As with anything else that you put on your home, a roof will only last for so many years before it becomes ineffective at defending against the elements. Typically, a shingle roof will last for about 20 years before it needs replacing while other materials can last for 30 years or more if properly installed and maintained. Let’s take a deeper dive into the benefits of ensuring that your roof replacement job is done right the first time.
Improve Curb Appeal
While replacing the roof is more about protecting your family than impressing the neighbors, you don’t want to own an eyesore. A poorly installed roof will look sloppy and jagged, which may make it look like you don’t care about maintaining your property. Even if you aren’t worried about the look of your roof, a house that doesn’t look aesthetically pleasing is not going to appeal to buyers. It may also make people think twice about buying the homes closest to yours, which may decrease housing values throughout the neighborhood.
Protect Shingles from Excess Wear
A shingle roof that is not properly installed may last far less than 20 years. This can happen because water is allowed to get under it, which can make it soggy and more vulnerable to pests. If the shingles become too wet, it may also be at risk of expanding and contracting during periods of colder weather when water freezes. After a while, it will become brittle and unable to provide adequate protection against common weather adversaries, such as sun or wind damage. It’s also possible for shingles that are not properly installed to lose granules or even fly off the roof and expose decking and other components.
You Don’t Want Too Much Weight on the Roof
Ideally, you won’t have more than two layers of shingles on your roof at once to minimize the risk of collapse. Therefore, if you already have two layers of shingles on your roof, you’ll need a complete tear-off as opposed to simply putting the new product on the existing product. If your roofing company fails to take the existing shingles into account, this could cause significant damage to your home. Furthermore, it may be difficult to properly nail shingles on top of those already on your roof. Ultimately, getting rid of them entirely can keep your house in good condition and ensure that all its components can last for the entirety of their useful lives.
You Don’t Want To Have To Pay Twice
A roof replacement is an expensive home improvement project that can cost up to $10,000 or more for a simple asphalt shingle roof. Therefore, you don’t want to have to have the job done over again because there were issues with products or how they were originally installed.
Fortunately, the folks at Blue Sky Energy Solutions in Irving, TX, are trained to do the best possible work on your home. Whether you need a full roof replacement, a portion of your roof repaired or just an inspection, we’ll be sure to provide quality value for your money. Even if you think that your roof is in good shape, it’s generally a good idea to have a professional inspect it once a year by a professional.
An inspection may detect issues, such as curling shingles, pest damage or moisture issues, that might not be obvious just by looking at your roof. If a problem is found soon enough, it may be possible to make repairs as opposed to having to tear off the whole structure.
You Want To Keep Your Family Safe
A defective roof that allows water to get into the house can cause a number of problems, including the spread of mold and mildew. Although it’s not necessarily harmful in small amounts, consistent exposure to these spores can cause breathing problems in children, the elderly and those who have allergies.
Mold and mildew may also cause damage to ceilings, walls and other spaces where it is allowed to grow unchecked. Finally, these spores can give your home a musty smell that can be difficult to deal with when you’re trying to sleep, eat or watch a football game.
Excess moisture may also weaken ceilings, floors and other parts of your home, which can make it vulnerable to additional structural damage. If you notice stains on the ceiling or walls throughout the inside of your house, it may be the result of a roof leak. Ultimately, you’ll want to have your roof inspected and replaced quickly to ensure that you and your kids have a structurally sound place in which to live.
Protect the Foundation
If water is allowed to get into the house, it will likely make its way down to the foundation. As even a small foundation crack can cause serious and expensive issues, you’ll want to make sure that water is adequately flowing away from the house. It may be possible to have gutters and downspouts inspected or replaced as part of a roof replacement project.
As with shingles, you’ll want to be sure that these items are installed properly and are free of cracks or other defects. Otherwise, they will pull away from the house or allow water to fall to the ground as opposed to toward the downspout.
There are a few ways to tell if your gutters and downspouts are no longer suitable for use. First, if they are cracked or don’t fit together properly, you may want to replace them with a product made from stronger materials that usually come in a single piece as opposed to several put together.
Your Home Will Be Easier To Maintain
If your roof is nearing or has exceeded its useful life, you may have tried to make small repairs in an effort to avoid a full replacement. Although it may be possible to safely keep an older roof on your home, even minor repairs can cost thousands of dollars to complete. Therefore, it may be easier and less expensive to simply replace what you have and enjoy it for as long as you own your home.
You’ll Likely Save on Energy Costs
An older roof may have gaps or other issues that make it difficult to keep your home at a constant temperature. You may also discover that putting a new roof on your home allows you to install shingles that are better at reflecting sunlight, which can keep the interior cooler. Over a period of several years, the money that you save on energy costs may actually pay for a tangible portion of this home improvement project.
If you are in need of quality roof repair services, give the folks at Blue Sky Energy Solutions a call today! We can also help with gutter, window or shutter installation as well as putting a new solar system on your home in a timely and affordable manner.
