Is it Time for a New Roof?
(NC) Home renovation season is just around the corner, and spring is the best time to ask yourself the four big roof assessment questions. Here's how you know whether it's time for some new shingles.
1. Does your roof leak? While this is an obvious sign of trouble, leaks don't necessarily mean you need a new roof. Leaks can be caused by problems that have nothing to do with the condition of your shingles. Failed flashing around walls, chimneys, skylights and vents are common causes of leaks on otherwise good roofs. If your shingles look flat, clean and almost new, you probably only need a careful roofer to find an isolated problem and fix it.
2. Are shingles curling? This means it's time for new shingles, and the best time for shingling is late spring. Temperatures are still low enough that shingles remain hard and resist foot damage, and hot weather is coming soon enough to reliably seal shingles to each other. If there's minor curling in a few places but no leaking, replacement isn't urgent.
3. Are things growing on your roof? Moss, lichen and mould staining on asphalt shingles aren't good signs, but they don't necessarily mean your shingles are toast. While moss and lichen do shorten shingle life, they can be brushed off. Strips of zinc exposed under the top course of shingles discourages moss and lichen and prevents it from growing back.
4. Are shingles tearing off in the wind? This is serious. But just how serious depends on whether there was a reliable underlay installed below the shingles when they were new. This underlay might keep you dry for a while, but maybe not. Better connect with a reputable roofer as soon as possible.
Make sure to protect yourself when choosing a roofer, as it is one of the most injury-prone trades. Under-the-table, pay-me-cash roofers expose homeowners to financial liability risk because they don't carry insurance. The Canadian Home Builder's Association offers free, unbiased information on how to find and hire reputable contractors, including roofers. Find more information at www.getitinwriting.ca.
www.newscanada.com
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