Residential roofing materials
Spot Roof Problems Before They Spread
You likely wouldn’t wait to address a leaking kitchen faucet dripping onto the floor. The same should be true of your home’s biggest asset protector, your roof. Signs of trouble include damaged or missing shingles, moss, dark streaks and granules in the gutters. Stains on ceilings or walls, soft spots on upper-level walls and ceilings, a musty attic and wet insulation could be signs of water damage as well.
Take note of any areas of rusted or separated flashing around the chimney, skylights, vents, etc. Pay attention to spots that look lifted or need resealing. Any of these are likely sources of leaks.
While it seems like leaks are easy to diagnose, leaks can be deceptive. Water can move around in many places including behind walls, under insulation and on roof sheathing. It’s common for a ceiling stain to be a couple of feet away from the source of the leak.
Decide Whether Repair or Replacement Makes Sense
Roof shingles and flashing
Some situations call for repairs, some call for roof replacement. It helps to know the difference to avoid paying for replacement when you don’t need one or wasting money on repairs that will be temporary.
Roof repairs might be a good option when damage is localized and the rest of the system is in good shape. Missing or damaged shingles, leaks around flashing, some drainage issues and other specific areas can be repaired.
A new roof may be necessary if there’s extensive damage, the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, leaks are widespread, shingles are curling or missing in many places, there’s evidence of sagging or other issues.
Think about the level of damage, how old the roof is and whether it’s worth investing in repairs when replacement is inevitable in a couple of years. A repair might be the best choice when a tree limb falls on your brand-new roof. On the flip side, replacing the whole roof when a couple of shingles need replacement would be overkill. A good repair fixes the source of a problem and doesn’t just paper over symptoms.
The best way to get answers is with a professional assessment of your roof’s condition. If your contractor recommends replacement, ask for examples of widespread damage. A thorough assessment should include a close-up look at the entire system including gutters, ventilation, sheathing and decking, attic, flashing, valleys, shingles, boots, etc.
Inspect the Exterior, Attic, and Ventilation
Check the Exterior Components
Shingles and other visible signs of wear, including lifted, missing, blistered or buckled shingles; dark or discolored patches, bald spots, algae/moss buildup; flashing that is lifting, corroded, cracked; daylight showing; cracked mortar on chimney; loose nails. Valleys and boots are also common leaky spots. The transition from the roof to the chimney should be examined.
Soft spots when walking on the roof could mean decking or sheathing issues. Unevenness in the roofline or dips may be signs of water damage. Gutters, skylights and other areas where water is funneled should be examined for damage as well.
Check the Attic and Ventilation
Look for wet or stained insulation, darkened rafters/trusses or decking, daylight coming through the roof. Ask about balanced attic ventilation – www.forbes.com/home-improvement/roofing/roof-ventilation is worth a skim. Poor ventilation allows excess moisture and heat to linger, causing shingles to fail earlier than their warranty, promoting mold and contributing to higher cooling costs. Ask what would happen if ice formed on the underside of the roof and how this could be avoided.
Choose Materials and Plan for Water Management
While asphalt shingles are the most common, other types of roofs offer advantages in longevity, extreme weather situations and more. The right choice depends on the condition of your current roof, your goals, your budget, roof shape and complexity, pitch, decking, ventilation, maintenance and more; the practical side of roofing starts there.
A good contractor will be able to point out strengths of your roof, identify weak links that need addressed and provide solutions. Roofing is more than shingles. Ventilation, flashing, decking, the underlayment, nails, ice/water shields and more are part of a quality installation.
Set Expectations Before Work Begins
If the scope of the project changes, say when rotten decking is discovered during a tear-off, how will this be handled? Who has access to your home and property? Who’s responsible for removing nails from the yard? How will workers protect landscaping? What happens when it rains? How will any issues be addressed during the project? Get the scope of work in writing. A good contractor will gladly answer questions, offer references, communicate openly and make sure you understand what’s included.
Document Problems and Take the Next Step
Photograph problem areas, pay attention to when leaks occur, take a look in the attic (safely) after heavy rains and jot down anything that concerns you. Seek out a free assessment from a reputable, responsive, insured roofer that explains issues and offers solutions. Ask plenty of questions.