When damage happens to the roof of your home, it can cause you a great deal of frustration. The roof can be an expensive area to fix and you want to be sure you are investing in the best services to help you improve your situation. Understanding whether you should repair the roof or replace it all together requires a bit of preliminary thinking on your end. Consider these factors and see what actions you should take to get your residence back into the right shape in no time.
Cause and Age If you have damage to your roof, knowing the cause may help you decide whether to repair or replace your roof. If your roof is relatively new and you discover a small leak or if there was damage from a storm that is isolated to one spot, a roof repair may be your best bet. But if your roof is older and has protected your home for years from intense storms, high winds and falling branches, you may have a larger problem and a spot fix won’t suffice. If you’ve lost shingles over the life of your roof, you may have prolonged water damage resulting in rot or warping in the materials your roof is made of. This usually results in the need for a new roof as well. Or you may be victim of a sudden and violent storm that damages your roof from hail or a falling tree or large branch. Damage like this often necessitates the need for a new roof as well. When you look at the circumstances leading to the need for repairs, it can help point you in a general direction. But no matter the circumstance, your best bet is always to call a professional roofer. Many times, they offer a free roof inspection and their advice will help you make the best decision. Other Factors After you have assessed the cause of the damage, you need to think about a few additional factors. How long do you plan on living in your current home? What is your current financial situation? How long have you lived in this residence? Asking yourself these questions can provide some insight into what you should do next. For example, if you’re planning on selling your home soon, you may not want to invest in a new roof and a repair may suffice. On the other hand, the new roof may attract potential buyers improving the overall curb appeal of your home. Should this be the house you plan on living in for a long time, a spot fix may be too risky, and you may want to protect your home with a new roof. Make the Right Call When it comes to fixing your roof, there are several things you need to consider before deciding. Gather the necessary information to make the right decision and don’t go it alone. Give a local professional roofer a call. Find someone you can trust and take their advice into consideration before you determine whether you should repair roof damage or replace it altogether. Taking care of your home is essential if you want to get many years of use out of the residence. To provide proper care and maintenance to your space, you need to take proactive steps. One of the first areas to focus on is your roof. Since a lot of wear and tear can happen over the years to this part of your home, proactive roof maintenance is a surefire way to reduce the odds of a serious catastrophe down the line.
Age of the Roof The age of your roof plays a big part in how it performs. The longer this structure has been situated on the top of your home, the more likely it is that it will need repairs whenever a storm blows through. This is because the standard lifespan of a roof is somewhere around 20 years. If it has been longer than that since the roof has been replaced, you may benefit from taking action and having a new roof installed. By doing this, you’re avoiding potential damage and guaranteeing a much safer experience for you and your family. Big Benefits Proactive roof maintenance can be beneficial for several reasons. When you wait for a problem to appear, it usually means the damage has already been done. Taking the time to assess any issues with your roof in advance, however, offers you the opportunity to avoid expensive repairs. Before the rainy season begins, work with a professional and look over your roof for any loose or missing shingles, water damage, or abrasions. Repair these areas and you will be able to get more use out of your roof and avoid some of the bigger damage-related problems. Increase Value Another reason to think about preventative care for your roof is to increase the overall value of your home. A roof with too many leaks may be a dealbreaker for many potential buyers. While you don’t want to invest in an entirely new roof if you plan on moving down the line, proper upkeep will allow this aspect of your home to remain structurally sound. Boost the value of your home and its overall curb appeal by dedicating time to the right maintenance tasks. Taking care of your home is not always an easy journey. To get the most from your experience, be sure to consider options like proactive roof maintenance and see what it can do for your future. Protecting your home starts by taking the right preventative steps. The roof on your house tends to see a lot of wear and tear over the years. Intense weather, heavy snows, and time itself can all play into the integrity of this aspect of your residence. Luckily, there are some easy ways to get more from your roof. The average roof lifespan can be extended by giving yourself time to practice care and maintenance.
