I Need A New Roof, Now What?

I Need A New Roof, Now What?

One question any home owner should be asking themselves if they have a roof that is getting up there in age is “how do I know if I need a new roof”? 

Curled shingles need to be replaced

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, for obvious reasons. Without it you would be left with four walls and a foundation – not enough to provide much comfort or protection from the elements. Like everything though, a roof will wear out over time.
As a homeowner you need to be aware of the state of your roof and whether it needs repairs or replacement, especially if you have any plans on staying in your home. 
You can look for signs of damage yourself. Homeowners can examine their roofs in both the spring and the fall. Mark a time on your calendar for spring and fall and perform visual checks as necessary.

Interior Roof Check

One way how to tell if you need a new roof is to climb up into your attic. The interior check is fairly easy to do as long as you have access to the attic and a good flashlight. Invest in a good light because you want to be able to see fine details.
Once you get up there, look around for four particular signs of roof troubles:

Interior roofing signals

• Light shining in from outside – This is the easiest problem to discover, even without a flashlight. Any light shining in through your roof from outside is a problem. A roofing repair that should be addressed immediately.
• Sagging Areas – If there is a sag in your roof this will be one of the easier ways to tell if you need a new roof. Sagging is a definite indication of structural issues.
• Dark Spots or Trails – Dark areas and trails are an indication that moisture is penetrating your roof somewhere and probably creating mold.
• Leaks or Water Damage – If you actually see a leak or obvious water damage it is time to call in a roofing repair company.

These are all very basic ways to tell if you need a new roof .

Exterior Roof Check

Another way of checking to see if you need a new roof is to actually take a trip up onto your roof. Yup that means getting out a ladder and climbing up there. We should note here we do not encourage homeowners to just crawl up and risk injury some problems can be seen right from the ground. Keep in mind that even an eight-foot drop can cause serious injuries, so make sure your ladder is secure and that you are very, very careful while looking around. Also, avoid walking on your roof if it is made out of easily damaged materials such as tile.

• Look for Damage – Major damage to roofing materials should be fairly obvious. Shingles will split, crack and warp if they get too old, while tile will break if it has been damaged by hail.
• Look for Moisture Problems – Mold and other moisture related problems could wreak just as much damage outside as in. A bad shingle can allow moisture to sit instead of shedding it down the roof.

  

  Exterior roofing issues

• Shingle Granules – As your shingles age they will shed more and more granules. If they are getting too old you will likely find excessive amounts of granules in your gutters.
• Look for Wear – Roofing materials around chimneys and vents can wear over time, so keep an eye out for any issues here.
• Check Your Drainage – Your gutters and downspouts are an important component of your home and should be cleaned a few times a year. Check to make sure they are securely attached and that water is flowing where it should be.

Typically an asphalt shingle roof that is architectural grade with last at least 30 years. An architectural shingle looks different than a standard asphalt shingle which looks completely flat when looking from the ground. An architectural shingle has “depth” and most would agree looks much better. These shingles are more expensive and rightly so given how much better they look and the extended roof life they deliver.
If you use a quality shingle like owns corning you can get 25-30 years in a climate like Mn.

If you are thinking you need a new roof and your unprepared to do an inspection call a professional roofing company like J and B Roofing. Jand B roofing enjoys an A+ rating with the BBB. We don't recommend changes unless we feel they are necessary. No job is too large or too small for J and B. We take pride in accepting jobs other roofing companies turn down.

J and B Roofing
Saint Paul Mn
(651) 457-0391

Steep Roofing Specialists, St Paul Mn, Roofers, Roofing, Shingle Replacement, Roofing Companies, Minneapolis Roofing Companies,  Apple Valley Roofing Contractors