You need a new roof if you notice curly, missing, or mossy shinglesCracked roof tiles, damaged or curled roof tiles, loose or missing shingles, damage or discoloration around vents, lack of granules, moss or algae growth, damage around chimneys or skylights. Review your home improvement records to see how long ago the roof was replaced or changed. Knowing when a roof was installed (and what it's made of) gives an idea of how much life it has left. For example, a typical asphalt tile roof lasts 20 to 25 years, while a roof installed over an existing layer of shingles must be replaced after 20 years.
Just because you have a few damaged shingles or a small leak, don't automatically assume you need a whole new roof. If your roof has been properly installed and is less than 15 or 20 years old, it may be fixed with repairs rather than a complete replacement. If in doubt, contact a licensed roofing contractor for a professional opinion. Overlap is when a new layer of shingles is installed over the old one.
It may be about 25% cheaper than a total roof replacement and gives your home a new look, but it's usually best to tear off the old roof and start over. Flashing is a type of roofing material that makes an airtight seal around chimney or other penetrations. Usually made of aluminum or steel, the flashing can last 30 years. But if it rusts or cracks, water can leak into the chimney and into the house.
A local roof inspector can tell you if the flashing needs to be repaired. Shingles will have to be replaced if there are cracks. The extent of replacement depends on how soon the problem is detected, so vigilance remains important. Learn more about a leaking roof and what to do.
The problem with a wind-damaged roof is that exposed spots on the roof can be difficult to detect, especially if the shingles have been lifted. A tile that has lifted due to the wind may have loosened the sealant and possibly the nail, which means replacing the roof. Learn these tips to remove tiles and not have a bed of nails in the ground. Exposed nails can rust and cause roof leaks.
Depending on how many nails are exposed and how long they have been exposed, the roof may need to be replaced. If you notice that roof tiles are missing after high winds or storms, you should replace them to prevent further damage. If you're the owner of a historic property and your roof shows signs of aging, Huber & Associates has the knowledge and experience to restore your roof to its original glory. Seeing curly shingles can mean a sign of major problems, such as leaks, which can mean a roof replacement.
Remember, your roof must be near the end of its useful life, be hit by a severe storm, or roofing materials must fail prematurely. But if the nails in the base are missing or released and the cover is in good condition, replace them with the rubber washer screws used for metal roofing systems. Missing tile patches or broken shingles can cause leaks, and the roof should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid further loss of protection. You can replace your roof completely or, if you have an asphalt shingle roof, overlap existing shingles.
If it's May and you've just realized that you need a roof replacement, you may have to wait a few months before your local roofing company can include you in their schedule. Please note that if your roof is not well ventilated or properly installed, the manufacturer's warranty on roofing materials will void. With that in mind, you'll want to replace your roof when it's near the end of its useful life before it starts to leak or breaks completely. Sometimes the need to repair the roof isn't as obvious as a leak or roof failure; there are a variety of signs that can indicate that your roof needs restoration.
Two of the common causes of premature roof failure are improper roof installation and improper attic ventilation. It will help determine if a complete roof replacement is necessary or if a simple repair will do. . .
