Is your home's top hat in tip-top shape?

By Orca Roofing & Exteriors 

Learn the crucial factors that can make or break your roof's durability and discover how to protect your home for the long haul. 

Whether you have a roof nearing the century mark or are dealing with the aftermath of a fierce storm, understanding the factors that dictate roof health can save you from unexpected disasters. Dive into the intricacies of why your roof might need a little more TLC than you thought and discover how to ensure its resilience for years to come with our guide here at ORCA Roofing & Exteriors. This isn't just about shingles and gutters — it's about safeguarding your home from top to bottom. 

1 – Increased age 

According to our team of experts, a roof can last between 20 and 100 years. This depends on the material used. This wide range makes it essential to start considering replacement sooner rather than later. While this doesn’t mean that you need to replace it immediately, you will want to invest in regular inspections. These inspections will determine the strength and durability of the roof so that you aren’t surprised when it comes time for a replacement. 

During the inspection, they’ll ask about the last time the roof was replaced, how long you’ve owned the home and the types of materials used. Even if you don’t know the answers, a roof inspector can estimate based on the state of the roof. Part of the aging process is that different materials are going to wear down and become a safety hazard. While metal can last longer, an aged home may still need rafters replaced. 

Based on our professional experience, if you have a metal roof that can last on the longer side of the age range, but your home is already 75 years old, replacement or repair may be necessary. Asphalt roofs need more frequent replacement because the shingles wear out faster. If you haven’t upgraded your roof, it may be time to upgrade or replace soon. 

2 – Storm damage 

According to Roofers Guild, the United States experiences over 3,700 hail storms a year. Hail is notorious for damaging cars, homes, windows and most of all, your roof. The regular roof damage that occurs can wear down your roof, create holes in shingles and even cause additional ice damage. Snow, rain and high winds, especially in hurricane areas, can also damage your roof. 

While a few missing shingles after a storm may not require a full roof replacement, extensive damage throughout the structure does. It’s crucial to get support before and after a storm, particularly afterward. If you live in storm-prone areas like Washington, getting repairs before the storm can strengthen your roof and reduce replacement needs. 

Hiring a contractor during a storm is impractical and doesn’t make sense. However, after a storm, it is important to get a contractor out to your home to assess the damage. More often than not, they can also help you find a suitable solution, even if it means replacing the entire roof. Fortunately, many roofing contractors are able to provide financing options, especially during times of hardship. 

3 – Poor maintenance 

Everyone has experienced poor contractor work at some point. Even though you have called someone out to maintain your roof, there is the rare situation of a subpar job. Don’t tolerate this issue. Instead, give us a call so that we can come out and maintain your roof for you. 

For example, if your roof has uneven shingles, it can negatively impact its appearance and cause additional damage. Without the proper overlap that shingles are supposed to have, debris, water and other substances can get between the shingles and cause additional damage. A roofer can fix the problem by either repairing or replacing the roof, depending on several factors that they can address with you. 

Regular maintenance, such as checkups and shingle replacement, is crucial for roof health. Don’t ignore missing shingles. Get a contractor’s help to avoid long-term problems. There are many factors that come together to determine whether you need roofing work done or if you need a replacement. Working with roofing contractors is the best way to find out what needs to be worked on. Your roofers will guide you through this process. 

These situations all require roofing experts you can trust, especially those who understand your specific roof type. Whether you have a single peak, multiple valleys or a flat roof, you need an expert to guide you. Call Orca Roofing & Exteriors as soon as possible to get the support you need and minimize long-term damage. 

Original article source: ORCA Roofing & Exteriors