Roof Replacements Are Expensive But Sometimes Essential

By Grace Rivas


Spring is generally a time for home improvement. Although a new kitchen would be nice, and landscaping could be improved, the roof keeps you and your family dry and warm. Unfortunately, most people only think about their roof when it is leaking. When this happens, it is more likely that the need for full roof replacements never enter their minds. It is extremely important when the weather breaks to inspect the roof.

In order to avoid the need for complete repairs, the National Roofing Contractors Association suggest that you inspect your house every spring and fall. Instead of hiring an expensive inspector you can do this yourself. Before deciding what needs to be done and who to hire, it is important that you check the inside of your property.

Inside you will need to look for places along the walls or ceilings that show water leakages. Water may show in dark spots or trails, or the ceiling may even be damaged or sagging. A hole right through may even be visible. These problems need to be fixed as soon as possible.

Many people also inspect the outer parts of their roofs themselves. Be careful, however, when you are climbing up so high. When on top, you may notice broken tiles, missing tiles or shingles, the growth of algae or other kinds of wear and tear. You will then have a good idea of the repair necessary.

Check the gutters. If you find a lot of the granules from the shingles in there then you may have a huge problem. Rot, mold and moisture - this may or may not occur where you think. Water is mobile and will travel and pool at the lowest points on the roof. If you are seeing problems like we have described it is time to call in a professional.

Perhaps you won't need to replace your whole roofing structure, but by getting some help from a professional you can acquire more information. In many cases only a part of the structure will need to be repaired, for example, a few shingles or tiles. How much damage needs to be repaired may also depend on the type of roofing you have.

Different roofing materials have different life expectancies. The three materials most often used for roofing are concrete, tile and cedar. Of the three only one never needs replacing, concrete. Tiles last for up to a hundred years, but if you walk on them individual tiles may break. If you spot cracked or broken tiles it is best to contact a professional to replace them. Cedar lasts for only about 20 years. They are known to split and fall apart, and can be attacked by insects.

Most people needing complete repairs have cedar roofs or roofs of another wood that has shingles over it. Professionals advise twice yearly checks so that this will not be necessary. You may do it yourself, but this is a dangerous undertaking, and it is important that it gets done right.

If you have to find money for complete roof replacements, know that it is a good investment. Your home must be adequate for living purposes. By taking care of your home too, you will ensure that the improvements you make will last.




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