Most people don’t think about the roof over their heads until a leak ruins their furniture, electronics, or another item. One sure way to know you need a roof replacement is if your roof is older than 20 years old. However, age isn’t the only determining factor when considering a roof repair or replacement. While nothing beats a thorough inspection by a professional, here are some of the most common signs that may indicate you need a new roof.
The first place you should check is the interior of your attic if you have one. Look for daylight coming through the interior boards at the top of the house — if light is coming through there, then so is water. Also, look for dark streaks and visibly sagging areas. That also means there is too much moisture and you most likely have a leak.
Take a look at the slopes of your home that get direct sunlight as well as the “roof valley” — these are the spots where two parts of your roof that are sloping down meet each other. Shingles should lie flat against the roof. If you notice the shingles are curled, buckled, cracked, or losing granules, you should contact a professional to get them repaired or have your room inspected. The area beneath them may have additional damage.
Flashing is the material used to cover joints and seams on your roof around chimneys, vents, and skylights to prevent water seepage. Older homes often use roof cement or tar, which tends to crack and break with time and temperature fluctuations. Metal flashing systems are now the preferred method since they’re more efficient and they last longer. Regardless of whether or not your tar flashing is damaged, it’s a good idea to upgrade before it fails.
If you look at your roof’s surface and you see rotting or decaying boards, sagging spots, or missing or broken tiles you should address these issues as soon as possible and have your roof inspected by a professional. Damage such as sagging or dropping can have costly consequences if ignored for too long.
Your roof is one of the first lines of defense in your home’s safety. Every day your roof protects against wind, rain, and heat. Over time, these elements can damage your roof and leave your home exposed. In most cases, your roof’s deteriorating condition is not always evident so you have to take action as quickly as possible to avoid compromising your home.
The best way to protect your roof from storm damage is by taking preventative action. A leak or tear may be unnoticeable for weeks and it will only get worse in the meantime, so regularly checking around your home is important.
Damages to your roof damage can be difficult to find, most are thin cracks or loose shingles. Especially after a severe storm, rain and wind can cause these problem areas to escalate and lead to leaks. In case of heavy winds, make sure to keep an eye out for damaged shingles and siding. It might seem insignificant but it can open up the possibilities of further damage.
Watch out for any trees or branches that hang over your home, Before a storm remove any loose or hanging branches that can hit against windows or onto a roof. Regularly trim trees to avoid costly damages in the future. Strong winds can cause tree limbs to fall on your roof which may penetrate the surface. Also, leaves can clog your gutters and if left unattended, then water will not drain and possibly break the gutter itself. If you have a ladder, consider cleaning out your gutters – which can take easily take minutes.
After rainfall, check that your gutters are free-flowing and that the downspouts are angled away from your home’s foundation and into a drain or ditch. Water damage can easily turn into flooding during a storm, which can be costly.
Cleaning your roof about every year can decrease the likelihood of bacteria buildup. Make sure to clear your gutters of debris and anything else that can get stuck and restrict the flow of water.
We recommend making frequent inspections and observations of your roof in order to not miss any defects that could compromise the integrity of your roof in fully protecting your home. Notice when you see any missing or damaged areas of your roof, and call the professionals at Hercules Roofing to assess the damage and potential threat.
Many homeowners in South Florida have trees and other large plants in the surrounding yard of their homes. The low hanging branches can pose a potential threat when storms strike the area. Lessen the likelihood of roof damage from falling branches and debris, by cutting back the surrounding vegetation.
Check for rust buildup on any areas of your roof that are metal. Rust can lead to roof breakdown and to more frequent repairs if not cared for. If you do notice your roof appears to have small areas with rust, you can use a wire-brush to easily remove it.
Hercules Roofing can service all your roofing needs; we offer a variety of services including roof repair, maintenance, replacement, as well as leak detection. We are committed to maintaining your roof to ensure your safety and security inside the home. If you notice damaged areas of your roof, don’t wait to call so we can assess the damage and prevent further breakdown of your roof.
As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That couldn’t be more accurate when it comes to your residential or commercial roof; maintenance is important. Replacing a roof can be a costly and time-consuming process, so it is critical to inspect your roof at least twice a year – once in spring and once in fall. A well-maintained roof will go a long way to prevent it from damage and can catch simple repairs early which can increase the life of your roof. So this spring, follow these suggestions from Hercules Roofing!
