When You Need a Roof Replacement
Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home. It protects your interior from extreme weather conditions and saves you energy, all while increasing resale value. Don't call just any roofing company when you need a roof replacement. The most reputable roofing business in the Tampa Bay area is Roofers in Brooksville FL.
However, nothing lasts forever and even the best-maintained roof eventually reaches its “sell-by” date. Here are six no-fail warning signs it’s time for a replacement:
1. Damaged Shingles
Your roof works hard to protect your home from freezing winters, scorching summers, winds, hail, and rain. But it's up to you to keep an eye on the shingles and other parts of your roof to ensure that nothing gets damaged. If a storm damages or blows off a few of your shingles, it's time to get them replaced as quickly as possible to avoid leaks and more severe damage.
Shingles can be easily repaired when you have a little DIY experience and the right tools. The quickest and least expensive way to fix a small number of shingle damages is by loosening the nails and adhesive with a flat pry bar. Once you've climbed the ladder and accessed the damaged shingle, slide the pry bar underneath it to break the glue seal. Then, slowly and carefully, lift the shingle until you can access the nails holding it in place. Remove the nails, one at a time, taking care not to rip up the adjacent shingles.
Once the nails are out, simply pull up and out the damaged shingle and slide in a replacement. Then use shingle cement to fasten the new shingles to the roof deck.
It's also a good idea to inspect the rest of your roof for signs of damage or wear and tear. Check all the areas where shingles meet, around chimneys and vents, for any gaps or leaks.
If you find any shingles that are missing, be sure to replace them as soon as possible to prevent water from seeping in and damaging the attic or upper floors of your home. Moisture that gets into your home can cause mold and mildew to form, which can be a big problem for the health and safety of you and your family.
If you're thinking of selling your house in the future, a damaged or missing roof can put off prospective buyers and devalue your home. Even if you've created an amazing garden or Olympic-sized swimming pool to lure potential buyers, a damaged roof may be enough to turn them away. Getting your shingles repaired and replaced as soon as you notice them can help you increase your home's sale value and attract more interest.
2. Leaking Gutters
A leaking gutter can cause damage to your home's siding and create a breeding ground for mosquitoes. It can also lead to rust, rot and other problems. Look for water stains or black marks on your house's fascia board (the trim that runs along the roofline) and in the areas where the gutter meets the wall.
Leaking gutters are usually due to broken or loose gutter fasteners, a clogged gutter or a hole in the gutter liner. Repairing the gutters usually involves replacing the gutter liner and cleaning out the old one. This can be a DIY job, but you'll need the right tools and some basic knowledge of roofing. If you're not comfortable removing the old gutter liner and installing new gutters, it's best to leave this to a professional.
If you have good attic access, tracking down a leak can be as simple as looking for water stains or black marks in the ceiling. If you don't have attic access or your attic is vaulted, it can be a lot more difficult to find the source of the leak. Start by running a hose up against the surface of your roof to soak spots where you think the leak might be coming from.
Once you've located a stain, examine the roof uphill from it to see if you can spot a gap or missing shingle. Many leaks occur at or around roof penetrations, such as plumbing and roof vents, chimneys, dormers and skylights. Closed areas of uninterrupted shingles don't leak, but if you have one, the leak will likely be located near a penetration.
If you're considering a roof replacement, consider how long you plan to stay in your home and whether the cost of a new roof is worth it for you. If you're thinking about selling, a new roof can improve your home's curb appeal and make it more attractive to prospective buyers. Be sure to talk to your neighbors about the project beforehand to let them know about noise and debris and to ask them to lock their gates so that stray shingles don't end up in their yards.
3. Damaged Siding
The siding on your home can be vulnerable to damage. Loose siding, rotted boards or even warped panels can leave your home vulnerable to water infiltration and moisture issues that lead to wood rot. Thankfully, this type of damage can often be fixed with a few simple steps.
Siding is made of various materials, including wood and vinyl. The most common issue with wood siding is rot due to excess moisture. This is especially true around the fascia and soffit, or the front and underside of the roofing. To prevent rot, it’s important to regularly reseal and repaint your siding. In addition, you should keep bushes and shrubs away from the home and use gutter downspouts to divert rainwater.
Cracks and holes in the siding are another common problem. While these may not seem like a big deal at first, they can quickly lead to rot and other issues. It’s important to repair these problems as soon as you see them.
Whether it’s caused by harsh weather or holiday decorating mishaps, a hole in the siding is an open invitation for water to enter your home. Fortunately, you can fix small divots and holes in your siding with a little bit of caulk.
To do this, start by cleaning the damaged area with soap and water and allowing it to dry. Next, use a pry bar or hammer to remove any nails that have popped from the surface. Replace these with longer galvanized nails or screws and recess the screw heads to avoid leaks.
Use the existing clapboard as a template to size the new piece of siding you’ll be installing. Once you have the piece cut, apply some caulk to the back and place it over the hole or divot in your siding. Smooth the caulk using a putty knife and then paint the repaired section to conceal it.
It’s important to note that if you have a large section of rotting or severely damaged siding, it may be time to consider replacing the entire section of your roof. Replacing your siding is a major undertaking and can be expensive, but it will ensure that your home has the proper protection from the elements and protects the structure of your house.
4. Leaking Vents
Leaking roof vents are common problems that cause water damage in your home. Whether you're dealing with black or white stains on your ceiling, mold, mildew, or wet drywall, leaks around roof vents are a problem that needs to be addressed. Leaking roof vents can also lead to rotting of your roofing system, which can damage your attic and soffits.
The most common cause of leaking roof vents is due to deteriorating flashing and sealants. This is especially true for metal roof vents, which rust quickly and often have cracks around the base of the vent. Luckily, you can fix these leaks yourself, if you have a ladder and are careful not to fall.
Start by using a ladder to enter your attic and searching for the source of the leaks. You can do this by closely following the water stains on your ceiling or looking for areas of dampness in the attic floor. Once you've found the leaks, make sure to use a ladder that is safe and secure for climbing and always have a spotter nearby.
You can also inspect roof vents for problems like cracked housings or broken seams on plastic roof vents, or loose or missing nails securing the metal base of the vent. For a quick and easy repair that will last, apply a layer of DAP Ultra Clear Flexible All Purpose Waterproof Sealant around the edges of the base plate. You can even dab it on the exposed roofing nails to prevent them from rusting.
Another common reason for leaking roof vents is ice dams. These are formed when a roof's surface warms during the day, melts snow, and then re-freezes overnight, causing water to flow back under shingles. The best way to stop ice dams is by adding insulation to your attic, which can help prevent heat loss and keep the temperature in your attic stable. You can also use a de-icing product to help melt ice dams and prevent water from flowing back under your shingles. Be aware that these are only temporary fixes and should be followed up with a professional roof inspection and repair.
Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home. It protects your interior from extreme weather conditions and saves you energy, all while increasing resale value. Don't call just any roofing company when you need a roof replacement. The most reputable roofing business in the Tampa Bay area is Roofers in Brooksville…