How to Assess the Need for Roof Repair

Roof Repair or Roof Replacement?

To determine whether your existing roof needs to be repaired as opposed to having it totally replaced, there are several guidelines you should follow that will help you make this important decision.

There are many factors that cause damage to roofs. Some types of roof damage require only repair, while others demand a total roof replacement. It’s advisable to have your roof inspected annually by a reliable roofing contractor to determine if your roof needs repair now, or if your roof will likely need repair OR total replacement in the near future.

Don’t take it for granted that your roof will last a lifetime—an ounce of prevention is still worth a pound of cure.

Weather Damage Factors

Ultraviolet Rays
Ultraviolet rays are undeniably responsible for causing some roofing materials to deteriorate over time. Asphalt roofing is especially susceptible to ultraviolet damage, as hot temperatures tend to oxidize the oils found in asphalt. If you note that the asphalt shingles on your roof are brittle, contact a reliable roofing contractor to inspect your roof, then follow his suggestions as to repair or replacement.

Rain
Heavy rain can cause much damage to roofs. If you find that rainwater has been able to sneak under the outer roofing material and onto the roof decking, you should check that area for wood rot. If rain has damaged a fairly small area, you may be able to repair it yourself.

Snow and Ice
Snow and ice can cause a lot of roof damage if snow is allowed to build up on your roof and form “ice dams.” Ice dams form when snow on top of your roof melts during the day, runs down the roof, and then freezes again at the edge of the roof overhang. Then as more snow begins to melt, that water can’t get past the ice dam from the previous freeze, so it finds its way under the shingles. If this scenario continues, the shingles will need to be forced up in order for the water to escape, causing the shingles to be badly damaged.

Ice forming in rain gutters can also cause extreme damage to your roof if water from melted snow is allowed to freeze in the gutters. Should ice or snow be a potential damaging factor in your area, keep a sharp eye out for any “ice dams” or frozen water in your rain gutters. Here again, call a reputable roofing contractor to inspect those areas and offer suggestions about the best way to thaw out any ice dams.

Wind
Strong winds can cause an enormous amount of damage to roofs—especially those with shingles. If the wind catches the underside of shingles just right, they can easily be ripped right off your roof. If you see that shingles are missing or broken, either replace them yourself if possible or hire an experienced roofer to make the needed repairs. Missing shingles make your roof susceptible to further damage from rain or snow.

Unavoidable Damage From Acts of God
We all hope and pray that we’ll never be struck by a devastating tornado or a hurricane. But we have no guarantee that we won’t! Should this misfortune ever happen to you and you suffer a damaged roof, contact a very honest, dependable, and competent roofing contractor to help you through the process of either repairing or replacing your roof.

Other Factors That Can Cause Roof Damage

Lack of Maintenance
Homeowners should always practice regular roof maintenance so that minor damage and/or natural wear and tear problems don’t evolve into major problems later on. If you aren’t sure how to take care of a roof problem yourself, don’t just put it off—call a reliable roofing contractor to determine the repairs needed.

Covering Existing Shingles With New Shingles
It’s not always wise or cost effective to cover an existing shingle roof with a new layer of shingles. Doing this will actually shorten the life of your roof, especially if it already has more than one layers of shingles. Condensation Make sure your attic is adequately ventilated to prevent condensation, as moist warm air forms water droplets that can cause the rafters and surrounding wood to decay. You will be able to easily detect condensation in your attic and if it’s a problem, you’ll need to improve ventilation.

Moss and Algae Build-Up
Wooden shakes and shingles and asphalt roofing materials are susceptible to growing moss and algae. Moss keeps moisture trapped in its root system and can cause wood rot. Inspect your roof for moss an algae regularly, especially if you live in a warm, moist climate. It’s fairly easy to spot and shouldn’t remain on your roof. Check with a reputable roofing contractor for the best way to remove moss and algae.

There are many issues to consider when choosing a new roof for your home or business. At the top of the list is making sure you select a reputable, professional roofing contractor. Cost and durability come next, but look, color and architectural style are also important.

Ashphalt Roofs:
If you have an asphalt shingle roof the most common practice would be to lay a second roof right over the first and then tear everything off before the third roof is laid down. However, if the first layer has curled and broken shingles and therefore isn’t flat, it will need to be removed before another layer is installed. Prices will vary according to the amount of work that needs to be done.

Maintaining the Life of Your Roof:

Your roof is your home’s number one protector-it’s a barrier against harsh weather and storms. Maintaining a strong roof will not only help ensure the protection of your home and personal belongings but can help prevent hefty repairs from eating away at your bank account in the future. Follow these maintenance tips and you’ll be on your way to protecting that all-important area of your home that is specifically designed to protect you.

If you have an asphalt shingle roof, examine your shingles every once in a while to see if they are frayed or damaged. If they are, they should be replaced. Look at your shingles to see if the granules on them have been washed away. If they have, you will need to replace those shingles, or perhaps even the entire roof, as missing or broken shingles allow water to enter your roofing system, which causes damage to your home.

If you are planning to remove your damaged shingles yourself, pick a warm day to do the work. The shingles will be more pliable on a warm day, meaning that they will be less likely to split when you bend them backward to remove the roofing nails. Be careful, though, if the temperature is above 80 degrees Fahrenheit or the shingles are in direct sunlight. If this is the case, wait for the area to cool a bit. Also, remember that hot shingles are easily damaged, so avoid walking on them.

For more information and tips please contact us at anytime and we will gladly discuss all options with you.