Clean the Gutters One of the easiest ways to keep your roof protected against the ravages of time is by cleaning out the gutters. The gutters running along your home can easily fill with leaves, branches, and other obstructions. Water that is left to sit in a gutter can freeze, expand, and cause serious damage to the structures. By cleaning them out regularly, you can reduce the odds of an avoidable and costly issue developing in your gutters. Post-Storm Assessment Typically, a roof should last for about 20 years. Unfortunately, the average roof lifespan can be negatively impacted by factors like the weather. When a storm blows through your area, it can cause debris to fall on your home and blow shingles from their fixed places. After serious weather conditions, it can be wise to assess any damage that might have taken place. Staying on top of problems like this can help you get more from your roof and stop an issue before it gets worse. Professional Insight Another great way to get more from your roof is by contacting professionals who specialize in roofing services. An expert can take a look at your home and offer more in-depth insight on any potential problems with the integrity of your roof. It is good to get into the habit of having a professional assess your roof at least once a year, as to offer you an idea of whether or not you need to invest in a replacement. Consider Insulation Proper insulation in your attic can also help you extend the average roof lifespan. Take a look at your attic and see if the ventilation needs improvement. If the attic reaches very high temperatures in the summer, it can lead to damage to your insulation and the rest of your home. Make the right adjustments to your attic and get more out of the way your roof handles the changing seasons. Getting more from your roof starts with proper maintenance. Get into the right habits and learn how you can increase the lifespan on your roof. Doing some renovations to your home can be a fantastic way to breathe new life into your living space. One area that tends to receive a lot of wear and tear over the years is the roof. Taking time to repair your roof can be an excellent idea if you want to get more longevity from your residence. Before you can get started, there are a few factors to consider. Determining what shingles you should use, for example, can be an important early step to take. Look over these tips to find the best path for your plans.
Your Home’s Style One of the first factors to consider when going about repairs for your roof is the style of your home. All houses are built to fit specific aesthetics. Though you can still select whatever you’d like regarding materials for the roof, you should try to adhere to the natural appearance of your home. Selecting materials that clash with the rest of your house can turn your home into an eyesore that you regret immediately. If you don’t have an eye for style, work with a professional to get an idea of what options you have. Your Location Another aspect that plays a big part in the type of shingles you select is the location of your home. Where you live has a huge impact on the materials that will work best for your home. An area that experiences a lot of rainfall will require different roofing options than a region that is predominantly dry and sunny. General climate is important to think about, but you also need to consider weather patterns. If you know that your area experiences heavy storms during a certain time of the year, you’ll want to select materials that will withstand the weather. Color Considerations When selecting the color of your materials, you have a bit more freedom. While you should think about the style of your home, you can select whatever color you think best complements your residence. Many homeowners opt for neutral tones and shades of gray with their materials. These colors fit an array of homes and also do wonders when it comes to hiding any minor damage caused by a storm. Selecting the right shingles for your roof is a process you don’t want to rush through. There are several factors to keep in mind throughout your search. Give yourself time to determine the right option for you and get started on your home renovations. Taking care of your home means dedicating time to maintenance. While you probably already engage in certain basic upkeep tasks, some areas tend to go unnoticed. The roof on your home, for example, is one aspect of your house that may require a bit of attention now and again. One way to achieve this goal is by getting a pre-spring roof inspection. When the winds of winter have stopped blowing and the spring is on the horizon, this service can prove invaluable to the integrity of your home.
Winter Damage The winter can be very harsh to the roof of your home. The season tends to bring with it a lot of intense weather that can cause damage to the exterior parts of your home. A cold snap can result in ice on the roof. If it sits for too long, it can start to cause damage to your roof. Strong winds are also a common part of winter storms and can be responsible for blowing shingles off the roof and making it easier for you to experience leaks or other water damage. Proper Maintenance Since your home can fall victim to several intense issues in the winter, it is very important to think about a pre-spring roof inspection. A professional can provide you with the insight you need to know what kind of damage your home has taken on during the winter. The inspector will look at your roof and point out any problem areas. This can give you the info you need to take action and invest in the right repairs before the damage gets worse. Cleaning the Gutters Outside of inspection, some additional maintenance tasks can prove helpful for your roof. Cleaning the gutters regularly is a must when you own a home. While you should try to clean them out throughout the winter, it may not always be possible. Wait until the first warm day at the end of the winter and start to clear out any leaves and junk left behind from the wind. Focusing on these tasks can limit how much damage you see overall and help you keep your roof in its best condition. Taking care of your home starts by dedicating time to the right maintenance tasks. After the winter ends, give a call to a local and professional roofer and schedule a pre-spring roof inspection. This service can provide you with the information you need to keep your roof and home safe from lasting damage. There are several different ways to take care of your home. As a homeowner, you need to dedicate time and energy to various maintenance tasks. The sooner you respond to a potential problem, the easier it becomes to minimize the odds of lasting damage. One area that can be crucial to focus on is your roof. When water begins dripping mysteriously from the ceiling in your attic, it needs to be dealt with immediately. Leak repairs are an essential aspect of home maintenance and you shouldn’t wait to take action.
