Having issues with a leaky roof or notice some damage from a storm? Depending on the severity of the damage, it may be time for a new roof installation. A new roof installation may seem like a costly expense in comparison to the countless potential damages/risks, but it really isn't. Avoiding and preventing these potentially detrimental damages/risks makes a new roof more of an investment into the future of your home.
In this blog, we will go over what can cause damage to your home roofing, as well as three easy ways that anyone can use to tell if they need a new roof:
1) Roof Deterioration From Aging
A home roof is designed to last a long time, but how long does that mean it will last? Depending on the construction and material, a roof is typically expected to last anywhere from 20-50 years. However, climate factors into whether your roof can "weather" old age. Additionally, only a professional can assess if your roof's longevity has run out. Gutterworks professionals specialize in both gutter and complete roof repair and installation. Our team works with both residential & commercial buildings. We can guide you regarding the life expectancy of your roof, so contact us today if you want a quality assessment.
Weather events that particularly age your roof include snowstorms and ice storms. When winter weather is involved, people typically picture heavy snow weighing down a sagging roof. However, ice dams in gutters can cause even more damage. Ice dams form for multiple reasons, but no matter the reason, those dams cause lasting damage to a roof, decreasing its life span. Ice dams push water up under shingles, which allows it to seep through the drywall in walls and ceilings. The water from ice dams damages both your home's interior and the roof itself. Shingles incur damage, separate, and loosen, while gutters become weighed down and begin pulling away from the roof.
2) Water Damage
Your roof may also need attention if you can see signs of water damage. Not all damages will be easy to notice, but here are a few to be on the lookout for:
On the inside, these signs include visible water leaking into your home. Some less prominent clues include wet walls, ceilings, or drywall with water stains from previous incidents.
Outside, you may see debris on your roof that can collect water over time, which starts to degrade the roof underneath that debris and water. Your roof's exterior might also show water damage if portions of the roof show discoloration or if sagging areas appear. Other more prominent visible signs of water damage (or impending damage) can include deteriorating or missing shingles. You should also inspect the area surrounding chimneys or vents – if you can see loose material or discoloration, you may have a water issue there.
Ultimately, leaks or potential leaks that your roof poses should be assessed by a professional. Trust our expert team at Gutterworks in giving the guidance you need when assessing your roof's suitability & stability.
Contact us at mike@gutterworkswv.com or 304.848.9870 to get a free estimate today!
3) Shingle Issues
One of the most prominent factors in assessing your roof life involves the condition of your roof's shingles. The most popular roof type in West Virginia uses asphalt shingles, so the issues we note will often focus on those. Many factors can cause shingles to become loose or disengage entirely from the roof. Strong wind and impact from the debris can both knock a shingle out of place under certain circumstances, and shingles age over time like the roof itself. Unfortunately, problematic shingles on a newer roof may come from faulty installation, which is why finding a trusted and experienced contractor like Gutterworks to do a quality install on your roof is so important.
As shingles age, their physical condition also degrades. Shingles can blister: in extreme heat, moisture trapped inside a shingle expands and "pops," creating a point of exposure on your roof. The water within the shingle may be a manufacturing issue but is also sometimes due to poor ventilation by the roof installer.
Shingles can show their age by cracking on the surface. They can also show deterioration by curling away from the roof at their edges. Cracking is usually associated with old shingles, but curling can be more complex. Unusual sudden temperature fluctuation is an alternate cause of curling, as well as improper installation.
Regardless of the reason, replacing your roof can be a stressful process alone! Let our team of licensed and experienced professionals be the experts to assess your roof. We provide new roof installations while using high-quality materials that will keep your home safe for years to come.
Contact us at mike@gutterworkswv.com or 304.848.9870 to get a free estimate today!