People rarely consider the condition of their roofs unless there’s a leak. But, this doesn’t have to be the case. Roof maintenance is essential to keep your property nice and clean. Plus, it prevents leaks, which can cause serious structural damage.
You should perform roof maintenance at least twice a year. It’s particularly important to have this done during the fall so that your home is ready for winter. Having to deal with roof leaks in winter may be a hassle.
Roof maintenance isn’t something you should do by yourself. It’d be best to look for reliable New Jersey Roofers or similar contractors in your locality to handle the task. But, if you want to, you can conduct a visual inspection to check for any signs of damage. However, a professional contractor should provide final recommendations as to whether your roof can be repaired or needs replacement.
Here’s how to know if you need roofing repair or replacement.
- An Old Roof
Much like any other part of your house, your roof will succumb to wear and tear over time. Some roofs stand the test of time and don’t suffer significant damage over their useful lives. But, others, particularly those subjected to harsh environments and weather conditions, may not last as long and will need replacement sooner rather than later.
Note that all roofs age at different rates. Their depreciation is influenced by variables such as ventilation and climate. However, the general life span of a roof is around the 20-year range. Therefore, consider replacing your roof if your house is nearing this period.
- Missing Or Damaged Shingles
You can examine the roof for broken, missing, or damaged shingles on your own. However, it’s still best to have an expert look at it because they have the right skills to do a proper assessment.
Broken shingles should either be repaired or replaced. These often indicate that there’s already a leak.
- Neighbors Getting New Roofs
If you built your home around the same time as your neighbors and notice them getting new roofs, it’s a sign that you should get one, too. This can be a good yardstick because houses in the same area experience similar weather conditions. So, chances are roofs will degrade at similar rates.
- Sagging Ceiling
Having a saggy ceiling is a tell-tale sign that your roof needs to be replaced. Once the ceiling has been damaged by water, restoring it to its former glory may be difficult. That’s why it’s best to replace it once impairment is starkly visible. But, before that, you must properly address the leak from the exterior.
- Mold And Moss Growth
This is another warning sign that you should pay attention to. Mold often grows on your ceiling over time due to water dripping slowly from the roof. Moss, on the other hand, grows rapidly between shingles. If left unchecked, it can cause significant damage to your roof.
Moss is dangerous for the roof because it collects rainfall. This water then seeps through the shingles and into the roof’s underside. This is what might cause mold to grow on the inside of your house. Also, if your moss isn’t overgrown, you may remove it using a hard brush. Using a pressure washer may worsen the situation, so avoid it.
- Rotten Sheathing
The sheathing is a protective covering installed on top of beams and beneath the shingles to prevent moisture from penetrating the roof. Because it’s generally comprised of wood, this layer is prone to rotting or water damage.
Since the sheathing isn’t exposed, a roofing contractor can see it during an inspection. Some signs of deterioration include wall stains, damaged wall paint, and a drooping ceiling. Nevertheless, if the sheathing layer is weak or rotting, it must be replaced since it won’t adequately support the roof. This, in turn, may result in certain structural issues. So, hire a roofing contractor to replace your sheathing.
Conclusion
It’d be best not to put off investing in roof repair until a major leak occurs. Remember that being proactive is the first step to avoiding any problem. That said, regular roof maintenance is essential because it helps you to detect issues before they worsen. Some complications exacerbate gradually and will eventually reach a point where they become visible. However, if rigorous inspections are performed at least twice a year, problems may be detected and rectified right away. While you may conduct certain elements of roof inspection yourself, it’s best to leave the actual roof repair or replacement to the specialists.
