Replace Your Roof Before it is Too Late! Our Tips:

One of the most critical places to pay attention to in your home or commercial building has got to be your roof. Roof replacement is not an issue to delay or take lightly.

As much as installing a new roof may not sound so glamorous, it is arguable as vital as it can be. A failing roof, if ignored, may cause unimaginable damage to your home, from allowing water into the house, damaging the ceiling and walls, an old roof can cost you so much more if not repaired.

What time of the year is best for a roof replacement?
Typically, the best time for you to have our roof repaired is when you have adequately prepared for it.
Climatic conditions may, however, become a factor to consider when planning or the same.
Below are the different seasons and their affiliation to the roof replacement process.

i. Spring
Spring is one of the best times for you to replace your roof.
As the winter season fades and the outsides begin to become enjoyable as the cold goes away, many homes and commercial building owners begin to plan for their improvement projects.
One of the reasons why spring is ideal for your roof replacement is the temperatures that range below 45 degrees, making it perfect for Asphalt shingles to adhere to your roof.
The only disadvantage of fixing your roof during spring is that the weather may become unpredictable with showers interrupting the installations. Your roofer must be well prepared for such an occurrence during this season and prepare for a “plan b.” Proper planning should help you proceed despite the spring showers.

ii.. Summer
The period of summer through Fall happens to be one of the busiest for roofing contractors thanks to the weather, which is usually warm enough and consistent.
As spring rains subside before the summer heat and humidity fully sets in, is the best time to have your roof replaced. The weather allows the roofing process to function seamlessly, so most people book their appointments during this time.

If not booked early enough, prices are likely to rise as roofing contractors become unavailable. Late summer is not the best for the process due to extreme heat and humidity, which affects not only the workers but also the materials.
Too much heat may cause the asphalt to melt, become less durable and more prone to damage.

iii. Fall
Fall is the best time to have your roof fixed. The weather is stable, calm, and with winter oncoming, most home-owners begin thinking of the damage their homes will have from the snow, sleet, and cold hence one of busiest seasons for roofers.

There are meager chances of unpredictable showers during Fall with the temperatures ranging between 45-85 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions are perfect for the roof shingles to set and seal properly.

The warm temperatures are also perfect working conditions for the roofers as they are not overheated. They can work for longer hours a day, which helps with your project completing on time.

The downside of choosing Fall to replace your roof is that many people are also booking their appointment then, and it may take time between signing your contract and having the job done.

The roofers often pay attention to the most needed roof replacement, and yours possibly being pushed towards the beginning of winter, depending on the current condition of your roof.
It is, therefore, to plan months in anticipation of a delay in case it occurs.

iv. Winter
Winter season can be one of the difficult ones for the contractors to complete a successful roof repair installation. The climatic conditions pose a massive challenge for the workers and even for the building material to come together.

With temperatures dropping below 40 degrees, shingles are likely to get too cold and break during installation. They also require thermal sealing to set, and while this could be a quick process in warm temperatures, it could take a couple of days or weeks during winter.

However, you can have your roof repaired during winter with the right contractor and proper equipment. There is a decrease in the amount of work during winter, and you are likely to get a good deal.

Signs that Your Roof Needs Replacing

• Roof age
One of the easiest ways to know you need a new roof is to serve you for 20 years old and above. An asphalt shingle roof should last roughly 20- 30 years maximum, and hitting that milestone means you need a replacement.

• Curling shingles
Your roof shingles can curl in two ways, cupping, where the shingle ends turn upward or clawing where the shingle edges stay flat, and the middle part begins to curve upwards.
Both are a sign that your roof is wearing apart and looming problems like leaking around the corner. Depending on the extent of the shingle curls, you should be preparing yourself for a roof replacement soon.

• Cracked and missing shingles
If you spot a cracked shingle, it is essential to cross-check whether it is random throughout the whole roof, as this is a clear sign that you need a new roof.
In the case of a missing shingle, be careful not to replace just the missing one and end up covering up a looming problem. Once you have replaced one or two, it makes sense to replace the whole roof and settle the roof problem ance and for all.

• Houseplants on roof
Unwanted houseplants around the compound may not be much bothering, but on the roof should cause alarm. Moss and greenery on the corners of your roof indicate trapped moisture, which may be damaging to your roof.
Besides using a brush to clear the greenery, it is crucial to access and address the underlying problem and have the whole roof replaced.

• Interior roof check
One of the ways to determine whether your roof needs replacement is by performing an interior roof check through your attic.

