Making apt decisions is the key to reducing near – and long – term costs related to remove home improvement. This is especially true for large and complex jobs like roof replacement or repair. But, it isn’t always easy. It’s necessary to identify the exact factors to decide on the crucial decisions before hiring professionals.
At Trudel & Sons Roofing Ltd., we are committed to providing quality roofing services for both residential and commercial clients in Ontario. You can always count on us from roof repair to beautiful new installations.
Importance of Roofing and the Need for Maintenance
Your roof protects the inside of your home from exterior elements, natural or otherwise. When in good shape, it safeguards against rain, snow and other natural elements. This makes it necessary that it remains strong with proper maintenance. There are three major aspects of your roof:
The covering that keeps your house dry
The structure that supports and maintains the shape (framing and sheathing)
The links connecting the roof structure and the walls below
It is very important to quickly address roof damages of any kind, as small problems may quickly become disastrous. Affected areas of a roof may provide entrance for pests or let the moisture seep down into the framework, resulting in mould or harm to your electrical system.
A good roof can also enhance the curb appeal of your property. A well-maintained roof creates a positive impression among buyers. It will also save you money on cooling and heating; a healthy roof releases heat and humidity from your home.
The Processes Involved in Maintenance
Ultimately, all roofs wear out and need to be replaced. You will waste money if you do it soon but waiting too long will result in damages. To get the timing right, it’s crucial to assess the overall condition of the roof and look for early signs of failure.
When to Replace Shingles
In certain cases, replacing a few shingles will restore function and beauty to your roof. However, a professional inspection is necessary to check if any of the underlayment is damaged. This is because there’s a huge difference between a few shingles lost during heavy winds and a leak through the roof layers.
They are also exposed to rain, heat and snow. Even if you have spare shingles left, you might have a hard time matching to the existing ones. Depending on the size and location of the area in need of renewal, it can become tough to place replacement ones.
If the area in need of reconstruction is unnoticeable or relatively small, nailing down some replacement shingles may be enough. If the damage is extensive, it’s usually a better idea to replace the entire roof.
Patching Damaged Areas
Many homeowners wonder if they can patch the deteriorating sections of the roof rather than replacing. Whatever you do, it’s important that you consult with a home roofing professional before going ahead. An expert will perform a thorough inspection to decide if a patch will extend the lifespan without future damage.
It’s necessary to examine the boards of the attic as well. This will let you know if moisture has made its way through the decking and into your home. On the outside, problems can include shingles that are starting to buckle or curling at the edges.
Roofing over the Existing Roof
If everything goes right, new shingles laid over old ones can be just as durable and attractive as the ones laid on the bare sheathing. Installation is easier compared to that of a tear-off job as the existing ones can be used as guides for laying new ones.
Most local building codes let you have up to two layers of shingles. Beyond that, it’s a risk to put too much weight on the building structure. You will also have to consider the cost of additional labour when it’s time to rip everything off and install new. In the event of roof leaks, it will be hard to detect and fix it under two shingle layers.
Replacing the Roof
Knowing when it’s time for a whole new roof design is tricky. It depends on multiple factors, such as:
Signs of water damage - Once water seeps beneath the shingles, it can quickly find its way inside your roof. If you notice any signs of moisture, including brown spots on the ceiling, you should probably consider replacement rather than patching or repair.
A recent disaster – If your neighbourhood was recently hit by a tornado, hurricane or a violent storm, the damage may be immense enough for a total roof replacement. Even a single severe winter is enough to push a weak roof into a state of emergency.
Age – If your roof is five years old and leaking, the problem is more likely related to the standard of installation. Defect in the material should also be considered rather than normal wear and tear. A 20-year-old roof is probably near the end of its lifespan and due for replacement.
Where Can You Find Affordable Roofing Services in Ontario? Trudel & Sons Roofing Ltd is a successfully family business that has been providing reliable roofing services for more than 35 years. One of the reasons that have enabled us to be successful is that we successfully meet the needs of businesses and homeowners. Also, for information on hiring a new contractor, read our blog post - Checklist: Hiring a Contractor. We always look forward to the possibility of fulfilling the needs of new clients. Call us to learn more about our cost-effective services regarding roof replacement and repairs.