replacement for a professional inspection. If you are concerned about serious roof damage, you should get in contact with A & J Reliable to ensure that you are not in harm’s way.

Replacing your Roof

If you need to replace your roof, there’s no need to panic. Although this can seem like a daunting task, doing some research can make the process a lot less headache.

What happens if water seeps through a roof?

Water is a powerful force and once it seeps through your roof, it can quickly cause serious damage in your home. Peeling paint on the wall, brown spots on the ceiling or mold can all be signs of roof leakage. If the leakage is small, then a repair may be all you need.

Can a roof be repaired in Florida?

Because of strong storms and hurricanes, Florida has extensive regulations regarding roofing. The Florida Building Code dictates when a roof can be repaired, reroofed, or entirely replaced. Some of those regulations are aimed at ensuring your roof is installed to withstand strong winds and hurricanes.

Do you need to know the age of a roof?

You need to know your roof’s age and expected lifespan to determine whether a repair or replacement is necessary. If the roof is still in good shape or was recently replaced, a spot repair may make sense. But, if the roof is old or nearing the end of its warranty, and has a couple of problem areas, replacing it may be the better way to go.