When it comes to revamping your home, few things compare to having a roof with reinforced structural integrity. No doubt, shelter at home starts from having a roof over your head–one that weathers the storm well and keeps your space feeling like home.
With that in mind, this article explains every basic roof repair to ensure you are taking the right steps to roof repair and maintenance. Let’s start with the benefits of securing good roof health.
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Why Roofing Matters More Than You Think
While your roof might be the last thing that matters to you when it comes to residential design, it tends to offer more functional benefits than structural benefits. Here are five reasons your shingles matter more than you may know:
Protection Against Harsh Weather
This is a no-brainer, huh? But it’s easy to forget that shingles wear off with time, which of course, can easily mean a roof that speaks every weather in bad tones, from a leaking roof when it rains to a flapping slate when the stormy wind comes.
Moral of the story? You have to be more thankful for shingles that keep your house free of drains, hidden moisture, soaked walls, and even a surprise stormy day ceiling reveal.
Improves Energy Efficiency
Okay, this is a bit more technical. But every roof with a good warranty should offer proper insulation. While we won’t get into the mechanics of how that works, it’s key to ensure your roofing allows for a well-regulated in-room temperature, not one that creaks in the heat when summer comes or freezes in the cold like there are no doors to your home when winter comes. That’s what insulation gives you. You can think about reduced cooling and heating costs when weather conditions change.
Boosts Curb Appeal
You may not always see it, but the beauty of your roof goes beyond its sloppy edges. When you keep your shingles in shape, you ensure a well-put-together home, inside and out. And if you ever must put it out for rent or sell it, maximizing its price value won’t be a flimsy possibility.
Now you’ve got three essential reasons to be decisive about your roof maintenance, how do you get started?
Your Roofing Installations: Getting It Right from the Start
Types of Shingles and Their Features
Asphalt Shingles
This is the most common and affordable roof type out there. They are lightweight and easy to install. Thanks to their robust build, they are great protectors against rain, UV rays, and moderate wind. What’s more, they are aesthetic and come in different colors, making it easy to achieve an ideal finish.
However, if you’re looking to purchase shingles with a 30-plus-year guarantee, asphalt shingles may not be the best option for you.
Tile Shingles
Easily seen in clay or concrete construction, tile roofs are a great shield in hot climates, offering solid insulation to your home. Think about tile shingles when durability is a driving factor. They are fairly priced and can last for over five decades.
The only thing to worry about when it comes to tiles is weight, as they are quite heavy and may require structural support to stay in shape, which again means more installation costs.
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles are made from aluminum, copper, or steel and can endure UV rays, harsh storms, and fall impacts. They neutralize solar heat and winter frost, minimizing room temperature regulation costs. They also resist fire, insects, and mildew, meaning they do well in extreme weather zones.
The tradeoff, however, is noise during rain or hailstorms, especially when not properly insulated. And while this, too, can be fixed, it often means extra maintenance costs.
Slate Shingles
Slate material adds to shingle beauty, making them pricey. They are also one of the longest-lasting alternatives in the market, staying as long as over a century. Slate shingles are waterproof, fire-resistant, and sustainable. As such, maintenance may not be required as frequently as with many other shingle types. However, initial investment costs are high, given the need for especially skilled labor to secure a solid setup.
Choosing the right roofing material can be everything, impacting how soon and how much you’ll have to invest throughout the lifetime of your shingles. On average, shingles last 20-30 years before needing a replacement or significant repair. However, replacements may be required before then or later. If so, how can you know when to replace your old roof? Let’s dig in.
Roof Replacement: When It’s Time to Upgrade
There are a couple of signs to look out for which would indicate the need for a roof replacement. They include the following:
Shingles Are Curling, Cracking, or Missing
Noticed your shingles begin to curl at the edges, crack, or go missing? If so, then it’s time to get a replacement as these often lead to unwanted situations such as leaks and water damage. If the issue doesn’t extend to most of your zinc, good patches might help extend your roof’s lifespan.
Roofs Are Sagging or Uneven
Sagging roofs usually signal a foundational problem. When this happens, you need an expert roofer who can promptly fix your compromised rafters or decking, which could collapse if left unattended.
You see Daylight Through the Roof Boards in the Attic
If you notice sun beams protruding through your roof boards, it’s a sign your shingles are wearing off and need repair. If left unfixed, your home may suffer from pest invasions or water infiltration.
Water Leaks or Stains on Interior Ceilings and Walls
An off-color ceiling may signal dampening from water leaks. These can easily result in insulation damage and soaked walls, and they may also affect your electrical systems.
Roof Repairs: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
A professional inspection can help confirm whether you need a replacement. It’s always best to work with a team that provides long-term value through a customer-centric approach. Experts, like Home Vision Remodel, do more than fix–they bring a suite of after-service benefits tailored to ensure you not only maximize your budget but enjoy peace of mind while your roofing lasts.
Read Next: Roof Repair or Replace: Every Homeowner Needs to Know