Tag: roofing tips

Categories
Residential Roofing Tips

Should I Repair My Roof or Replace It?

As a homeowner, you probably understand that roof repairs and replacements can be costly, but essential, for a safe home or building. A properly maintained roof can increase the value of your home, add to its curb appeal, and help keep those costs down.

Unfortunately, even the best roofs don’t last forever and you’ll likely need to do some repairs sooner or later. You’ll want to address missing shingles, leaks, water spots, and any visible damage. Eventually, it will become more cost-effective to replace the roof entirely rather than attempt to repair it. If your roof has suffered some damage and you’re not sure whether you should repair or replace it, keep reading.

Roof Age

Determining the age of your roof is the first thing you should do when deciding between repair and replacement. Not sure how old your roof is? The Bond Roofing team can help determine how much life it has left. Of course, there are several different kinds of roofing materials and their lifespan can vary anywhere from 15 years for lower-end shingles to 50 years for a metal roof.

So, how does age play into the repair vs. replacement discussion? If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan and has significant damage, that is a key indicator that you should consider replacing the roof entirely.

Roof Damage

Most of the time, you can assess the age of your roof at a glance. If you notice any of these things on your roof, it’s time to call a roofing team:

  • Curling or buckling shingles
  • Bald shingles (areas where the asphalt granules coating the shingle have fallen off or worn away)
  • Missing shingles
  • Sagging roof lines
  • Moss covering the roof
  • Blistering shingles
  • Granules in the gutter
  • Water damage

Bond Roofing supplier GAF offers a few more tips for inspecting your own roof here, and of course, our team stands ready to offer our expertise.

Timeline for Your Next Move

Do you plan on staying in your home or commercial space for the foreseeable future? Or are you considering a move? It doesn’t make sense to pay for a costly roof replacement if you aren’t planning to stay in the house or building for much longer.

If you plan to sell any time soon, consider the shape your roof is currently in. If it’s in poor enough shape, you may have a hard time selling. A total replacement might still be your best bet before putting your house on the market and might even increase the value of your home enough to cover the cost.

Budget

If a total roof replacement is way out of the budget, repairs may still be an option. Roof repairs can be an option for extending the life of your existing roof, giving you time to save and prepare for the replacement. Just don’t let the repairs stack up enough that they become more costly than a replacement. Our best advice is to address damage as soon as it happens so it doesn’t lead to more extensive and costly repairs.

Still need help determining how much life your roof has left or costs of repairs vs. replacement? Contact the Bond Roofing team.

Categories
Commercial Roofing Tips Residential Roofing Tips

Why Is My Roof Leaking? 6 Common Causes of a Roof Leak

As a homeowner or building owner, you probably give very little thought to your roof, that is, until it starts leaking… There are plenty of ways for your roof to spring a leak, but if you’re experiencing problems it might come from one of these six common issues. Whatever the problem, don’t hesitate to contact the Bond Roofing team for help!

Storm Damage

High winds can blow off shingles, lift or blow off flashings, or cause tree limbs to puncture the roof.  Usually, this type of damage is pretty obvious but occasionally the water entry point is not as clear.  Wind-driven rain can find its way under flashing, around dormer windows, or even under ridge vents.  If you’ve noticed interior damage during or after a storm, notify your roofing team immediately.

Pipe Boots or Pipe Flashing 

Have you ever noticed the pipes that protrude from a roof?  These are plumbing vents that are necessary for your plumbing system to work properly and they are the most common cause of leaks we see.  Most pipe flashings, or “boots” are made with hard metal or plastic base with flexible rubber that seals around the pipe.  This flexible rubber tends to dry-rot and crack after 10-12 years. If you’ve noticed a water spot in the bathroom or near a wall next to a bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen, a pipe boot is a likely culprit.

Chimneys

Whether they are brick or stucco or siding, chimneys are a common source of water issues.  They are, after all, a large protrusion through your roof.  Water finds its way under flashing, through dried or cracked caulk in the flashing or siding, through cracks in brick and stucco, or even through the brick itself.  There are solutions for all of these problems, so let us know if we can help.

