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Signs You May Need to Replace Your Roof
Your roof is among the most important structural features of your home. While new roofing materials will last for two decades or longer, there may come a time when your home is in need of a roof replacement. When you need to install a new roof, you should be sure to work with a team of highly rated roofers serving Redmond . With the assistance of your professional roofing contractors, you can ensure that your new roof is a functional, durable, and stylish addition to your home. If you are wondering whether it is time to start thinking about a roof replacement, here is a look at some of the top signs that you may need to replace your roof.
Age of Roof
When you are determining whether you need to replace your roof, you should start by considering the age of your roof. Typically, a roof will be built to last for between 20 and 25 years. If you have been relying on the same roof for two decades or longer, you may want to start thinking about scheduling a replacement.
Shingle Damage
Along with considering the age of your roof, you can also look for signs of shingle damage when it is time to replace your roof. As your roof ages, its shingles may begin to curl, buckle, or fall away altogether. When many of your shingles are showing the signs of damage, this is a clear indication that your home is ready for a roof replacement.
Dirty Gutters
Finally, you can also inspect your gutters to determine when it is time for a roof replacement. As your singles age, their granules may begin to slough off and collect in your gutters. When your gutters are full of excess gutter debris, this is a sign that your home is ready for a new roof. Fortunately, a company offering roof installations can create a quality new roof for your home.
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Tips: Protect Your Roofing Investment
Your roof is responsible for protecting your home for two decades or longer. To make sure that your roof replacement is a total success, you will want to find roofing contractors in your local area that are fully licensed and insured. In the event that you notice that your roof shingles are curling or falling away, you will want to hire roofing contractors near Redmond right away . By repairing or replacing your roof as soon as possible, you can prevent extensive and costly repairs in the future. For a closer look at some more essential tips for protecting your roof, be sure to check out this video from Angie’s List.
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Reasons to Clean Your Roof
Do you want to avoid an expensive roof repair in Redmond? Having your roof regularly cleaned and maintained by professional roof contractors can save you time and money in the long run. Regular roof cleaning and maintenance gets rid of overgrown plants and other debris and can even protect the value of your home.
Moss, algae, and other debris naturally build up on your roof over time. It can be difficult to notice any overgrowth from your point of view—after all, you spend most of your time with your feet on the ground! However, sneaky overgrowth can create blockages for water flow and diversion. When it rains, these blockages can encourage roof decay and damage, leading to the need for roof repair or replacement. In addition, debris that builds up in your gutters can damage the structure of your roof and your home. If they are not cleaned out regularly, your gutters may need to be repaired or replaced, expenditures that can really add up. Finally, overgrowth on your roof can affect the value of your home. With a clean, well-maintained roof, you can be confident that your home is in its best condition.
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Keeping Moss Off of Your Roof
Regular roof cleaning in Redmond can prevent the need for eventual roof repair or replacement. If you’re wondering about the best ways to keep moss and algae off of your roof, watch this video for some tips from an expert.
To avoid shingle failure, it’s important to keep moss off of your roof. One way you can do this is to use a strategy from Mother Nature. Copper actually acts as a moss-killing poison, and it’s safe and easy to use on your roof. Try having professional roofing contractors install copper strips underneath the shingles at the top of your roof or purchase roof shingles that are made with small pieces of copper. As the moss won’t grow when contaminated with copper, you’ll be left with a moss- and algae-free roof that is less prone to damage.
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All About Valley Roof Flashing
When you install a new roof in your home, your roofer will use valley roof flashing to secure the roof shingles along each valley area. While valley roof flashing is highly durable, this roofing material can sometimes stick out as an unsightly presence on your roof. In order to help your valley roof flashing blend in with your other roofing materials, you may want to ask a roofing company in Redmond about how to cover your flashing. By painting your flashing and then covering it with roof granules, you can make sure that all of your roofing materials blend seamlessly together. To find out more about valley roof flashing, check out this video from Ask The Builder.
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Cedar Roof Maintenance 101
Your roofing is among the most important structural features of your home. When you plan a roof replacement, or build a brand new roof for your home, it is essential to choose roofing materials that are both stylish and durable. A cedar shake roof is among the most versatile types of roofing that you can choose for your home. With a new cedar shake roof from a company offering roofing materials in Redmond, you are sure to be delighted at the function and style of your new roof. In order to keep your cedar roof in great condition, you will need to perform routine maintenance procedures. Here is a look at some of the basics of cedar roof maintenance.
Ensure Proper Installation
When you are placing a new cedar shake roof on your home, you will want to make sure that your roofing contractor uses proper installation procedures. In order to fully adhere to your roof, your cedar shingles will be placed on a material that is known as felt. While felt provides a valuable layer of protection between your shingles and your roof, the felt will need to be properly installed in order to prevent any type of damage.
Avoid Unnecessary Sealing or Staining
Along with making sure that your roof is properly installed, you will also want to make sure that you avoid any unnecessary sealing or staining. While a stain will add curb appeal to your cedar shake roof, a stain is not needed to protect the cedar against the elements. In addition, a seal on your cedar shake roof can actually cause the roofing materials to decompose more quickly.
