1.How do I know if I need a new roof...?

The first step in the re-roofing process is to determine whether or not you need a new roof in the first place. The following will help you identify the potential for roof failure. Consider however; that it is not the best of policies to wait until the last minute before making the move. To be sure; call in a qualified roofer. He will check out the shingles; the flashings and the attic ventilation; and then recommend remedial action that should be taken should this be necessary.

WATCH OUT FOR THESE WARNING SIGNS

Inside Your Home
Very often; the first sign of roof failure is not on the roof itself but inside your home. Ceiling stains; flaking paint and plaster, peeling wallpaper, and discoloration near the wall/ceiling joint; though they may appear negligible; serve as advance warning of future roofing problems.

Stains may be caused by condensation in the attic or water seeping through the shingle covering; very often at joints and flashings in the roof or as a result of ice build-up in the eaves.


In the Attic

The attic space must be adequately ventilated and insulated; otherwise; condensation of Interior moisture will occur. This will lead to ceiling stains or water leakage. After a heavy rain; check the attic for wet; darkened or stained decking and rafters. Moisture condensation may also accentuate any curling and clawing of the shingles on your roof moreover; wet insulation loses its effectiveness; with a consequent increase in heating costs.


On the Roof

If your roof is more than ten years old; it is time to begin routine visual inspections. Inspections should be done twice a year in the spring and in the fall. Much can be seen from the ground. If you do go up on the roof be sure it's dry. Wear rubber-soled shoes for best traction and to avoid damaging the shingles. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of climbing the roof but suspect problems exist, call in a professional.

Look for any of the following signs of weathering, all of which serve as indicators that your roof needs help.

Bare Spots The protective granular surface of shingles wears off as the asphalt, Into which the granules are embedded, begins to harden over time. Bare spots are often accompanied by fine fissures on the shingles' surface and by the accumulation of granules in the gutters.
Broken Shingles Damage can be caused by extreme wind conditions and snow removal. Since shingles are supposed to shed water; broken; torn or missing tabs become obvious entry points for water especially on low slope roofs where run off is slower and at the peaks of the roof where shingles are the most vulnerable to high winds.
Buckling Buckling is a visible distortion or waviness in the horizontal lines of shingles; and usually runs in a straight line up the roof slope Shingle tabs become exposed to wind and can be torn off. Very often; the problem is warping in the roof deck caused by poor attic ventilation. The use of thinner than recommended plywood and other non-plywood materials adds to the problem.
Curling The upward curling of shingle tabs makes them highly susceptible to wind and ice damage. This is a problem on older roofs where moisture build-up in the attic affects the underside of the shingle.
Clawing This is the curling under of the shingle tab's bottom edge and is part of the normal aging process of shingles. The bulge created is susceptible to substantial damage by wind action; hail and ice.
Flashings Many problems occur at the flashings around vents; soil stacks; chimneys and vertical wall joints. Is the flashing cracked? Is the caulking around the flashing dried out? Are the shingles that lie over the flashing in good shape? It is easy to repair most of these problems; but folly to believe repairs can be put off indefinitely.

 

Here are the 6 biggest reasons for thinking about
having a new roof

1. You've got a leak

Leaks can do more damage than just to the ceiling of your home. Often a leak has done damage to the framework of your home before it actually enters the home.

 

2. Rainy season is here! (see #1)

When we enter the rainy season, RAIN is almost a daily event. This makes the repair tough to schedule as well as having the potential for major damage in a hurry.

3. Save money.

More often than not it is much cheaper to have the roof done than to wait until you have a problem. Once damage has occurred to the interior ceiling of your home it is almost impossible to repair it back to the original appearance. (especially if you have a popcorn sprayed ceiling. Many times The only way to restore it is to do the entire room.)

 

4. Storm and wind damage. (see #2)

Need we say anything else. If you have lived in Florida even a short time you realize the POWER of our Weather.

5. Resale value.

A new roof will add more than just the value of the roof itself. A new roof can add a whole new look to the entire property. It will dramatically change the appearance of the home and add greatly to the homes appeal.

6. Peace of Mind.

Our estimates are free. We will give you an honest, professional, opinion of the condition of your roof. If you chose to have your roof replaced you will have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a professionally installed NEW roof.

 

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2. Why do I need a new roof if it's not leaking... ?

Your roof has a limited life span, and to exceed that will only lead to bigger and more expensive repairs or replacement. For example, shingles that are exposed to the elements beyond their normal life span may have the edges curled. Once this occurs, the existing shingles may have to be removed which is a more costly roof job. Another way to tell if you need a roof is whether or not your neighbors are getting their roofs replaced. Your homes were built about the same time and should need replacement at around the same time - this is not always true but is a good indicator

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3. My roof is only 15 years old, don't roofs last 20-25 years... ?

Yes, the newer roofing materials (fiberglass roof shingles) will last 20-25 years, but 15 years ago it was common for the roofer to install an asphalt shingle with a warranty life of only 15 years. Today, with the technology of newer materials no one even makes a 15 year shingle. Most companies start with a 20 year shingles and go up in warranty life from there.

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4. Can I put the roofing job off for a few years... ?

Possibly. Get that answer from a reputable roofing contractor who should be able to tell you that you may have 2 to 4 years left. Now, with the advance notice, start saving for the roofing job. Don't lump together the expense of a roofing job with college tuition for three kids or any other large expense that is foreseen in the next few years.

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5. What color roof should I get... ?

This is a very good question but it is also a personal one. A professional roofing contractor will provide you with color samples from the manufacturer- use the samples as a guide but ask the contractor if he can send you to a house where that color roof is installed. Small samples sometimes are hard to visualize.

 

You can also use the GAF/ELK - Virtual Home Remodeler to get some ideas for your home.

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6. What color will last longer than another... ?

Lighter colors usually last longer. But they may not look good on your home. I usually go for the appearance and not how long the roof lasts....easy for a roofer to say!

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