As a homeowner, you want to protect the investment you’ve made in your house and do everything you can to get the most value out of it over time.
Given the importance of your roof to the overall health of your structure, roofing contractors being “roof-wise” is an important component of being a responsible homeowner.
Your home’s roof might make up to 40% of the exterior of your house. It’s crucial to know what keeps your home looking smart and (more crucially) dry, from curb appeal to home security.
Most homes will eventually need to repair their roof, but many are unsure where to begin. That’s why, before commencing any roofing job or hiring residential roofing contractors, it’s important to understand the most prevalent roofing words and components.
Everything else you should know before replacing your roof is included below.
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When was your roof last installed or repaired?
Is your home’s roof original, or have repairs been performed by a roofing contractors Phoenix in the last several years? Regardless of the type of shingles you have and the condition of your roof, you may need to watch for leaks or even arrange a replacement.
The current structure and shingle type will determine when your roof needs to be replaced. Asphalt shingles have a 20-year lifespan, but wood shake roofs can last up to 30 years.
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How is your roof ventilated?
A healthy roof system needs proper ventilation. Mold and mildew can grow on a roof that doesn’t have enough airflow. Aside from a major vent in your roof, a few additional elements influence how the air travels through your attic to the roof.
Perform a brief sweep of your attic to look for the following items:
- Between the roof sheathing and the insulation, there must be at least 1 inch of room.
- Enough open, vented places to allow air to flow freely in and out. A roof should typically include 1 foot of vent space for every 150 square feet of attic area. Here you can figure out how many vents your roof needs.
- A vapor barrier was installed beneath the insulation and next to the ceiling to prevent moisture from rising into the attic.
- A layer of insulation on the attic floor that is gap-free to insulate the house from heat gain and loss.
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What kind of shingles do you have?
Shingles may be made from several materials, including asphalt, wood, and even slate. Each one comes with a different warranty, and the longevity varies based on where you reside. Keep in mind that adverse weather conditions like high winds or extreme cold can cause clay shingles to fracture.
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Your roof’s fire rating
A fire rating system is a method of categorizing the fire resistance of roofing materials. The letters A, B, and C depict classes. Clay tiles, fiberglass asphalt composite shingles, and metal roofing contractors are examples of Class A materials that have the strongest resistance to fire that originates from outside the structure.
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Your roof’s slope or pitch
The pitch of your roof will decide which sort of shingles are best suited for it.
Indications that you must restore your roof as soon as possible
Several circumstances necessitate an emergency Roof repair Peoria, some of which are more evident than others:
Your roof is drooping: A sagging roof is a major condition that needs quick attention and typically signals a structural concern. The problem might be with the attic decking or the foundation supports.
While you are not in imminent danger, dealing with this problem is much easier when it is contained in a small area rather than when it has spread over the roof.
You can see daylight through the roof boards: Examine your attic to see if there is any light coming in through the roof.
Your gutters are clogged with shingle granules: Roofs begin to lose granules as they age, and these granules frequently find up in the gutters. Examine your gutters to check whether they are clogged with these particles. A darker or uneven tint on particular portions of the roof is another symptom of granules going away.
Your chimney flashing needs replacement: If your flashing is constructed of tar or cement, you should consider calling one of the most trusted Roofing companies Peoria for replacing it with a metal flashing system, which is watertight and lasts longer.
Your roof valleys are in disrepair: If shingles in your roof valleys are missing or falling away, it’s time for a new roof. If this area is compromised, it becomes vulnerable to leaks.
Your shingles have begun to buck and curl: Examine the roof slopes that get direct sunlight. If you notice shingles that are curling and losing granules, they may need to be replaced.
Your roof is outdated: A roof’s lifespan is estimated to be 20 to 25 years, therefore you should replace it when it reaches this age.
