The roof of your home is one of the most important systems in your home. The roof protects your family from the rain, sleet, snow, and other weather elements. Aside from the occasional gutter cleaning and blowing off, the home’s roof often gets overlooked, despite it being so critical.
Roofs are usually not thought about until something goes wrong. However, when a problem does occur with the roofing system, it can fail in a big way. A bad roof can allow water inside your home and damage or destroy everything from the attic insulation to your hardwood floors and down into the family room with a big-screen TV. Aside from a major plumbing leak, few problems can be more disastrous for a house than a compromised or failed roof.
Experts agree that the average roof with asphalt shingles should last around 20 years, while roofs made from other materials can last a bit longer. No matter what your roof is made of, however, eventually, every homeowner will need a replacement roof. Roof replacement can be a costly but critical home improvement project with both structural and aesthetic implications. If you notice signs that your roof should be replaced, you’ll want to consult with contractors and roofing professionals to get it taken care of as soon as possible. Let’s take a look at some of the basics of the home roofing replacement.
Signs Indicating Replacement Is Needed
The most important part of replacing an old roof is knowing when to do it. You don’t want to wait until you have a big mess to clean up and repair before you decide to replace the roof. When you do a visual inspection and you notice roofing shingles that are worn, cupped, curled, or cracked, it might mean that you should start looking for roofing companies. Additionally, if you’ve noticed any roof leaks, it probably means that some part of your roofing structure is failing.
Aside from these signs of wear and age, you should have it checked out immediately if your roof is damaged. Damage from a wind storm or hail could damage the structures of your roof and lead to a complete failure. If your house has sustained damage, you should contact professional contractors to assess the property. Looking at websites like cmkconstruction.com will help you check out services and projects and give you an idea of what you might need. If your roof shows signs that it should be replaced, you’ll want to make an appointment to take care of it sooner rather than later.
Considerations
When it is time to replace your roof, there are some things to consider. The first step will be to find the right roofing company or other construction professionals for your project. A complete tear-off and replacement will be more expensive than adding a second layer on top of your old roof. You will have to consider the roof’s weight and if your house is structurally sound to handle the weight of an additional layer. In some jurisdictions, a second roof layer is a code violation and is against regulations.
If you’re getting a new roof, you will also want to consider the roofing material. Asphalt shingles are among the most popular choices, but you could also look at wood shakes, metal roofing, slate, and clay or ceramic tile roofs. It would be best if you first investigated the matter with your homeowner’s association or local regulations to be sure that you can select a different material. Additionally, some materials are better suited than others for particular roof pitches and styles.
Your roof is an entire system, from the shingles to the plywood structure, that works to keep your home protected. At the first signs of trouble, you should seek the advice of roofing services or contractors. A new roof can be a significant investment but will ensure that your house remains protected.
