The Services Roofers Provide Across the Average Roof’s Lifespan

One of the most significant investments you make into your home is the roof. While it may seem that once a roofer installs your roof, you will see them again once you need a new one. However, that is only sometimes the case. There may be other reasons you need a roof during the average roof’s lifespan.

Roof Installation

One of the most obvious items you will need throughout the average roof’s lifespan is a roof installation. There are several steps a roofer takes to install a roof on your home. First, they must ensure that they are building a well-constructed and functional roof. Next, the roofer inspects the area where the roof is going. They determine the materials needed and the best approach to the installation. In addition to an inspection, the roofer may take measurements so that the roof fits properly.

The roofer removes all old roofing materials to prepare for the new roof installation. Next, underlayment must be installed to create a waterproof layer between the roof deck and the roofing material. Once the underlayment is installed, the shingles can be placed on top. Next, flashing must be installed around the areas where the roof meets other building parts. This includes spaces like chimneys, vents, and skylights. Flashing helps to prevent water from seeping into these areas. Once complete, the roofer seals any gaps or seams and adds finishing touches to ensure the roof is watertight and looks good.

Gutter Installation

The next thing you can expect from a local roofing contractor during the average roof’s lifespan is gutter installation. The main intention of a gutter is to ensure that water is being moved away from the foundation of your house. A properly installed gutter system should not be damaged or leaking. The roofer must inspect your house to determine the size and length of the gutter you need. They will also determine where it should go and what material it should be.

Roof Cleaning

You may find over the average roof’s lifespan that your roof needs to be cleaned from time to time. Roofing companies that offer this service will remove buildup or debris that could prevent your roof from functioning correctly. While there for a cleaning, the roofer will inspect your roof to see what cleaning is required and determine if any areas require special attention. In addition, the roofer ensures that the work area is secure and wears appropriate gear to keep themselves safe.

A roofer removes debris that quickly accumulates on the roof. This could include branches, twigs, leaves, and other materials. They may use a leaf blower to remove some of the material. Some items may require a brush. A roofer may also use a pressure washer and specialized cleaning solution to remove stains, moss, or other growth on the roof. Not only does this help improve the way the roof looks, but it can also prevent damage. During the cleaning process, the roofer inspects the roof for any signs of damage or wear and tear, such as missing shingles or cracks.

Roof Inspections

You should also expect that you will need to have your roof inspected during the average roof’s lifespan. It is a good idea to contact local roofers regularly to have an inspection of your roof. Inspections should occur two times per year. An inspection allows you to catch any necessary repairs and address them quickly. When you can address small concerns sooner, your roof can last longer. During an inspection, the roofer assesses your roof for leaks, wear and tear, damage from strong winds, mold growth, and other concerns. The contractor looks at four main components: material, structure, interior, and quality of work.

The roofer also provides a structural inspection, including looking for signs of sagging and uneven roof lines and inspecting the gutter system. While assessing your roof, they should look carefully at your chimney to assess for cracks, damage to chimney caps, and crumbling grout. Your attic is also checked for proper venting. When the attic doesn’t vent properly, it can cause the buildup of moisture and heat, which increases the risk of ice dams. The roofer also performs a material inspection which covers the shingles. They are specifically looking for missing, curling, or loose shingles. The flashing and fasteners are also checked.

Shingle Replacements

During the average roof’s lifespan, you can expect to need some shingles replaced. When looking for roofing services, you should find a contractor that does shingle inspections. The contractor looks at the shingles on your roof to evaluate their condition. They are looking for signs of damage, like cracks, buckling, missing shingles, or other types of wear and tear. The contractor will most likely use a moisture meter or a thermal imaging camera to check for leaks in your roof.

They also check for signs of decay or rot in the shingles. As a result, they may recommend repairs or replacement of your shingles or other parts of your roof. Next, the contractor removes the old or damaged shingles from the roof. They must be careful not to damage any underlying roofing materials or flashing. After they remove the old shingles, they inspect the underlying roofing materials. The underlying materials may need to be repaired or replaced based on their condition. After this, the contractor installs the new shingles, starting at the bottom of the roof and working up. They typically use nails or staples to secure the shingles in place.

