With the hot and humid Florida climate, roofs there are subject to things like moisture from heavy storms or damaging pests like termites that thrive in warm weather. No roof lasts forever, and sooner or later it will need some care to continue performing. You may know the warning signs that something is wrong with your roof, but how do you know if it needs just a minor patch-up or a total replacement?
Use this guide to get an idea of what kind of work will be necessary to get your roof back to its optimal condition. Of course, you can always find out for sure what type of work you need to have done by calling ProFormance and speaking with roofing companies for a no-obligation estimate.
Roof Warning Signs
Before getting into what specific route to take regarding your roof, it is useful to be able first to recognize some common red flags that something needs to be done:
- Missing shingles
- Discoloration
- Rot
- Indoor leaking
- Ceiling spots
If you are noticing any of these issues coming up with your roof, it is a sign that you need to take action before further damage is done.
Extend the Life of Your Roof: When to Repair or Patch
There is no way around the fact that one day, your roof will need to be replaced. If your roof is relatively new, however, and some minor damage pops up, it may be possible that you can still get the expected lifespan out of your roof without having to replace it prematurely. As a general rule, if the damage is minor and contained in a small area, repairing or patching can be the logical option. Some situations in which you might opt for repairing versus replacing include:
- Damage to a few shingles because of the wind or a fallen branch
- Leaking from one isolated spot
- A few missing shingles
When Roof Replacement is Best
The average lifespan of a shingle roof (the most common in this area) is around 15 years. After that shingles lose their elasticity, become dull, and stop protecting against things like rain or hail. Sometimes, age is the single most obvious factor that you need to consider for a full roof replacement. Other signs that point to needing a new roof include:
- Large patches of discoloration
- Areas of curling or missing shingles, especially in problem spots like the roof valley
- Your neighbors are all replacing their roofs—most houses in a neighborhood are built around the same time and need similar maintenance done at the same time
- Large debris from shingles are clogging gutters—shingles shed their granules when they are close to the end of their useful lifespan
Conclusion
Your roof is one of the biggest investments in your home. It is very important to have a roof that is in good shape in order to protect your home. Roofs need repairing or replacing from time to time. Whether it is just a small section that needs to be patched up, or you need a complete tear-off, and a new roof, a roofing contractor from ProFormance can help you with your roofing needs.