What Are Some Signs That My Roof Needs Maintenance?

A roof is a significant investment for a homeowner, and you will not want to replace it any more often than necessary. Roofs are designed to last for a long time, but without the right maintenance, their lifespans can be dramatically shortened. How do you know if your roof needs maintenance or roofing repair?

How Often Does Your Roof Need Maintenance?

Ideally, you should have a professional roofer inspect your roof and perform maintenance tasks every year. The roof should be kept clean, not just to keep it looking good, but to protect it from damage. Other maintenance tasks include trimming tree branches, checking the seals around different roof installations, and keeping gutters and downspouts clean and in good condition. If you have neglected any of this, you may notice some telltale signs that your roof needs maintenance.

• Your shingles may appear curled, bowed, or cupped. Cupping and curling mean the shingles are starting to peel away from the roof and point upwards. If the center of the shingle seems bowed up or lifted, this is something called clawing. All of these conditions mean the roof needs repair.
• There are dark streaks on your roof. Airborne algae will often end up on your roof and can cause dark streaks. These streaks are not necessarily harmful or damaging, but they are unsightly.
• Moss is growing on the surface of the roof. Especially when a roof does not get very much sunlight or tends to be moist, moss is likely to grow. Unfortunately, in addition to being a cosmetic issue, moss can damage the shingles. Brushing it off won’t completely eradicate it, and can damage the shingles, so you are best served by contacting a professional roofing company.

How Maintenance Forestalls Replacement- and When It’s Time to Replace

When you have regular inspections and maintenance performed by a professional roofing company, you can often catch the need for roofing repair before problems become too significant and costly. Regular maintenance keeps a roof in good condition and can mean that your roof may even outlast the roofs of your neighbors. However, there will come a time when a new roof is a reality you cannot stall any further. Here are some signs the roof needs to be replaced:

• Your roof is old. If your roof is over 20 years old, particularly if it is beginning to look worn, it is time to replace it.
• The shingles are cracking. If you see what looks like cracks in your shingles, it could be tears that are the result of the shingles expanding and contracting over time. As temperatures rise and fall and the shingles expand and contract, they eventually begin to tear, leaving your home vulnerable to leaks and structural damage.
• Your neighbors are replacing their roofs. Typically, the houses in a neighborhood will have been built around the same time. Since the roofs endure the same weather conditions, they tend to wear out at the same rate.
• There is grit in your gutters. If you have asphalt shingles, you will notice that they have grit embedded in their surface. This is to help the shingles resist sun damage. That grit loosens and falls off, but if it seems to be collecting in the gutters, this indicates a problem. Shingles without grit are more vulnerable to the effects of the sun and can warp, cup, or deteriorate.
• You are finding shingle pieces in your yard. When a roof is deteriorating, it is not uncommon to find chunks of shingles in the yard. Sometimes, it is hard to tell where the pieces are coming from, but if you have had some windstorms, you should have a professional inspection to determine if it’s time to replace the roof.
• Your roof is sagging. This is a fairly obvious sign that you need a new roof. Sagging indicates a structural issue, like severe water damage or a broken rafter.
• There is water damage inside your home. If your home has water damage, it often means your roof is not doing its job. Call for an inspection to see if you need to replace the roof to prevent problems like mold and infestation.

Finding a Roof Maintenance Company

Looking for a new contractor can be daunting, but you can find the right roofing company by following a few simple steps.

• Begin your search with referrals and research. Ask your friends and neighbors about experiences they have had with roofing contractors, and you may get some positive referrals. Then, look at local providers online and check their reviews and ratings. Visit their websites to see if they have positive feedback from clients or affiliations with reputable roofing associations.
• Check the roofing company’s credentials. The company you hire should have the proper licensing and insurance. You can find this information through the National Roofing Contractor Association’s website, or by calling your local city building department. If the contractor’s name, address, or phone number does not match what is on the NRCA’s website, check with the Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau.
• Get a few quotes. Have the roofing companies you are considering inspect your roof and give you a quote, in writing. Talk about materials and the extent of the work, and pay attention to the demeanor of the roofer and how well the company communicates with you. Ask for a list of references and follow through with checking them. Once you have gathered all of this information, you should be able to make a well-informed choice.

Renown Roofing Provides Roof Maintenance Services in Texas

When your home needs roof maintenance or roof repair services, you need a company you can trust. Since 2012, the expert team from Renown Roofing and Construction has been providing high-quality roofing, attic, and storm restoration services to home and business owners in the greater Dallas area. We are the top choice in Dallas, because of our quality training and expertise, industry knowledge, and the fact that we are a local business that holds ourselves to a standard of excellence that redefines our customers’ expectations. We participate in several professional organizations, both in the Dallas area and nationwide, and we have helped thousands of our neighbors, giving them the best results at prices that fit every budget. For more information on services or to request an appointment, contact us through our website.