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How To Know If Your Roof Needs Repair or Replacement

As property owners, among the problems we face, are the tearing down, damage, and leaks on our roofs regardless of its material. We often wonder about the best approach in fixing the issue – if we should have it repaired or replaced. To make a wise decision on whether to spend money on roof repair or if it’s time to have a replacement, here are some of the factors you should consider. Your Roof’s Material The life span of your roofing system primarily depends on the type(steep-sloped, low-sloped) and material(polymer, asphalt, metal, etc. ) that is used. They use different ways to identify the problem and require different construction methods. Knowing and understanding your existing roof will help you make the best decision and plan accordingly. Your Roof’s Warranty Performing an independent repair on your roofing might cause the cancellation of its warranty. Most roofings that are under warranty require manufacturer-approved or certified contractors to perform inspections and repairs. It would be best if you take advantage of paying less or none at all while your roof’s warranty is still in effect. When the warranty ends, it’s now your discretion to either get a repair or replacement. Your Roof’s Maturity It might be difficult for you to determine if your roofing system already reached its maturity if you are living in a pre-owned home. But if you have ways of knowing how old is your existing roof, it would be easier for you to determine how long is the time left in its estimated service life. Knowing this information will also help you make the best judgment about whether to invest in a replacement or to perform a repair. Where is the Damage Located Knowing the location of your roof’s damage will also help you decide the best course of action to take. A few damages in some isolated parts of your roof only require repair. However, if the damage is located or affects a large area of your roofing, now that’s the time that you should consider a replacement. Buildings that are prone to severe weather conditions also require durable roofing; thus, replacement is what they need best. Look for Deep-Rooted Issues Sometimes hidden from our knowledge, there are underlying issues that make our roof more prone to damages. These include rainwater that sits on the settled section of low-sloped roofs or the ice build-ups during winter that melt and stays in the roofs for a very long time. Identifying such issues will help you decide which is the best solution – repair or replacement. If you need expert advice, feel free to contact us. We’d be more than glad to use our knowledge and expertise in helping you make the right choice.

Autumn Checklist For Your Roof

In the summer, it’s easy to forget about your roof with warm sunny days we forget about potential damage to our home such as leaks, overflowing gutters, and lost shingles.

As autumn arrives it’s a good idea to finish all of the outside jobs before the cold weather sets in. Our autumn Checklist helps to ensure that you carry out all those end-of-the-year jobs that will help to protect your roof as we enter the colder seasons.

Foliage in your gutters

As the autumn leaves begin to fall windy weather can cause foliage to land on your roof and gutters. Foliage can cause a risk of a blockage in your gutters that could eventually cause an overflow and leak into your roof. Acting now and clearing out your gutters guarantees that your gutters are clean and blockage free.

Chimney Flashing

Chimneys are a common source of leaks it’s important to check the flashing and make sure that it isn’t damaged. Vents should be investigated to make sure that the sealant isn’t cracking or peeling away. Any structure that penetrates through the roof and requires sealing to ensure that your roof doesn’t leak should be looked at it.

Broken Roof Tiles

The main issue with cracked roof tiles is the gap that is created allowing water to enter your roof. This can cause all types of damage, such as mold and mildew resulting in health hazards, damaged walls and ceilings, and damage to belongings.

Moss

Make sure your roof is free of moss. Not only does moss look bad but left on your roof it might damage your roof. Moss roots can actually lift shingles and moss tends to trap moisture, eventually rotting wood.

Roof Inspection

It’s always a good idea to have your roof inspected at least once a year. The cost of an annual inspection and preventative maintenance can save you thousands when compared to the costs of emergency repair and personal injury costs.

To learn more about all the services we offer at Low Cost Roofing, you can contact us via our simple inquiry form or call us on 01782 851 395 and 07581 388 962.

Early Signs You May Need a Roof Replacement

Your roof is probably the most important protective component of your home. So how do you know when it’s time to replace the roof? No roof lasts forever, especially not so beautiful British weather, but there are ways to estimate how long your current roof should last. When estimating the lifespan of your roof, it’s important to take into consideration the state of your roof, especially if you’re not sure when or how it was installed. Here’s how to notice and deal with potential issues before they become big ones.

1. Watch Your Neighbours

If your house was built around the same time as your neighbours, keep an eye out for when they’re replacing their roofs. If several neighbours are replacing their roofs around the same time, you should consider installing a new roof on your home. This is especially important if you haven’t lived in your home for very long and are unsure of the age of the roof.

2. Age of the Roof

The life expectancy of your roof depends factors that include the roof design and the climate you live in, as well as the quality of installation and long-term care and maintenance. However as a rule of thumb, most roofs can last for 20-25 years before they need to be replaced. The lifespan of your roof will depend on initial installation and upkeep.

3. Water Stain

Water damage in the home or attic is the clearest sign of roof failure.But a leak alone isn’t conclusive proof that an entire roof needs to be replaced. If water sits in the roof-area for too long it can cause wood rot, mold, and other types of destruction.Be sure that the leak isn’t due to poor flashing around a skylight, chimney, vent or other penetration of the roof. Such a problem can be fixed without replacing the entire roof.

4. High Energy Bills

Exposure to extreme weather conditions can impact the functionality of your roof as the boards can start to buckle and break under the weight of the water, causing the roof to sag. If you suddenly see a spike in your air conditioning or heating costs, the cool or warm air may be leaking out through your roof. In turn, this can affect the interior of your home by creating a rather dangerous, unsafe structure, meaning the roof will need replacing immediately.

5. Sunlight through cracks

When examining the roof from inside your home, if you notice any gaps where sunlight appears through the roof boards then you must seek help from a professional roofing company straight away, if light can get in so can rain, cold air, and snow. The sooner you have this fixed, the less likely you are to have to replace the whole roof.

Act Now

Don’t wait until water is unexpectedly pouring into your home by way of a leaky roof. Start protecting your family and home by using some simple observation skills. If you find problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace your roof as most repairs can be made before a major rebuild is necessary. To learn more about all the services we offer at Low Cost Roofing, you can check our website or call telephone numbers 01782 851 395 and 07581 388 962.