How often do you look at your roofing system? If you resemble me, you run in and out of the house, shuttle the kids back and forth, and glimpse up at the roofline only occasionally as you back out of the driveway.
However, examining your roofing regularly and making little fixes as required can prevent some pricey repairs down the road– and keep those raindrops from falling on your head. There's another advantages too: Keeping your roofing in good condition will likewise be a big plus if you choose to offer your home.
Take it from the top
So, what should you search for when inspecting your roofing system? The National Roofer Association (NRCA) recommends you do a roofing inspection at least two times a year– spring and fall. The best location to begin is inside your house– grab a flashlight and make a trip to the attic.
Here are four things to look for on the inside:
1) Places where the roofing deck is drooping
2) Signs of water damage or leaking
3) Dark areas and trails
4) Outside light revealing through the roofing system.
Outside check
When you have a look at the exterior of the roof, focus on such things as harmed flashing, missing shingles, curling, blistering, buckling, decomposing and algae growth (which takes place frequently in damp environments and appears as dark or greenish stains). Here are some tips on exactly what to check on the outside:
1)Aesthetically examine your roofing for cracked, torn, bald or missing shingles.
2) Scan the roof for loose product or wear around chimneys, vents, pipelines or other penetrations.
3) Look out for an excessive amount of shingle granules (they look like huge grains of sand) in the gutters– this signifies advanced wear.
4) Look for signs of wetness, rot or mold. Keep in mind that wet areas might not be straight under your defective shingle; water can take a trip down to its least expensive area prior to it drips. Mold, fungus and germs can grow rapidly– within 24 to Two Days of a water-related problem.
5) Analyze the drainage, and ensure rain gutters and downspouts are firmly connected. Also ensure all drains are open and permit water to exit, and all gutters and downspouts are without debris.
6) Examine that bath, kitchen and clothes dryer vents go completely beyond your home, not simply into the attic space.
What's the roofing system made from?
Dean Bennett, president of Dean Bennett Design and Construction, Inc. in Castle Rock, Colorado, states, figuring out when you require a new roof likewise depends on roofing product in addition to the part of the nation in which you live. With that in mind, he offers pointers on the following roofing products:
- Cedar: A cedar roof in requirement of repair or replacement will split and break down in dry environments. In damp climates, it will get mossy. The life expectancy of a cedar roofing system is about twenty years.
- Tile: "Search for damaged or broken tiles," Bennett says, "however don't walk on the roofing system to do so or the tiles will break. Tile roofing systems can last as much as 100 years, but specific tiles can break. They can be changed, however just by an expert.".
- Concrete: should never require replacing.
- If you have a roof with wooden shakes, you need to also look out for damage from termites, carpenter ants and/or other wood-boring insects.
Inspect the easiest options initially.
If your roofing system has water damage, don't jump the gun and presume you have to start all over with a brand new roofing. The California Specialists State License Board states that if your roof was effectively set up and is less than 15 to 20 years old, it can typically be repaired rather than changed.
Contact a licensed roofing contractor—two or three– to learn what they think has to be done and to get a quote.
Starting over.
If you do choose to go ahead and change the whole roofing system, keep weather and other issues specific to your area in mind when selecting materials.
For instance, wood and asphalt shingles aren't particularly fire resistant– and this could be an issue if you live near a lot of dry brush and trees. Slate, tile and metal are more expensive products, but they are a rewarding financial investment due to the fact that of the extra defense they offer versus fire.
If, on the other hand, snow loads are a concern where you live, you might wish to consider a durable and light-weight standing-seam metal roofing system. These can generally cast off the snow before it ends up being an issue.
But before setting your heart on slate or tile– and we know they look truly gorgeous– recognize that these are really heavy products. Some house framing simply isn't really strong enough to support the additional weight of this sort of roofing.
Start now– prior to you have no choice.
Don't wait till water is all of a sudden getting into your home by method of a dripping roof. Start protecting your home by using some basic observation skills. If you find issues, it doesn't always imply you need to change your roofing. Many repair works can be made prior to a major restore is required.
If you do require a new roof, know that this isn't really a typical "do it yourself" kind of job. It's tough work– particularly if you're taking off the old roof– and can be hazardous, too. (Roofing systems slope and are up high … need we say more?).
It's all you are searching for.
Most individuals list "Having a roof over my head" as one of life's essentials– and there's a reason for that. It's not simply a matter of practicality or visual appeal (though both of those play a part). Your roofing system is what keeps you and your household safe from the sun and snow, lightning and rain.
So relaxing up with the understanding that as soon as your roofing system is in tip-top shape, it will remain that way for several years to come.
MB Roofing Pros
5335 N. Kings Hwy #211B
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-492-0778
http://roofing-myrtlebeach.com
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