You probably don’t want to invest in a new roof, but ignoring a failing one will lead to severe problems. Water leaks damage the interior of your home, mold will start to form, and the resulting bills will be far higher than the cost of a roof repair or replacement.
If you aren’t sure whether your roof needs replacing or not, Roofmatic suggests using this short checklist to see what kind of condition your roof is in.
Step Back and View the Lines
Some roof decks sag, and it’s a normal part of aging, but noticeable dips are a problem that should be addressed. They indicate water damage, so you should have a professional come out and take a closer look at those sagging sections.
While you’re taking a look at the roof from the street, look for dark stains that run down the shingles. Experts in roofing construction confirm that this is usually the result of protective granules washing off the roof.
Without the protective granules, residential roofing is more likely to leak. Look for missing shingles, and use binoculars to scan the roofline and check for broken shingles.
If you have a flat commercial roof, you will need to go to the roof to check for standing water, torn seams, or rust stains. Any of these indicate that your roof is either leaking or on the verge of failure.
Walk the Foundation
Take a walk around the foundation and look closely at the ground. Are there pieces of broken shingles? Are you seeing a sandy or granular residue that you don’t recognize? These both indicate that the shingles on your roof are nearing the end of their lives.
Interior Inspection
The next step is to walk through the property and look at the ceiling. If possible, enter the attic to look directly at the bottom of your roof sheathing. Whether you have residential or commercial roofing, you should look for water stains, damage, mold, or areas where the sunlight can stream through.
Use a flashlight to see into dark corners. In private homes and businesses, you should look closely at chimneys and vents penetrating through the roof.
When Is the Best Time to Install a New Roof?
When purchasing a new roof for your home, there are a couple of important things to consider before you begin the process. First, you must contact an experienced professional in your area, like Roofmatic, to help you with your questions and assist you as you purchase and install your new roof.
Next, you should learn about the basic components of a roof system to understand your options when purchasing, installing and repairing your new residential roof. Understanding the basics of your roof will allow you to feel more confident and involved when going through the purchasing and installation process. This quick and easy guide can help you with the basics of a residential roof system.
Most residential roofs are steep-slope roofs. A steep-slope roof has a slope of 25% or more. Steep-slope roofs are simple to understand because every steep-slope roof has five basic components:
- Roof covering: Tiles, slate, metal, shingles, and underlayment protect the sheathing.
- Sheathing: Boards or other sheet material attached to the roof rafters covering your house.
- The main roof structure: This includes rafters and trusses that are constructed to support the sheathing.
- Flashing: Flashing prevents water seepage and is made up of sheet metal or other material. It is installed into a roof systems various joints and valleys.
- Drainage: The drainage system is vital because it affects the roof’s ability to shed water. Drainage depends on the roof system’s design features such as shape, slope, and layout.
Roofs are easier to understand than they appear. Now that you understand the basics, you will be prepared to invest in your new residential roof. In the unfortunate case that you ever need roof repair, you will also be more equipped to talk intelligently about what parts of the roof need fixing.
If you need further help, don’t hesitate to call Roofmatic at 214-230-9000. The experienced professionals at our Dallas roofing company are ready to help you with any questions. We can also help you if you want more in-depth information about your new roof.