One of the most common reasons to replace a roof is if it has suffered storm damage due to high winds or broken tree branches. A sagging, sagging roof is one that is likely to need to be replaced before further damage occurs to your home. Check the surface for signs of trapped moisture, rotted boards or sagging spots, especially at the lowest points of the roof. Sometimes the need for a roof repair isn't as obvious as a leak or roof failure; there are a variety of signs that could indicate your roof needs restoration.
At Austin Roofing and Construction in Austin, TX, we can provide you with a free estimate for a roof replacement and assess any damage to your roof to let you know if a roof replacement would be the best solution for your home or business. But why is it important to replace your roof? Replacing your roof is a big expense that can be easy to neglect, but how important is a roof replacement for your home or business? A roof replacement provides your property with adequate protection from the elements, and without it, your property can be damaged. A roof that has reached its limit can start to leak and can fail at any time, causing damage to anything underneath. Having a new, well-maintained roof adds to the attractiveness of your property.
The underlying structure should last the lifetime of the house. However, depending on the materials used for the roof covering, it may need to be completely replaced. Unless the roof is concrete, then it is only necessary to inspect for cracks or other wear and tear. Tile roofs are also very durable and rarely need complete replacement.
Under normal circumstances, three-tab asphalt shingle roofs should last 15-20 years before needing replacement. However, architectural asphalt shingle roofs are slightly more resistant to the elements due to their design. They can last up to 10 years longer than three-tab asphalt shingle roofs. These problems may not be directly related to the frequency with which the roof needs to be replaced (or repaired), but these problems can be widespread and cause damage.
But if the base nails are missing or have come loose and the boot is in good condition, replace them with the rubber washer screws used in metal roofing systems. If you are approaching the 20-year mark and know you will be selling your home in 2 to 5 years, you will probably need to replace the roof to put your home on the market. For help with your re-roofing project, look for an independent roofing contractor in the Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network near you. Depending on the amount of exposed nails and how long they have been exposed, the roof may need to be replaced.
Small holes in the roof can be repaired once the invader is removed, but if left unrepaired, wildlife damage can eventually cause even more damage to the roof and property. If you have gone through the list and the signs point to the need for a new roof, a roofing company can assess your current situation and make recommendations for a repair or replacement. This may seem obvious, but damage caused by severe storms (tornado, wind, hail) will also lead to roof replacement. As long as your roof is properly ventilated and installed, you should get pretty close to that 25-year life span.
Missing shingle patches or broken shingles can cause leaks, and the roof should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further loss of protection. Call a contractor for an inspection and get a roof replacement estimate to get an idea of how much you should save when the time comes. Below, we've listed ways you can find out if your roof needs to be replaced or repaired in the near future. If you have a metal roof system, hail damage to the metal panels will require replacement if the integrity of the metal is compromised.
When examining the roof from your attic, look for any spots where the sun is filtering through the roof boards. It's important that homeowners understand when their roofs need replacing so they can take action before further damage occurs. A professional inspection from an experienced contractor will help determine whether repairs or replacements are necessary so that homeowners can make an informed decision about their roofs.
