The roof on your home is by far the most important factor in keeping out the weather elements. Your roof is a weatherproof shield against rain, snow, heat and cold. Making sure your roof is holding up well is essential in keeping your home safe. Often times, a roof can need replacement when high winds rip of shingles or a tree or branch falls or if a major hailstorm damages the integrity of the structure. However, the age of your roof may also determine whether it needs replacement. Spotting a leak is a good indication that your roof may be in need of maintenance or replacement.
You can perform a visual inspection of your roof by looking at the sides of the roof. A roof in good condition should appear straight and flat. There should be no bulging or curled tiles, no spaces and no discoloration. Make sure you also inspect around the base of the chimney and vents. The tiles should be flush and seamless around the bases of the pipe vents. If they are bulging, it is a good indication that water is leaking underneath the shingles, slowly causing damage to the roof.
Don't forget to check your gutters. Keeping your gutters clean and free of debris will allow the rainwater to drain properly, instead of pooling around the seams of your roof, which will can find its way into the roofing seams and cause damage. If you see potential problems during your visual inspection of the roof, you should call a roofing contractor for a professional's opinion.
A professional roofing contractor will be able to find the problem and offer you solutions to fix it. Your roofer may suggest roof-venting technologies, such as a ridgevent system. They also may offer you options in the type of new roof that should be installed on your home. If you live in a wet climate, for example, you may benefit from a corrugated roof, which quickly funnels water off of the house.
And old roof, no matter how expertly it was installed, will eventually begin to absorb moisture. The water, when soaked into the wood, will cause mold and rot, which will require a complete replacement of the wooden frame. Making sure you install the correct roofing tiles and shingles, whether they are asphalt, clay or aluminum, will keep the moisture from leaking into the home and rotting the wood. It is imperative that you perform annual inspections of your roof to ensure it is keeping water out and all seams are properly sealed.
Your roofing contractor will be able to provide you with an estimate and a detailed description of the work to be done, as well as offer you professional solutions to ensure your new roof will last for many years. With periodic maintenance and visual inspections, you can be sure your roof will keep your home safe from the elements.
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