How do I Know if my Roof Needs to be Repaired?

Roof Repair or Re-roofing: that is the question…

Our roofs are always there for us, they protect us from all that is cold, wet, hot, dusty, or just plain unpleasant. Of course this means that one hardly takes the time to think about how a roof feels or its present condition; until, that is, some drastic misfortune happens to befall it.  We don’t tend to think much about our roofs unless there is either a gaping hole in it or tourists start asking for a tour of our historical home. While completely reroofing you home isn’t always the best choice for your roof, knowing when reroofing is the best option can save you money in the long run.

According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), you should be having a biyearly inspection of your roof in order to keep an eye on its conditions.  The inspection doesn’t begin by taking out a ladder and climbing up to the roof; it actually begins inside on your own home, in your attic.  The roofing professional will take great care to check for:

• 1. Signs of water damage or places where leakage can occur
• 2. Areas where the roof deck is sagging
• 3. Dark spots
• 4. Daylight seeping into the attic

These are all signs that something may be wrong with your roof that could be remedied through a simple repair or potentially a reroofing.  In order to tell which could be the case, the roofing professional would have to proceed with an exterior inspection of your roof.  During the exterior inspection it is important to keep an eye out for:

• 5. Shingles that are cracked, torn, missing, curling, rotting.
• 6. Excessive amount of shingle granules in your gutters
• 7. Loose materials or wear around chimneys, vents, or pipes.
• 8. Gutters and downspouts that are securely attached and free of debris that can clog the spout and prevent water from flowing.
• 9. Signs of molding (mold can grow within 24 hours of a leak)
• 10. Vents from the bathroom and kitchen should lead outside, not be blocked off and ventilating into the attic.

Don’t jump to conclusions though, even if your house has several of these symptoms it doesn’t mean that a complete reroof is needed.  Roofs installed fewer than 15 years ago should be able to get away with a repair. The best way to know for sure is to have your house professionally inspected every six months, catching a simple roof repair problem can save you money in the long run as it can stop it from getting worse and having to reroof. Remember, reroofing is something that needs to be left to skilled professionals, although DIY has increased in popularity, when it comes to your roof, it’s best to leave it to professionals.

If reroofing is the only option for your roof, don’t waste anytime hoping to let the roof last as much as possible, doing so can cause further damages to your home and furniture. Remember that having a “solid roof over your head” is one of life’s necessities for a reason, take care of your roof and it will take care of you. A new roof adds to the value of your house, it is aesthetically pleasing and it also means you probably won’t need to be repairing it again for a while.  Roofing professionals such as Prestige Roofing can help you find the best materials and designs to really make your roof, gutters, chimney, and waterspouts look their best