As a homeowner, you might only think about your roof at two times: repair and replacement. Of course, investing some time into your roof is a great way to keep it in better condition and reduce your risk of damage. You can save money and a lot of hassle that way. If you’re wondering how to avoid roof damage, read these roof tips, then check out our roofing services in Wilmington, DE.
Before you can formulate a plan to keep your roof in good shape, you need to know the most common signs of roofing damage. If you notice one of these, you need to schedule an inspection or make arrangements for repairs. Follow our advice to learn what you can do to prevent them, as well.
If you see dark streaks across your roof, you may have an algae problem. The algae traps moisture in the shingles. Over time, that moisture makes the shingle break down. You can request algae-resistant shingles, and there are a few things that a skilled roofing contractor can do to keep them from accumulating in the first place. Otherwise, you’ll need to hire a professional to remove the algae.
You might lose a shingle from time to time, especially during a big storm. It’s important to replace them when they go missing, though. Without shingles, your roof decking is more likely to sustain water damage and need repair or replacement.
Shingles curl because the surface beneath them is getting wet. They may crack due to changes in temperature. In either case, repairing or replacing them is key. Once they start falling off, you have a much bigger problem.
Asphalt shingles are covered in a layer of granules for added protection. As the shingles get older or wear out, you may notice that the granules are starting to wash off. Regular inspections can identify this problem in advance. You can tell by looking at the shingles, as there is an obvious difference. The worn shingles will look bare or discolored.
Pests love to build nests in the eaves and gutters around your roof. Insects and rodents can be the worst, because they may chew their way into the attic and spread. Cleaning your gutters regularly and inspecting the roof at least once a year can help you to spot them before they start to do serious damage to the roofing structure.
There are a few reasons that you have a roof with spots that are soft or even bouncy when you step on them, including:
When you replace your roof, it’s a great idea to inspect the decking to see if it needs repair. Keeping your attic in good condition also goes a long way to preventing this problem.
The flashing around vents, chimneys and skylights can break down or start to separate from the roofing structure. This leads to leaks that you may not always notice at first. During a roof inspection, you’ll want to look at the flashing in particular, as it can trigger other problems.
Although roof age isn’t automatically a problem, you should remember that an old roof is more likely to have other concerns than a new one. If your roof is more than 15 to 20 years old, or if all your neighbors are starting to replace their roofing installed around the same time, you should watch yours more carefully.
The best way to protect a new roof is to take action when you first spot a problem. Like other parts of your home, an issue with your roof will only get worse if you ignore it. One bad storm or a heavy winter can start you on the wrong path, if you don’t take care of it right away.
Wondering how to winterize your roof? We’ve got everything you need to know right here.
Many types of roof damage can be repaired. For example, missing roof shingles are relatively simple to replace, especially if you catch it early. Extensive water damage or damage from a falling tree might call for a full replacement.
Need to replace a roof in winter? We can help.
A roof with asphalt shingles can last up to 30 years, but that depends on upkeep. If you keep it clean and address problems promptly, you’re more likely to get the full lifespan. Of course, you don’t have to wait until your roof is falling apart to replace it. You might be surprised how much a new energy-efficient roof makes your life easier.
The cost to repair a roof ranges from a few hundred dollars to thousands, depending on the severity and square footage of the damage. If you want to compare the cost of repair and replacement, request our roofing cost guide to learn more.
Before you can start taking care of your new roof, you need to find a roofer that you can trust. Bromwell Construction Company has decades of knowledge and experience to provide expert care for your roof. We love helping homeowners get the most from their investment. If you’re ready to discover the benefits of a new roof that lasts as long as it should, contact us to request an estimate.