Debris on your roof causes two problems. First off, it just doesn’t look good. Second, debris traps moisture, and moisture is the prime condition for mildew, mold, and moss. These things can cause your tiles to rot which causes them to need to be replaced. To clean debris, you can use your hand to pick up the big pieces. A soft broom, or a leaf blower if you have one, can remove the rest of the debris that is left over. Be careful with a broom – too much pressure can scrape off the granules or damage tiles which will reduce the life of your roof.
This point is serious enough to include in its own section. Let’s just say you saw your neighbor on his roof pressure washing last weekend, and now it looks brand new. You’ve got a pressure cleaner that you use on your driveway, so why not just haul it up to the roof and get that debris, mold, and moss in one shot? Besides being dangerous, a pressure washer does more harm than good, and you’ll end up replacing the roof sooner than you had planned. The water from the pressure washer damages the tiles by scraping off the granules, and it causes debris and moisture to get lodged between tiles, causing your roof to rot.
The best time to check for a roof leak is when it’s raining because that’s when the leaks will be easiest to see. Bring a flashlight into the attic and check for the tell-tale signs: wet insulation, water stain on the wall, puddles on the floor, or mold and mildew growth. Unfortunately, the leak’s origin may not be obvious. Either way, you should always call in a professional as soon as you suspect a leak. At Hercules Roofing, we know the tricks water can play to get through even the best roofing systems. We can replace your shingles and make the other necessary repairs to your leaky roof. We even provide 24-hour, emergency service to stop the leak right away!
You should regularly check your gutters, especially after a big storm. You may think that your gutters hang off your roof, so they don’t affect the roof. However, if your gutters aren’t clean, the water and debris that should be draining through them will be trapped on the roof. At this point in the article, you should be well aware of the dangers of moisture and debris! Cleaning your gutters can be easy with the right tools and a little time, but the reward is not having to replace your roof.
Sometimes you get stuck replacing your roof suddenly after a hurricane or other natural disaster. Other times, your roof will just naturally reach the end of its lifespan. When that happens, it’s important to recognize the signs and get your roof replaced as soon as possible because, if delayed, it could result in much bigger problems down the line, costing you much more than just a roof replacement.
That’s why Hercules Roofing has put together a list of signs that your roof may be at the end of its life. Know the signs so that you can protect your home – and your wallet – from serious damage.
Before we look at anything else, you must consider the age of your roof. A roof’s lifespan depends on the type and quality of your roof, but you can assume that an average roof will last you about 20 years. If your roof hasn’t been replaced in well over two decades, it’s probably time to think about bringing out an expert to inspect what the situation calls for.
As your roof begins to deteriorate, it will start to break into small pieces that look like dark, coarse sand. If you start to see granules in your gutters, yard, and other areas surrounding your home, they’re most likely coming from your roof – a roof that most likely needs to be replaced.
If your roof has already started to leak, you will start to see the deterioration of paint around the roofline – but it won’t stop there. It can leak into your home and potentially stain your walls! If you notice any staining, peeling, or bubbling paint in your home or by the roofline, it could be a sign that your roof is nearing the end of its life.
Are you building your home from scratch? Maybe you’re thinking about replacing your current home’s roof? We know there are a few options to consider in the whole process… but we don’t want you to spend too much time worrying about the specifics! We went ahead and explained a bit about the life expectancy for both tile and shingle roofs, and why you would want either one!
How long is a lifetime? Many lifetime tile roofs are guaranteed for 50 years, but depending on what type of climate you live in, the weather near you, or even naturally occurring events such as hurricanes or hail, your roof’s life expectancy may be cut down. When dealing with tile roofs, there are two main parts; the clay or concrete tiles and the underlayment and flashings. Often times, the underlayment is done with lower quality materials, affecting the total life expectancy of the roof.
The best thing you could do to get real longevity out of your roof is to make sure that your roofer uses the highest quality materials available to them. Standard roof underlayment has a life expectancy of about 25 years, though houses in the desert may have a few less due to extreme temperature conditions. On the contrary, coastal houses have been found to have underlayments lasting around 30 years. The threat of deterioration due to weather will always be there, but at least you can rest knowing that your roof was made to a higher standard and will last.
Shingle roofing, similar to tile roofing, has a long life expectancy but changes greatly depending on the quality and type of materials you choose. Simpler, and cheaper, shingles can last from 15-20 years, but if you choose to use more modern synthetic alternatives, you can usually get about 25-30 years out of them.
