Roofing Red Flags
Feb 10, 2016When should you contact a roofing professional?
[bs_lead]Let’s face it: your roof has been through a lot. [/bs_lead]
Over the years, it has seen countless storms, changing seasons, a couple of lost frisbees, and maybe even a broken shingle or two. Not to mention the pesky ongoing battle against gravity!
Offering constant protection against mother nature’s elements is a tough job, and roofs will inevitably break down over time. While it’s possible to keep your roof for many years if properly maintained, many people unfortunately don’t think about roof repair until it’s too late.
Start inside…
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Arm yourself with a flashlight and head to your attic!
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While many people believe that looking over their roof once or twice a year for obvious damage is sufficient, it’s also important to check from inside. In your attic, if you see any of these warning signs, it may be time to call a professional roofer:
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- Signs of water damage (such as rotting or damaged wood), and leaking – if there’s an obvious leak, your roof is at serious risk for irreparable damage
- Outside light visible from through the roof – if you’re able to see any amount of light through the roof boards, there’s a high chance that water can get through that space
- Large dark spots – staining is usually an indication of long-term water leakage
- Signs of obvious wear and stress, such as sagging – sagging is a definite indication of a decline in structural integrity
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…and work your way up!
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Visually inspect your roof regularly – this will help to extend its life, and will help you to catch any possible problems before they get out of hand.
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Take extreme caution if you head up onto your roof – it’s best to contact a professional roofer, since they’ll know exactly what they’re looking for. On the roof…
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- Survey the area for damage – many visual clues are often hard to ignore, and will be helpful in determining what action should be taken to repair your roof
- Check for moisture problems – water can get stuck under faulty shingles and can cause issues with rot, mold, and bacteria
- Look for obvious wear – missing, cracked, curled, or otherwise damaged shingles, as well as excessive shingle granules in the gutters, are signs of advanced wear
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Eventually, no matter how well you take care of your roof, it will need some kind of repair down the line. Most often, a typical roof will last around 20 to 25 years.
Replace or Repair?
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Determining whether or not you should replace your roof or repair the damage depends on many factors.
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For most people, the largest factor is cost. It’s dangerous to assume that repairs will be cheaper than an entirely new roof. Sometimes, replacing the roof is more economical in the long run. In the end, you’ll want to think about what kind of repairs would be required to keep your roof in the best possible shape, and then decide the best route to take.
For minimal damage, or damage that only appears on part of the roof, repairs are usually the best way to go. Keep in mind, however, that the cost for repairing sections of the roof also depend on the materials used. Always consult with a professional before determining which course of action you want to go with.
If your roof is fairly new, usually a repair makes more sense. If your roof is nearly 20 years old and requires constant repairs to keep it in working shape, it may be time to consider replacing it, rather than prolonging the inevitable even further.
What we do
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At BACK Construction, we complete roofing projects, big or small.
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This includes roof, flashing, and chimney repairs, as well as whole roof replacement. We take great pride in our work and our clients’ satisfaction. That’s why we use CertainTeed asphalt shingles and can make available a Lifetime Warranty for your roof. BACK Construction has received the CertainTeed Select Shingler status, which is the highest level of training possible.
BACK Construction’s residential roofing division has helped solve homeowner’s roof problems since 1991. We proudly service the following Kentucky areas in a variety of services, including roofing:
- Lexington
- Paris
- Richmond
- Winchester
- Jessamine
- Scott
- Anderson
- Woodford County
At BACK Construction, we know your home is your single most important investment. We understand your expectations for quality work from a contractor. As a full-service remodeling firm, we strive to provide a superior customer experience and product on all your projects, no matter how big or small. We Build It BACK Better.
Contact us today for more information!
