Q1- How often a roof should be replaced or repaired?
The longevity of your roof will depend on its materials, its installation, and its ventilation, so it’s hard to give a straight answer. Typically, a solid, well-constructed roof will last between 12-15 years. Depending on the quality and type of shingles you chose and the underlayment of your roof, that number can go up to 30 or more.
Q2- Should I repair or replace my roof?
It can be tricky to know when the wear on your roof stops being repairable and needs replacement. Here’s one good rule of thumb: a small spot of wear or storm damage can generally be repaired. Depending on where you live if it affects more than 30% of your roof, the cost may be high enough to warrant replacement. Extensive damage to deeper layers below the shingles may also require replacement.
Q3- What does a roof inspection consists of?
When a roof inspector comes for a check, it’s not just a routine visit – it’s like a doctor’s checkup for your home. They look closely at four important things: the materials used, the structure of your roof, what’s happening inside, and how the roof was put together.
- Checking the Materials: Making Sure Everything’s Okay
The first thing the inspector does is look at the stuff your roof is made of. If you have shingles, they check for any that are curled up, loose, or missing. They also look for moss, stains, and rust. And they pay attention to tiny pieces from the shingles in the gutters or on the roof – these all help them figure out how long your roof will last.
- Checking Roof Parts: Looking for Weak Spots
At the same time, the inspector checks around things like pipes on the roof to make sure water can’t get in. They want to make sure your home stays dry in these vulnerable spots.
- Checking the Structure: Making Sure It’s Strong
The inspector also looks for any signs that your roof might be sagging or not even. They check things like the gutters, the boards along the edges (fascia), and the underside of the roof. They even look at your chimney to see if it’s okay. Inside your attic, they make sure everything is good, too.
- Checking Inside: Keeping Your Home Safe
Inspectors want to make sure that water isn’t getting inside your home. So, they go inside to check your attic, ceilings, and walls for any signs of water.
- Checking the Work: Making Sure It Was Done Right
Having good materials is important, but it’s also crucial that they were put together the right way. Inspectors look at how the roof was originally built and if there have been any repairs. If they see something not done properly, like the metal around the edges (flashing), it’s a sign that there might be more problems in the future. If you hired a good company to work on your roof, they usually promise to fix any issues they caused.
- Why It Matters: Keeping Your Home Strong
Roof inspections aren’t just about finding problems – they’re about preventing them. It’s like going to the doctor for a checkup before you get really sick. When the inspector finds an issue, it’s a chance to fix it before it becomes a big problem. And if your roof was worked on by a trustworthy company, they promise to fix any problems they caused.
Q4- How often maintenance should be done on gutters and roofs?
As a homeowner, maintenance of your house roof should be done at least twice per year. The annual maintenance will maximize your roof’s life by catching any visible problems and prevent future leaks before they can cause damage to your home. It also provides a chance to clear your roof and gutters of any debris.
However, the frequency and time period with which you clean your gutters depends on several factors. For example, where do you live? Are you in proximity to lots of trees or countryside? Do you live in an area that experiences a lot of rainfall, etc?
We recommend gutter cleaning twice yearly – spring and autumn. You can install gutter guards for further maintenance. They are designed to prevent leaves and debris from blocking your gutters while allowing water to flow freely. Well-maintained gutters prevent water backup and potential damage to your roof and home.
Q5- What causes roof leaks?
Frequent reasons for roof issues involve the natural aging process, absence or deterioration of flashing, loss of granules, cracks or damage to shingles, excessive growth of algae or moss, ice dam formation, and physical harm to the roof.
Detecting a roof leak becomes more straightforward when you are aware of the signs. Be vigilant for any dark or wet spots appearing on your ceilings or within your attic space.