Grab a flashlight and head up to your attic to look for any signs of roof damage. Look for dark stains and streaks that indicate water going through your roof. Any signs of your roof rotting from the inside is also a sign that there is leakage.

Observe also to see if any light streaks are coming through any holes or cracks. Any light coming in also means cold air, snow, and water can penetrate your roof causing damage hence the need to have it replaced.

• Sagging
A sagging roof can indicate a structural issue, probably decking in the attic or even the foundation support. It can also be an indication of water damage. Examine the area, and if it feels soft, you know you have a water damage issue.
It is vital to have the issue addressed soonest possible before it progresses and gets out of hand.

• Shingle granules
Granules help to protect the asphalt fro the sun. If you find shingle granules falling off to your gutter, it means the shingle quality is deteriorating and will continue to do so as they are exposed to the sun. Your roof is, therefore, susceptible to roof decay and water damage.

• Poor Craftsmanship:

It is effortless for you to spot poor craft on your roof.
If the shingles are fixed in a shoddy manner, and they seem to fit awkwardly, it is obvious your roof is not in good condition.

How to spot and fix common causes of a leak

• Perform an outdoor visual inspection of your roof to find any missing or damaged shingles.
• Perform an indoor inspection to find any peeling paint on walls or ceiling, moisture marks, grey or brown patches that could indicate your roof ventilation is compromised.
• Pay attention to your roof flashings as most leaks occur here.
• Clear your gutters to avoid blockage. Poor gutter drainage could cause water to back up on the shingles and seep up into the interior.

How to fix common causes of a leak

• Use a wet applied sealant or spray-on silicone on the area to avoid leaks during a storm as a temporary solution.
• Apply cement or sealant on the rooftop area surrounding the leak
• Replace you broken or missing shingles by gently removing the nail on the damaged shingle and placing a new one
• Clean out clogged gutters to avoid pooling up of water, which eventually results in a leak
• Clear ice dams from your roof using a rake and an ice melt product as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Meted snow refreezing on your roof can create ice dams that hold ice and whose weight can be damaging.
• Trim the trees and branches away from your roof to avoid moisture on the roofing structure, which may result in the growth of unwanted plants. Falling branches may also cause fractures on the shingles hence the leaks.

Tips for choosing the right roofing contractor

1. Recommendations
Talk to your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and relatives for contractors’ referrals they have worked together in the past. Target people who have had roof-repairs in the past or in progress to give you a chance to access the work progress or result to determine your decision making.
Asking for recommendations also helps you learn more about roofing contractors in your area, who are well versant with all building codes in the area and with everything construction in your area.

2. Designations of manufacturers
A contractor must pass particular minimum requirements to be certified for operation. Find out if the roofer has any accreditation from the manufacturers as it means they have met the specified requirements.
The accreditation goes to prove the roofer’s dedication to their craft and acts as an approval stamp.

3. Better Business Reviews
It is essential to look up a potential roofing contractor on better business review to see their rating before trusting them with your roof. If a contractor is not listed on BBR, then it is not wise to settle with them.
You may run unprofessional roofers working from their trucks canvassing the neighborhood looking for jobs hence why you should take your time to do your proper research.

4. Licensing and Insurance
A good contractor should insure all their workers and subcontractors to avoid litigation between the contractor and a home-owner in case of an accident. The contractor should be ready and willing to provide a copy of the insurance to you for validation.

Most of the states also require contractors to be licensed, and if so, they should be willing to provide you with a copy of the same for you to do an online confirmation.
A license requirement does not stop rogue contractors from practicing. Hence, you need to be vigilant to establish their legitimacy before taking them up.

5. Request for a Written Estimate
Many reputable roofing companies will offer you a written estimate of the cost to ensure that you are fully aware and understand the charges even before the work begins. Failure to do so should be a red flag for you.

6. Get a Guarantee
Work with a contractor that provides you with a guarantee on the quality. It allows you to have the job revised at no extra cost in case the installation was faulty.
No guarantee means if the contractor messes your roof and does not repair it or goes out of business, for example, you will have to dig into your pockets again to pay for their poor craft.

Roof Repair Cost
The cost of roof repair has many variables, such as the size of the house, location, material, and the kind of repair.
Roofing materials alone cost between 100$-1000$ per square depending on your choice. Most quotes given by contractors break up into 40% product and 60% labor.
Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the specifics that later translate to the quote you get. Ensure to settle for a contractor that fits your budget and offers quality service as well.