Some people work as roofers for a summer or two. Others become lifelong devotees to the profession. Those who commit to roofing as a long-time profession really take the time to learn the details. Not only do they learn how to put roofs in place, but they also learn quite a lot about various roofing materials. This equips them to make good recommendations to homeowners who are looking for the right roof. We will also make some recommendations and tell you a bit more about roofers on this blog. While we are not roofers ourselves, we know a lot about the profession and are always happy to share.
When it comes time to look for a residential roof replacement, you need to be prepared. The asphalt shingles on your roof have a limited lifespan and will need to be replaced when they begin to wear and cause problems. The following roof guide will help you identify the common signs of problems and know when it is time for a roof replacement.
Exterior Signs of Wear
The exterior of your home is an area where you will want to look for signs of roof wear. This should start with the surface of the shingles, which might have issues like tears, leaks, curling tabs, and aggregate wearing off. In addition to the surface of your roof, there might be other areas where there are problems, such as watermarks on soffits.
Interior Signs of Damage
There are also interior signs of roof damage that you want to look for. These start with leaks and minor issues with watermarks on drywall at the ceiling. You will also want to pay attention to the exterior walls inside your home. Look for signs of water damage issues from roof leaks that might be telling you that it is time for you to replace your roof.
Roof Replacement Preparations
The most important part of any residential roof replacement is preparation. Before you get started, you should prepare for the possibility of a leaky roof.
The first step is to remove the old shingles and tear off any damaged sections of your roof. If your roof decking has been damaged by weather, you may want to consider installing new plywood over the rafters before installing a new shingle roof.
Once you have removed all of the old shingles, you can install new plywood if necessary and then install new shingles. You may also want to add insulation under the rafters so that heat doesn't escape through them during the cold winter months.
Talking with a Roof Replacement Contractor
When it comes to residential roof replacement, there are several things that make a good contractor unique from the rest. It takes years of experience to become an expert in residential roof replacement. The best contractors will have years of experience working on roofs. This means that they know exactly how to properly do the job so that it lasts for many years to come.
They will also know about all of the different options available when it comes to materials used for your new roof. Each type of residential roofing material has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your climate zone and lifestyle needs. Your contractor can help you find the right material for your home's needs and budget requirements.
A residential roof replacement will last decades, but you need to do your research to get the best deal.