Roofers have a tough job. They work at heights, carrying heavy shingles and nailing them to the roof's surface. In addition to working hard, roofers are also very knowledgeable. They can recommend the best roofing material to fit your budget and preferences, and they can make repairs, as needed, to ensure your roof continues to keep your home safe. There's a lot to learn about roofing. We are not professionals, but we consider ourselves to be well-informed, and we share the information we know on this website. As you read, you will learn more about roofing as a profession, and you may also pick up some roofing tips you can use on your own home.
A roof can need replacement long before the damage become visible enough that you notice it from the ground. The following are five major reasons why you may need a new roof sooner rather than later.
1. Structural Damage
Any signs of structural damage need to be addressed immediately. This type of damage can be as obvious as a tree branch that has fallen and punctured the roof. It can also be less obvious, such as a sagging section of the roof or bowing ridgeline. Often the old roofing must be removed so that new decking or roof trusses can be installed, so you will need to get a completely new roof.
2. Ventilation Problems
If you find damp or mold in your attic but there are no roof leaks, you have a ventilation issue. A roofer can install new vents and relocate existing vents as necessary to remedy the issue, but the damage may have already affected the underside of your roof decking. If excessive water damage has occurred, you will need to have a new roof installed so that the damaged decking can be replaced.
3. Degrading Reroof
A reroof is when new shingles are laid over the old. It can be a cost-effective way to get a new roof, but unfortunately, this type of roof doesn't have the same long lifespan of a traditional roof installation. If you can see some of the old shingles beginning to resurface, then leaks aren't far behind. You need to have both layers of old roofing removed and a new roof installed before you end up with major water damage.
4. Repeated Leaks
A leak that springs up from the same place repeatedly can be a nuisance that requires repair, but it often won't require an entirely new roof. On the other hand, if you have multiple leaks that keep reappearing or if the leak occurs somewhere different each time, you likely have more extensive roof damage and it's time to start thinking about a new roof installation.
5. Hail Damage
Hail damage can be nearly invisible on a roof. This type of damage is also called compression damage because the force of the hailstones compresses the roof shingles. This breaks off the protective granule coating as well as weakens the shingles and making them more prone to leaks. If you have had a recent hail storm, you need to have your roof inspected to determine the extent of the damage so you can determine whether a new roof is necessary.
Contact a residential roofing installation service for more help today.