Depending on the weather conditions and climate that your home is exposed to, the shingles can show signs of age faster than this. Excessive heat, extreme weather conditions, and even just the shape or orientation of your roof can still affect how long your shingles will actually last. But just remember, whether you’re constructing your home or just replacing your roof, make sure to choose the best quality materials available. It may end up being a little bit more costly but the guarantee that comes along with it is absolutely priceless.
When thinking about the most crucial components of a house, people may be quick to think about the kitchen space or the location. Although these are very important parts of a whole, it can become easy to overlook the significance of our roofs. We tend to neglect our roofs because they aren’t something we come into contact with every day.
Roofs are one of many key factors that can influence the value of your homeowners insurance. Being that your roof is what protects your entire home from detrimental weather conditions, such as strong hurricane, winds, or hail, it is crucial to keep its maintenance intact. Hercules Roofing is here to provide you with the three main reasons why your roof can make or break your homeowners insurance.
Withstanding heat and harsh weather conditions over time can cause a roof to lose its structure. An older roof can cause your homeowners insurance to be a lot higher. Sometimes the additional cost of insurance is based on what year the roof was installed and the building code year it conforms to. Also, aged roofs are prone to problems such as leaks, mold, and broken tiles, which do not look good to insurance companies. Some insurers will not even consider covering an old roof, so it is important to keep your roof maintained and up to date. If your homeowner insurance is costing you an arm and a leg, maybe it’s time to consider repairing your roof or getting a new one installed.
Due to the fact that you cannot see the condition of your roof in plain sight, it is important to inspect and maintain it regularly. Doing so can help increase the lifespan of your roof, and can help you avoid any extreme payments to your insurance. Inspections should be done at least 1-2 times a year, around the time the seasons change, to ensure that you have no broken shingles/tiles, pests, mold, or debris on your roof.
Choosing the right materials with which to build your roof will reflect what your homeowners insurance will look like. Not only should you be picking your roof’s material based on your location, but also based on its durability. The most common type of material that homeowners use is Concrete tile roofs due to their appearance. However, here in Florida shingle roofs have similar lifespans and are less expensive to maintain.
Protecting your home at all costs is the ultimate goal to ensure that you and your family are safe. Roof repairs can cost homeowners a tremendous amount of money each year because of neglected maintenance or simply just wear and tear.
Over time, your roof deteriorates with age and from withstanding harsh weather conditions. For most homeowners knowing when it’s time to replace the roof entirely or to re-roof it can be a difficult decision to make. Deciding as to which solution is the most durable or which one will keep you from breaking the bank is frustrating, but don’t fear – Hercules Roofing is here!
Re-roofing your home can be a daunting task, but can take little to no time. This process is fast and cost-effective. Re-roofing works best when your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan or when you want to maintain your already healthy roof that has minor damages. However, it is necessary to contact a professional roofing company like Hercules Roofing to thoroughly inspect your roof to see if re-roofing is the best option for you.
Replacing your roof is a great choice when considering several things such as the material of the roof, the age of the roof, and the damage from a recent disaster. Replacing your roof is the safest option because it guarantees that areas affected by water/moisture damages, sagging shingles and the holes in your roof will get fixed properly.
The major con of re-roofing is that oftentimes this method does not fix the underlying problem. Re-roofing just covers up the problem, leaving your roof exposed from damages within that can potentially be hazardous to the interior of your home.
There’s something special about the roof over your head, so why not treat it to a facelift? This winter, move forward with roof replacement as your next home remodeling project. Here are five things to keep in mind:
Ah, tax season. With the scramble to collect documents and filing of forms, comes the moment we’ve all been waiting for: an income tax refund. As tempting as it is to cash out on something luxurious, perhaps the most important investment you can make with your hard-earned money is to place it back into your humble abode – specifically, your roof.
A residential roof replacement varies in price, depending on the size of the home and roofing materials used. Though your tax refund may not be able to cover the entire cost of roof replacement, it will assist in covering necessary roof maintenance. In turn, your investment in your roof will be returned if you wish to sell in the future.
Aside from the additional chunk of change, tax season coincides with another break for Florida residents: the weather finally drops below 80 degrees. Hurricane season officially ends Nov. 30, and risk to South Florida in November drops significantly as cool, dry air from the north stops the development of tropical depressions, storms, and hurricanes in their tracks.
The onset of Florida winter allows a perfect timeframe to allow work to be completed on the outside of the home, without fear of storms or heavy summer rain delaying progress. With shutters safely packed away, work can begin and continue smoothly, ensuring an efficient process.