The Importance of Roof Maintenance
Your roof is your home’s main protection against the elements. So, when was the last time that you have given thought to the state of your roof? The general case for most people is that they clean their gutters annually. The problem arises with the fact that they don’t pay attention to their roof until it starts to look so bad that they can no longer ignore it, or it’s leaking so much that it’s becoming a serious issue. Your roof ensures the safety and comfort of your home, so it is essential that you keep an eye on it. So, what should you look out for, and what can you do?
Curling shingles
There are two ways that your shingles can curl. The first one is cupping, which occurs when the edges begin to turn upward. The other one is clawing, which means that the edges remain flat but the middle comes upward. Both cases are the effect of weathering, and mean that there will soon be problems that you need to take care of, such as leaking. Depending on how much the shingles have curled, the time you have until your roof is truly in need of a replacement is from a year to five years.
Granules in the gutter
If you’ve recently acquired an asphalt shingle roof, and there is a whole lot of granules in the gutters, then there is no reason to get worried. This are just the extra ones that are loose. However, if this happens after about 10 to 15 years, then it’s an indication of a larger issue. Granules are what protects the asphalt from the sun. As soon as they fall off and the shingles begin to take a lot of sunlight, their quality will worsen real soon. So, if it isn’t a new roof you are dealing with, then it means that your shingles have aged halfway through their lifespan.
Cracked shingles
If you come across cracked shingles, it means that they have taken damage from the wind. In the case that only a few of the shingles are cracked, then you don’t have to worry much and you can simply replace them. However, in the case that the cracking isn’t taking part in just one area, but a whole bunch of random places across the roof, then this is a big indication that you need to start thinking about a whole new roof. The time you have left is probably from three to five years.
Roof sagging
When your roof begins to sag, you really need to get seriously worried. This is the indication that your roof is suffering from a bigger structural issue. The decking in the attic could be worn out, or even worse, the foundation supports could have a problem. It doesn’t necessarily have to mean that you’re in danger, but this kind of situation is much better to take care of right away instead of allowing it to develop further. If you don’t do anything about it, you roof doesn’t have much time left. If you notice a depression in your roof, it’s time to call a professional.
What to do?
Is it necessary to completely replace the roof, or will single repairs be enough? This isn’t a question that you can easily answer unless you call in a professional roofer or contractor. Roof maintenance experts from Sydney suggest that if your roof looks old, has chronic leaks, and your home has insulation and heating issues, then it’s time to take some serious steps.
Before renovating the roof, you should probably decide on what materials do you want to be used. These could be:
- Clay or concrete tile (stylish and with a long lifespan.)
- Wood shingles or shake (high quality and beautiful, but also expensive)
- Asphalt shingles (generally the least expensive solution)
- Metal roofing (durable, relatively maintenance-free, but expensive and may dent)
- Slate roofing (natural waterproofing, fireproofing and insulation)
While hiring a professional to do your roof installation is an additional cost, it’s worth paying because you can be certain that the job is done properly and quickly. This also makes sure that parts of the job don’t remain on halt for weeks. A professional roofer usually finishes their job in just a couple of days. Their work consists of removing old shingles, repairing or replacing the wood, and installing flashing, insulation and new shingles or shake.
In summary
Keeping an eye on your roof is essential, in order for you to track its state during its lifespan, stay ahead of any necessary renovations, and the possibility that you may need to replace it altogether. While roof replacement isn’t something as exciting as giving your living room a new shine, it is crucial to the well-being of your home’s inhabitants.
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