How to tell if you need to replace your roof or not ?

Spotting when a new residential roof is needed isn’t the easiest thing to do. Even if a roof hasn’t experienced a failure, such as a hailstorm or high winds, it might need to be replaced sooner rather than later. When people in Clinton Township decide to put off replacing their roof, the problems that will likely develop can be detrimental.

Signs Indicating That a New Roof is Necessary

• Cracked shingles
• Curled shingle edges
• Cupped shingle tabs
• Bald spots with missing granules
• Dark streaks
• Reaching the 20-year mark
• All the neighboring homes are getting new roofs
• The roof just looks old and worn

What Makes the Roof Age?

While lots of shingles available on today’s market are produced with durability in mind, there are lots of situations that can make residential roofing shingles in Clinton Township age faster.

• Poor ventilation: Not having the proper ventilation will negatively affect shingles — even the ones produced for durability.
• Heavy Rainfall: Roofs in Sterling Heights that receive lots of rain on a consistent basis can end up with their shingles aging faster than they should, especially homes that have experienced an abundance of heavy rainfall. This causes the roofing surface to erode gradually. Over time, the granules making up asphalt shingles wear down or cause bald spots, which expose the backing material under the shingle.
• Sunlight Exposure: While it’s a given that all roofs will receive sunlight exposure, it’s common for residential roofs in Clinton Township that experience extremely sunny conditions to age much faster due to the solar heat and UV rays produced by the scorching sun.
• Freezing Climates: Residential roofs in Sterling Heights that experience a lot of freezing weather commonly have a lot of granule deterioration. If too much snow and ice build-up on top of the roof, the roof could actually give way and collapse. Wet snow is worse, because the additional liquid makes the weight heavier. Excess pressure on the roof, whether it is caused from light snow or heavy snow, can negatively affect the residential roof.
• Poor Drainage: While the roof is sort of an “out of sight, out of mind” element of anyone’s house, it is imperative for homeowners in Clinton Township to eliminate any obstructed drainage on their roof. After wind- or hailstorms it is advisable to visually inspect the roof to be sure debris such as sticks, leaves, pine needles, or other types of remains are not blocking the roof drains. If it is discovered that a roof drain is clogged, homeowners should get the drain cleared as soon as possible, even if that means contacting a plumber to snake it.
• Careless Workers: When people in Sterling Heights employ any type of maintenance worker who is on their roof, such as HVAC technicians, cable or satellite television workers, internet access technicians, or gutter installers, it is a good idea for the homeowner to remind these workers that all the debris remaining on the roof should be removed at the completion of the job. There’s a possibility that spare parts, wires, screws, rags, plastic water bottles or other items could end up in roof drains or gutters, which can cause problems down the road.
• Lack of Maintenance: While it might seem like overkill, it is advisable to have a roofing contractor serving Clinton Township visit the home on an annual basis and look at the roof to see if any preventative maintenance needs to be performed.  Having the roof’s drains and waterways inspected and cleaned will head off problems that might arise. When drains are clogged, and the scuppers, gutters and downspouts end up with problems, it is usually due to the lack of maintenance on the owner’s part.
• Trees – A Blessing and a Curse: While many individuals in Sterling Heights treasure their full, mature trees which provide a yard with beauty and comfortable shade, it is important to keep in mind that trees need to be maintained. Trees that have branches touching the roof’s surface can actually poke holes in the roofing material, or even scratch off granules on the shingles, damaging them and causing bald spots. Trees can also drop pine needles, or a variety of other seedlings that can clog roof drains and scuppers. Another important consideration regarding trees is that the branches provide squirrels and other undesirable animals an easy access to the roof, and the damage that can be caused by these pesky visitors can be very expensive to replace. Not only do they harm the roof, they can climb into an attic or crawlspace and build a nest, or gnaw their way out if they feel they are trapped. The best bet to ensure trees don’t affect the residential roof negatively is for the owner to hire a reputable tree trimming company in Sterling Heights to trim trees appropriately without doing any harm to the tree. Getting the tree trimmed back to achieve about a ten-foot clearance from the house is usually a good guideline to make certain the expensive process of hiring a tree trimmer won’t have to occur again for a few years.
• Moss Growth on the Roof: Not only does moss on the roof look unsightly, it can also trap moisture between the moss and the shingles and cause the shingle granules to wear away. This is especially prevalent in freezing climates. Brushing the moss off will make it disappear, but only for a short period of time. Moss naturally comes back, and the problem starts all over again. If a homeowner in Sterling Heights is trying to remove the moss on their own, care should be taken not to scratch the granules off the shingles when doing so. In some cases, it is best to hire a professional roofing contractor in Sterling Heights to help with this type of situation.
• Moss Growth on the Roof: Not only does moss on the roof look unsightly, it can also trap moisture between the moss and the shingles and cause the shingle granules to wear away. This is especially prevalent in freezing climates. Brushing the moss off will make it disappear, but only for a short period of time. Moss naturally comes back, and the problem starts all over again. If a homeowner in Sterling Heights is trying to remove the moss on their own, care should be taken not to scratch the granules off the shingles when doing so. In some cases, it is best to hire a professional roofing contractor in Sterling Heights to help with this type of situation.

Contact a Roofing Contractor to Assess the Roof’s Remaining Life

Setting up an appointment with a professional roofing company in the Sterling Heights area to inspect the roof is the first step. A professional roofing technician will evaluate the roof to determine whether the property needs a new roof, or if there’s a possibility that roofing repairs and maintenance will be satisfactory.

Replacing a roof is a big investment for residents, and experienced roofing professionals in Clinton Township will install a high-quality roof that will last.

Tips to Remember When Working with a Professional Roofing Company

Insurance:  A reputable roofing company carries liability insurance and workers compensation, and the homeowner is advised to ask for proof of insurance.

Set up an appointment for an estimate: Schedule a convenient time for the residential roofing estimate. It is important to be present, so the company representative can discuss the condition of the roof, and the recommended course of action on replacing or repairing the roof.

Warranty: Roofers with a sound reputation in Clinton Township will offer a guarantee on their work.  The warranty should include things like flashing failure, leaks, and other problems caused by labor. Most warranties will last for a year, although some roofers offer a two- to three-year warranty. All information about the warranty should be included in the contract, which will outline all facets of the project.

High-Quality Materials: While it seems like a “no brainer,” it is important for the residential roofing customer to request high-quality materials when contracting with a Sterling Heights roofing company. Long-lasting and highly rated materials are key components affecting the roof’s life. While materials vary in price, getting the highest quality that the residential roofing customer can afford while staying within their budget is advisable.

Shingle manufacturers typically offer a 20- to 30-year warranty on their shingles. If new shingles are installed over the old ones, this can void the manufacturer’s warranty, so people in the market for a roof in Clinton Township need to be sure the old shingles are removed even though it is more expensive to do so. Obtaining a proof of purchase and other paperwork needed for the warranty is crucial, and filing that information in a readily accessible location is recommended should any problems surface regarding the roof in the future.

Trust the Roofing Professionals

Individuals in Sterling Heights seeking to have their roof evaluated can easily set an appointment with a roofing contractor in the area. If there are signs a new roof or roofing repairs are needed, it is important not to delay in scheduling an inspection.

Contact Kanga Roof today to learn more about roofing in Clinton Twp. Check out our current specials or click here to schedule your consultation and 26 Point Roofing and Exterior Safety Inspection with one of our Exterior Renovation Specialists. You can also contact us at 586-566-0308, complete the request form on this page or email us at HopToIt@Kanga-Roof.com. The “Burkhardt Boys” look forward to “Hopping To It” for you today!