Countless house owners that reside in older houses will have to face the question at one point or another if the roof of their home can be corrected or is it time to replace it. I am sure your first thought is that roof replacement is pricey. However , keep in mind that by simply fixing the roof on your house, you may end up spending additional money in the long term.
The material employed in roofing has varying costs. The least costly roof material is the 3 tab asphalt shingle while the costliest are clay tiles. Another thing to keep in mind is that roofing materials change from region to region also. Areas that see oppressive winters,eg New England wouldn’t use the ceramic and clay tiles that somebody living in southern California would use as these tiles could not handle the climate. The wintry North Eastern states would be better served by utilizing materials of slate that can last for years. In both cases, there will come a time when you need to decide for a roof repair or if it is simply time to replace it.
When to correct
One of the most evident times your roof will show wishes of fixing is after damage due to high winds or after a particularly difficult winter. At a minimum you will notice dark stains on the ceilings inside your home. On the other end of the spectrum you’ll even come across dripping water within your home that can cause further damage. A roof that isn’t correctly sealed can form ice dams along the edges. This will allow softening water to enter under the edge of the roof causing ice build up to damage the edge further and ruin the decking of your roof. Numerous home owners will use heat tape along the fringe of their roof to prevent this problem, but this “simple” fix comes with its own set of Problems. Read manufacturer directions carefully as there were house fires due to heat tape.
When to Replace
A good guideline to follow to help decide if it’s the time to replace your roof : is there damage to one third or more of your roof? If you answered yes, then it’s likely time to replace. {However ,} this is not the only thing you need to consider as there are lots of more aspects to roof replacement than simply the appearance of your roof. Below are some pointers to help make your decision.
Dark spots or blisters on the ceilings and walls of your home’s interior.
Leaking inside your house after a hard rain.
Attic has discoloration or water damage.
proof of leaks in your attic after a buildup of ice.
Shingles appear to be cracked or curling.
Shingles that look mucky or contain algae.
Decaying shingles, soffit or sheathing.
An obvious escalation in your energy bill in the winter months.
All the above are signals of possible trouble with your roof. Increasing energy costs over the winter months may point to that you are losing heat thru your roof. Decaying shingles can point to that water is entering the walls of your house and getting into the soffit. Knowing what to search for is 1/2 of the battle.
Before you purchase a home, be certain to check the roof and ensure that it is the proper type for your climate. Houses in climates that are hot and wet need a selected type of roof that will have differences from a home in areas that have a lot of snow and ice. Homes that may be exposed to hurricanes need to have hurricane straps installed during construction as they have to be installed on interior walls prior to securing to the roof. A little research about the climate of your area and what kind of roof will do better can go along way when it comes to roof repair and replacement.
Tags: home, home construction, Home Improvement, home repair, Metal Roofing, roof repair, roofing materials, roofing repair, roofing shingles