Electrical Concerns The longer you wait to invest in repairs, the easier it becomes for a minor issue to transform into a serious catastrophe. When water comes in contact with the electrical wiring in your home, for example, the problem can become a lot worse. Water can easily short out important wires and ruin essential components of your electrical system. Beyond this, an extreme case of water exposure can result in something serious like an electrical fire. Fixing a leak immediately is a surefire way to avoid more complicated issues. Mold Issues While an electrical fire might be a more intense issue to develop from a leak, there are other more common problems homeowners need to stay aware of. As water continues to leak into your home, it becomes a lot easier for mold and mildew to form. The unfortunate thing about mold is that it can grow on almost any surface when the conditions are right. As the mold continues to grow and spread, it poses a huge health risk to you and anyone else living in your home. Repairing a leak right away limits the odds of mold developing. Larger Problems Small leaks do not stay small for long. When water is slowly dripping into your home unnoticed, it is only a matter of time before the situation gets worse. Having a professional inspect your roof is a surefire way to minimize the overall damage. An expert can take a look at any holes or problematic spots on your roof and help you uncover the best solutions for your specific needs. When it comes to protecting your home, you need to start with proper maintenance. As soon as you notice a leak in your roof, it is important to take action. Speak with a professional and learn about your options with leak repairs. By staying on top of this task, you are doing your part to get more out of your home and reduce the odds of serious damage taking place. Healthy gutters are essential to the longevity of your roof. Gutters function to protect your siding, foundation, and indoor space from water damage, but inadequacies can severely damage your roofing system. Gutters should be cleaned out in the spring and fall to avoid these problems in the future and expensive repairs.
Water Seepage Clogged gutters can cause trapped water to seep up your roof. Tiny gaps in the roof can allow water to penetrate into your interiors. Depending on the age of your shingles, you may have more leakage in your roof. Foundation Damage The primary function of a gutter system is to focus water from your roof and away from your home’s foundation. Blockages in your gutters can lead to overpouring water from the sides of your gutters. This overflowed water can pool around your foundation causing cracks to form and damage the foundation. A cracked foundation can lead to collapse, but also contribute to mold growth. Wood Rot Many of the inner workings of homes are comprised of wood. Sheathing and rafters can become more decayed if water is leaking into the home. Also, the boards that hold the gutter system are often made of wood, so clogged, overflowing gutters can leak water and cause these boards to rot. The same effect will be had on wood siding if water if flowing down the sides of the home. Ice Dams When temperatures reach freezing, ice dams can form on your roof or on your gutters. Typically this will occur in colder climates, but any undrained pools of water can form into ridges of ice when it becomes cooler. When ice dams form, your shingles will be left in a high-moisture state and add extra weight to your roof. Keeping your gutters clean will aide in removing extra moisture from your roof. Joye Roofing wants to provide knowledge to every homeowner about how to maintain their roofs. When the seasons change, small steps can ensure that your roof stands the test of time. Avoid water damage from leaks and contact Joye Roofing today for a roof inspection. Decorations are a lively and joyous tradition for the holidays. The twinkle of lights and faux icicles can coax a smile on to anyone’s face. These holiday delights can be a very nice touch on your home, but it can be dangerous to you and your home to put decorations on your roof. Before you start a grand holiday display, here are some tips for safely decorating your roof for the holidays.
