With Spring in its infancy, rest assured there will be a number of rain showers from today through the ends of Summer. Rain’s great for the lawn and gardens on our property, but repeated rain showers, moreover severe winds and hail can potentially be damaging for one of the most defensive parts of the home: the roof.
And if you haven’t checked to see if you need roof repairs, you might want to do so. I’m not talking about putting yourself at risk by climbing up there repeatedly, I’m saying just give it a look-see from the ground floor. There’s a handful of signs to check to make sure your roof’s showing signs of aging or damage.
1. Damaged Shingles: Whether from age or wind/debris damage, loose or missing shingles should be the first place to start. Look for shingles that have begun to curl at the edges. This is a sign of individual shingles fraying and when that happens, it’s a safe bet they might start to detach altogether. You could try and repair those yourself by going to the store, buying some roofing cement or specialized caulk and applying the adhesive to corners. If the curled effect makes the shingle too brittle, you might be better off pulling it out and replacing it with any extra shingles left over from the installation.
2. Missing Roof Sections: This one’s going to be the most obvious sign your roof is in need of help. High winds and severe weather can sometimes get the best of shingles and older roofs alike. When your home’s experienced these multiple times over the course of your roof’s existence, it must be tended to immediately for the safety of your home’s foundation underneath the roof. Too much rain can pool in these open pockets and soon produce mold or rot along the most delicate part of your home, the foundation. If there are multiple gaps or open spaces all along the roof, you might be better off getting an entire roof replacement. And if your home’s insurance covers that after say, a hail storm or other severe weather circumstance, there’s probably little to no cost for you anyways.
3. Age of Roof: Check your home owner’s manual to see whether there’s an exact or estimated timeframe of the roof’s age. Generally, the lifespan of a roof can be anywhere from 20 to 50 years, although this doesn’t account for severe weather or other unaccounted abuses. Many cedar/wooden roofs, while great to look at, typically require more maintenance and aren’t as durable as metal roofs or solar-powered roofing. That’s not to say you should stay clear of the wooden roofs, but if it’s longevity you’re after, it’s best to go with metal roofing or other high-defense roofing material.
In conclusion, preparation and remodel is the name of the game with roofing replacements or repairs. And with most home insurance policies covering your roof replacement, whether it’s a roofing contractor from KC, Dallas or New York, a simple estimate, cost and notification to your insurance of what the claim is and you’re new roof won’t be too far behind.
