Updating the roof on a home is an unwelcome task for property owners, regardless of when the time comes, as it feels like there is never a right moment to execute a full replacement. However, as one of the most important components in a homes construction, ensuring that your exterior layer is up to the task of serving its purpose is critical. This barrier between all of Mother Natures elements and protecting your family is far too often overlooked until some type of issue arises. Raining outside? People don’t think about the work their roof is doing. Amid a blizzard? Again, the roof is a forgotten element of protection. It isn’t until a water spot appears on the ceiling or a few shingles are noticed to be missing that property owners begin to think about the cause and purpose of their protector. Don’t wait, having professional inspections can aid in preventative maintenance and alerting ownership of any potential future issues.
How long a roof lasts depends on several different factors but average expectations are typically around the 25-year range. Making such an investment can pay dividends depending on where you are in the journey of homeownership and what plans are in store. If you’re looking at putting an older home on the market, replacing the roof may be something that can help entice buyers. If you inherited a relatively new barrier of protection, then simply arranging for inspections and following the guidance of professionals may assist in expanding the life of your roof. Regardless, there are unfortunately certain situations that could cause a relatively new roof to be replaced. If your overhead protection falls into one of these categories, then seeking help may be required.
Pitch
The pitch of your roof can dramatically impact its suggested lifespan. If its slope doesn’t naturally move rainwater or snowmelt out away from the structure and into the gutter system then problems could easily arise. Examining all areas of your roof and knowing which may present an issue can go a long way in helping to keep you and those you love protected.
If water is allowed to accumulate on a repetitive basis then damage may begin to occur. If this is the case then you could easily be looking at a full replacement before getting the most out of your newly replaced or initially installed roof.
Ventilation
Ventilation also plays an important part in helping to keep your home safe while expanding the longevity of any roof structure. Improper airflow can not only cause water issues but this increased exposure could also lead to mold, mildew, or damage to its construction integrity.
Instead of having to prematurely replace your roof, regular professional inspections can help to identify any potential problem areas and address concerns. If you begin seeing discolored shingles, moss build-up, or other signs of decreased airflow, then quick action can help to avoid any excessive costs while also serving to maintain your property.
Flashing
As little attention is paid to roof service overall, flashing details are an even more minor component of the overall project. However, disregard for this material or improper installation could quickly lead to roof damage making full replacement a necessity. Moisture is an enemy of the home despite this outer layer being built to protect against it at all times. If not installed correctly, any rain, snow, sleet, or other precipitation from the sky may seep into the home in areas where the flashing has failed.
Surrounding vents, chimneys, and installed at construction angles, there is no area of the roof that doesn’t benefit from properly placed flashing. These should aid in helping to protect your home from water damage but if they are not used as intended, then replacement may be inevitable.
Craftsmanship
Poor construction could also lead ownership to find additional funds for a replacement after the new roof was installed. The saying, You get what you pay for didn’t just come about as in many cases this can be applied. Also remember, if you feel something is too good to be true then it may very well be worth examining a little closer.
Yes, roof replacement and repair can be expensive but ensuring that you are receiving quality service is even more important. Especially when well-executed installations can last multiple decades. It is at this point when homeowners begin to realize the value of craftsmanship and just how important it can be for a home.
Weather
Weather is one of the main enemies of a roof no matter when it was installed. Again, the average life expectancy is over a couple of decades but a severe weather event or the culmination of many over time could potentially put homeowners in the situation where a premature replacement is warranted.
High winds may cause shingles to disappear or worse, especially following a breach in the roof due to a fallen tree or limb. In some instances, a repair could be warranted but depending on other factors, the full replacement could become a reality.
The best preventative measures against any type of premature replacement are completing the annual professional inspection and ensuring quality craftsmanship. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, excellent service has been our priority in Denver and the surrounding area for years as we handle any roofing or siding needs. Arvada Roofing and Construction has been completing roof and siding installations, evaluations, and multiple other exterior household projects or associated services for nearly two decades. Their highly trained experts can provide an estimate on any vinyl siding installation project, repair, remodel, or new construction project, if needed, as well as any roof inspection you wish to have completed.
Should you find yourself in a situation where you are concerned about the effectiveness of your exterior building materials or already have an issue, we are here to help. Our certified and extremely knowledgeable staff is available to handle any construction or roofing job and provide a variety of other services such as seamless guttering systems, or any potential damage analysis thought to be caused by severe weather for insurance reporting. Contact us today online or call 303-432-2753 for your free estimate on any of the above-mentioned projects!