Check Your Decorations Before you head up to your roof, inspect all of your decorations. You want to be safe when traveling up to your roof and the fewer trips will certainly maintain your safety. Look for frayed wires or broken glass and plug in all of your lights while you are on the ground. Avoid Staples Staples can be very damaging to your roof and to your siding by creating small holes for moisture to seep into. Staples also don’t work well on fiber cement and are difficult to remove. Light clips can be found at most hardware stores. Clips will attach to your gutters and are easily removed at the end of the season. Be cautious to not put too much weight on your gutters with large objects. Buddy System Save some time and stay safe by having someone help you when setting up decorations. Make sure your ladder is sturdy and your helper can spot you by holding the ladder. You can have help passing items up to the roof and someone will be there in case of emergency. Protect Your Shingles Keep any large objects off of your roof and move them to your lawn. Nailing in large decorations can cause cracks and holes to form in your shingles and ultimately allow water to leak into your interiors. Lights and Inflatables Lights and inflatables are light enough to put on your roof. They can be tied down with clips, twine, or objects around the roof. Weighing down inflatables will help them from blowing away or ripping off of the roof. Make sure that any decorations on top of your roof are far from other objects, such as chimneys, electrical lines, or tree branches. These can be dangerous fire hazards or risky for the health of your roof. Inspect Your Roof While up on your roof, look for any existing damage on your roof. If you see any issues, call Joye Roofing for a roof inspection. Joye Roofing is doing a re-roofing job at Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church in Saluda today. Come out and check out their great work and say hi to our friendly employees!
Joye Roofing> is one of Columbia, SC's best roofers. Contact them today to receive your free roof inspection> and get all your roofing questions answered. Check out Joye Roofing on Facebook> and our 5 star reviews on Google+>! Can Snow Damage My Roof?Now that winter is fast approaching, many homeowners may wonder: Can snow damage my roof?
The truth is that any form of water can be harmful for roofs, but when the temperature drops below freezing, water and snow can especially be a problem. Let's say you get a sleety rain when the temperature is hovering around 35 degrees F. When night falls, the temperature may dip to 28 degrees F. Water can get into the smallest crevices and then freeze. When it freezes, it expands. As it warms up, more water is present, making the cracks bigger. The more often this freeze-thaw happens, a great deal of moisture gets into the shingles causing them to expand and wear out. Leaks can cause water damage and potential wood rot to the wooden framing underneath. Heavy snow can also present some unique problems. Snow accumulation on your roof causes a great deal of stress which can weaken the entire roof. Different roofs have different configurations, which can cause snow to accumulate in higher levels due to blowing and drifting. This can cause as much as five times the amount of snow in certain areas of the roof. Areas where the roof meets a solid wall, or places where there is a lower roof or awning, can cause a greater accumulation of snow. How do homeowners know when there is too much snow for their roof to bear? According to yellowpages.ca, it depends on your location. In heavy snow areas, roofs are made to bear heavier accumulations of snow. However, a general benchmark for residential roofs is 8 cm (20 lb.) per square foot. If the roof slope is greater than 8 cm (3 inches) for every 31 cm (12 inches) of horizontal distance, melting snow should run off adequately. However, remember that new snow falling on top of old, packed snow weighs more which may make yesterday's packed snow twice as heavy. What is an ice dam? Ice dams form when the accumulated ice and snow on the roof melts but then freezes all along the edges and eaves of the roof. This edge of ice keeps water from running off the roof which can cause water to find its way under the roof shingles and even into the house. Large ice dams have been known to tear the rain gutters and flashing off the roof. What can a homeowner do to address these problems? Investing in an inexpensive snow rake will help in snow removal from the roof. For ice dams, homeowners may be able to use a hammer and chisel to chip away at the ice to loosen it. Remember to take the proper precautions when climbing a ladder, especially in icy weather. Keep a Good Record Creating a tracking record of visual assessments and matching them with a baseline, possibly with photographs, will help homeowners keep track of the cumulative damage done by weather over a period of time. This benchmark will help keep track of any changes occurring. Joye Roofing offers a free, professional roof inspection>. Once we complete our inspection checklist, we will give you an estimate on any work which may be needed. Joye Roofing Columbia has an "A" rating with the Better Business Bureau, and tons of rave reviews> from past customers. If you found this information helpful click "Like" or "Share" below and post this to your social media pages. Your "Likes" and "Shares" help others like you find the information they need. We are happy for you to re-publish this article on your website or in your company newsletter with credit to Joye Roofing as the author and a link to our website https://www.joyeroofing.com/. The URL for this article is https://www.joyeroofing.com/roofing-disaster-restoration/does-snow-and-ice-impact-the-life-of-my-roof. Email us with any questions. |
AuthorDerek Joye has been roofing homes and businesses in the Midlands for over 20 years. Archives
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