Skylight Installation

While installing a skylight may not be typical during the average roof’s lifespan, you may want one. If you contact a roofing company to install a skylight, there are some steps you should expect. First, the contractor must assess the area where you would like to have a skylight installed to ensure it’s a logical and suitable place. This assessment includes evaluating the space available, the condition of the materials on the roof, and the actual slope of the roof. After the inspection, you can work with the contractor to select the design you would like. There are different sizes, shapes, and styles.

The contractor must mark the space on your roof for the skylight and cut an opening where the skylight will be installed. They use a reciprocating saw to make the cut and ensure it is straight and accurate. Then, the frame is installed and secured with nails or screws. It must be level and plumb. Next, the glass is installed. It can be fixed or operable, depending on the design of the skylight. Then, flashing and sealant are installed around the skylight to make it watertight and secure. Finally, any excess flashing is trimmed, and the area is cleaned.

Algae Remediation

Over the average roof’s lifespan, you may notice mold growing on your roof. If you see it, you should find reputable roof replacement roofing contractors to remove it. Sometimes the mold can be removed, but depending on how severe it is, you may need a roof replacement. This is why it’s essential to remove it as soon as you see it. In addition, a mold infestation on your roof may cause your family to get sick because they have negative health implications.

Mold on a roof can break down the shingles and cause them to degenerate. When you have a leaky roof, it can cause mold to grow. Many times when you notice dark spots on the shingles, it is a sign of mold. When moisture seeps into the wood, it can cause rot and mold to grow. If you see wood discoloration and condensation inside your attic, it could be an early sign of rotting wood. It could be an indication that you need a new roof installation.

Post-Storm Inspections

Depending on where you live, you may encounter several heavy storms during the average roof’s lifespan. If that happens, you need a residential roofer to inspect the roof after the storms. Storms often bring heavy rain, ice, hail, tornadoes, and hurricanes, which can damage a roof. Even a roof that is new before the storm can be torn apart by a hurricane or tornado. High winds rip shingles off the roof. They can also lift and crack them.

During an inspection, a contractor will look for signs of damage to your roof. They will look for missing shingles and signs of a leak. The inspector may inspect your home for signs like water spots, stains, or streaks. They typically look in the attic and the walls on the top level of the house. If mold is on the roof or inside the house on the walls, that is also a sign of a leak. All of these areas will be checked when you have a roof inspection.

Roof Damage Repairs

While you may not want to think about it, you will probably need some roof repair over the average roof’s lifespan. Some of the repairs and maintenance you can expect include recoating, painting, and cleaning. You will need to contact a professional to handle these maintenance items. The roof materials dictate the type of maintenance it needs in the future. You may have to spend more money upfront to get longer-lasting materials over the long term.

Some roof materials are more resistant to damage. This also means that the more expensive materials are less likely to need roof repair. However, remember that your roof may sustain damage when there is an extreme storm or weather. The type of repair you can expect might be replacing shingles, replacing flashing, and removing mold.

Roof Upgrades

Depending on how old the roof is when you buy the house, you may see the roof through the average roof’s lifespan. This means you may have to decide to install a new roof. This provides you with an opportunity to select a different type of material. You may consider contacting a metal roofing company to find out about that material. Many metal shingle options range from aluminum, steel, copper, and other metal alloys. There is also no limit on the number of colors and styles available.

Metal roofing is ideal because it is lightweight, resistant to fire, and durable. It can resist extreme weather and is known for its longevity. Metal roof installation is becoming a popular choice because of its many benefits. Metal roofs can be installed in whole sheets or shingles. Sometimes, metal roof shingles are installed over existing roofs. You can expect a metal roof to last between 50 and 75 years with proper maintenance. This means if you switch over to a metal roof, you may never have to replace it again in your lifetime. In addition, metal roofs are energy efficient and reflect heat.

Listed here are most situations you will experience throughout the lifespan of your typical roof. Your roof is slightly different because of the material, and you may not have to go through all the phases. The type of material matters when it comes to the care of your roof. By knowing what type of material is protecting your home, you can make wise choices regarding how to care for the roof on the structure. Take the time and investigate what type of material makes up your roof.