Why do you need to store a roofer’s number in your phone’s contact list? While you might not need a roofing professional on speed dial, take a look at the top reasons to find a quality roofer before you need them.
Storm Damage Can Happen Anytime
You never know when a sudden storm could strike. High winds, flying objects, hail, and torrential rains can damage a roof. The results could include damage requiring emergency attention, such as:
- Missing shingles. Strong winds and flying debris can rip shingles from your roof. This type of damage is more than just an aesthetic issue. The bare spot left behind allows water to enter your home, potentially damaging the wood under the roof or the attic.
- Cracked shingles. Clay, concrete, or slate tiles can crack during a severe storm. Like missing shingles, this can also allow water to enter your home.
- Dents. Large hail can dent a metal roof. While this may not cause a functional problem, it will leave your sleek roof with a bumpy look.
- Granule loss. Swift rains and strong winds can pull granules from asphalt shingles. The granules add to the shingles’ color and help to reflect light. Granule loss can negatively impact the energy efficiency of your roof.
Even though the weather forecast may sometimes predict severe storms, an unexpected downpour could cause these and other types of damage. If this happens to your home, you’ll need a roofing contractor immediately. A leaky roof, missing shingles, and washed-away granules can cause problems inside your home that you won’t want to linger.
Wear and Tear Aren’t Always Obvious
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), an asphalt shingle roof can last for 20 or more years. A slate roof has a lifespan of 60 to 150 years, metal’s lifespan is 40 to 80 years, and clay or concrete’s lifespan is 100-plus years.Whether you have an asphalt roof or a metal model, wear and tear can gradually cause problems. While some types of wear (such as missing shingles or cracks) are obvious, others aren’t. Unknown or unexpected wear and tear can cause:
- Water leaks. Shingle wear can allow water to enter your home. This type of damage won’t always include spots of missing shingles. Cracks, curling, or granule issues can also lead to leaks.
- Structural problems. Years of wear can result in structural issues under your roof. This serious problem can cause complete failure or a collapse. While serious structural issues aren’t common, lack of maintenance combined with the elements can put your roof at risk.
- Aesthetic issues. Algae, moss, or mold growth over time can darken and discolor your roof. Over time, discoloration can grow from a small almost unnoticeable patch to your entire roof.
If wear and tear damage or other related issues suddenly become obvious, you’ll need a roofer ready to help. The less time you start searching for a roofer, the better. Left untreated, water leaks, structural issues, and discoloration (from algae or mold) can go from what seems like a minor problem to something much more serious.
Maintenance and Care Can Help
You won’t only need to a roofer to make repairs after the fact. Maintenance is another primary reason to find a qualified contractor before you need them.Routine maintenance tasks a roofer can help with include:
- Inspection. A professional can inspect every area of the roof and evaluate its integrity. The roofer can find damage and wear before you see it.
- Moss or algae removal. The roofer can clean and remove this type of growth from your roof as soon as you see that growth.
- Fix flashing. Flashing covers seams and other gap-like areas. The roofer can inspect the flashing and make repairs during regular maintenance visits.
Along with these care-related tasks, the roofer can remove debris, replace loose caulking, clear gutters, install screens or traps, and check vents.Do you need a new roofer? Contact Amenity Roofing, Siding & Gutters LLC for more information.