Clean on a Regular Basis
In order to help your cedar shake roof last for as long as possible, you will want to clean your roof on a regular basis. Your roofing contractor will be able to help you set up a cleaning and maintenance plan that will keep your cedar in fantastic condition. When you take the time to remove moss, leaves, and other forms of debris from your roof, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful roof for many decades to come.
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The Roof Flashing Repair Process
Your roof in Redmond protects you and your home from the elements all year round, so you want to make sure that it’s taken care of and always in good working order. When the flashing around your roof vents is damaged or has shifted, you may have a leaking-roof situation on your hands.
If you’re comfortable climbing up and down a ladder, and have the tools—such as chalk, roofing nails, and a 5-in-1 tool—and the skills to perform minor roofing repair, you could repair your roof’s flashing yourself. Otherwise, enlist the help of a professional roofing contractor . Check out this video to see how roof flashing is repaired.
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Problems Associated with a Roof That Leaks
A roof in Bellevue that leaks can cause you many problems, especially if that leaky roof isn’t dealt with in a timely manner. If you discover or suspect that your roof has been compromised, contact a reputable roofing contractor as soon as possible to set up an inspection. The longer you wait, the more costly the repairs may be. Here are some common problems associated with a leaky roof.
Mold and Mildew Issues
A roof that leaks, particularly one that has been leaking for a while, can create an ideal environment that allows mold and mildew to thrive in, and to grow wildly. Given enough time and moisture, fungal infestations can become disastrous, damaging your home’s structural supports and posing a health risk. People who breathe in mold spores afloat in the air can develop allergic reactions or respiratory diseases. In a worst-case scenario, the infamous black mold ( Stachybotrys chartarum ) could send you to the emergency room.
Damage from Water Intrusion
Intruding water from a leaky roof usually starts to pool directly beneath the roof, around roof vents, or in an attic. This excessive moisture can soak into your home’s insulation, dramatically reducing its effectiveness. When fiberglass and cellulose insulation becomes oversaturated, it starts to clump together and reduce in size, rendering it less energy efficient. As insulation begins to fail, monthly energy bills rise. Intruding water can soak into wooden beams and studs, weakening your home’s support structures, as well as adversely affecting things like drywall, plaster, and paint.
Electrical Fires and Shock
Your home harbors a network of electrical wiring that runs behind your walls. If water comes into contact with live wires, it can cause electrical shorts, which can shock you if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. These electrical shorts can also start house fires. If you notice signs of water intrusion inside your home, especially if you’re near an electrical panel or exposed wiring, shut off the power supply to your home immediately and contact a professional.
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Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof?
Your roof is your home’s champion. It protects you from inclement weather and the harsh elements. This means your roof can take quite the beating. Over time, roofs can deteriorate and be costly to fix or replace. Even with the best possible care, your roof is eventually going to fail. When it does, knowing whether to repair or replace your roofing is crucial. Always enlist the help of an experienced roofing contractor near Redmond when the time comes.
Check for Leaks
When it starts to rain heavily, you should check your ceilings for signs of leaks. Walk around your home and check for water stains or water seeping out of the drywall or plaster. If you have chimney, inspect its bricks and mortar for excessive moisture. Also, climb into your attic space and check ceiling joists for rot and mold growth, and wet insulation—these usually signal water intrusion.
Inspect Your Roof
If your roof starts to leak, contact a professional who specializes in roof repair in Redmond immediately. If you have a working knowledge of roofs and roofing systems, grab a ladder and perform a cursory inspection outside to assess any damages. Come up with diagnostic checklist to help you perform your inspection. Do you see sagging anywhere? Are any of your roof’s shingles missing or visibly damaged? Is there buildup in your gutter system? Are there large branches causing problems? If your house has a chimney, is the flashing around the stack loose or damaged?
Know What Your Roof Is Made From
Knowing what roofing materials were used to build your roof can help you to determine what your roof’s lifespan should be, which in turn can guide your decision on whether or not you need a roof replacement. For example, composite shingles have a lifespan of about 20 years, whereas cedar shingles can last for over 50 years. If your composite roof is 15 years old and has started leaking, you may have to replace it.
When to Make Repairs
If your roof is young, has been well maintained, and should still be good for many more years, it makes sense for you to repair isolated leaks in your roof instead of replacing it entirely. Your roofing specialist can help you make the right choice.
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How to Spot a Roof Leak
In the event that you notice water spots on your ceiling or around a skylight, you may be in need of emergency roof repair . As the main line of defense between your home and the elements, your roofing should be regularly maintained to prevent roof leaks. Routine roof and home inspection can help you catch a roof leak before it becomes serious. Some signs of a roof leak include curling roof shingles, broken shingles, missing flashing, or areas of pooled water.
Your roofing contractors near Redmond will be able to pinpoint and repair the precise source of your roof leak. If you are curious about how you can spot a roof leak on your property, be sure to take a look at this video.