Wall Flashing 

Like with chimneys, flashing at walls and dormers is a common problem.  Flashing can sometimes move due to thermal expansion/contraction or nails can back out of the sheathing or the caulk sealing the flashing has dried and cracked.  All of these can provide an opening for water to enter.

Nail-pops

Over time the nails holding shingles in place can back out of the sheathing.  This “nail-pop” can push the shingle up, allowing wind-driven rain to enter around the nail.  Occasionally these nails can actually puncture the shingle above them resulting in a decent-sized hole.

Clogged Gutters/ Roof Debris

Yes, clogged gutters can actually cause a roof leak! Significant debris buildup in gutters or on roof surfaces can cause water to back up and enter under shingles or flashing. To avoid leaks from debris, clean your gutters and roof frequently.

Have a roof leak? The Bond Roofing team is here to help. Contact us today.

Categories
Commercial Roofing Tips

When Do I Need a New Roof?

Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pexels

“When do I need a new roof?” is one of the most frequent questions we hear.

A roof is always there for you — until it isn’t. Whether you’ve owned your home for one year or many, you may rarely think about the roof and when it needs to be fixed or replaced. Unless there is a hurricane or strong storm, most North Carolina residents don’t need to worry often about their roof. But it will need to be replaced at some point.

How long do roofs last? 

When you need a new roof depends on the type of roof on your home.

Metal Roof – 50 years or more

Metal roofs have become more popular during the last decade as homeowners and builders have become increasingly aware of its many benefits. Long service life, energy savings, and superior wind resistance are just a few of the advantages of metal roofing.

Asphalt Shingles – 20 to 30 years

While the vast majority of shingles on the market carry a “lifetime limited” warranty, the reality here in the South is that we live in a hot, humid climate which shortens the life of shingles.  A number of factors (the amount of sun or shade on your roof, attic ventilation, type of shingle) determine the lifespan of your shingle roof.

Copper Roof – 70 years or more

Of the naturally-weathering materials, copper is the most popular and can be used as a component in any roofing system. A centuries-old roofing material, copper’s durability is probably unmatched.

While these are the typical life expectancies, your roof could last shorter or much longer than these averages. Check out tips from the Home Builders Association for protecting your home from severe weather.

5 Signs You May Need a New Roof 

We have created a list of different indicators that you need new roofing so you can determine what is right for you and your home. Although these are not all of the issues that lead to a new roof, these are some of the most common indicators. 

  • You need repairs. 

Storm damage from spring hail storms or August hurricanes can take its toll on your roof. Small breaks in your roof lead to leaks. As soon as you notice an issue, get it repaired to prevent further damage. Unfortunately, you may not notice the needed repairs for a long time, which can cause more problems. Sometimes, a need for repairs is actually a sign you need a new roof. If you aren’t sure if you need a repair or not, we offer roof inspections for both residential and commercial roofs. 

  • Your shingles are curled or cracked. 

Another common sign that you need to refresh your roof is shingles that are cracked or curled up on the edges. Shingles are supposed to lay flat across your roof. Older roofs are not as durable as the new roofing used on houses today, so you may see this more in older homes. 

  • Moss is growing on your roof. 

Green roofs are all the rage right now, but if you didn’t intend for greens to sprout up on your roof, it is probably time for a new one! The biggest issue with moss growth is the moisture that comes with it. This can cause problems when the weather is cold and the moss freezes. 

  • The flashing is cracked. 

Flashing is the material used around different exterior parts, such as vents or chimneys, to keep the rain out of your home. If there is an issue in the flashing, it could cause leaks and lead to major damage on your roof as well as inside your home.

  • Your roof needs a new look.  

We will often refresh roofs when homeowners build an addition or undergo extensive renovations that change the roofline or the appearance of the home. After years of weathering and minor wear, a roof can look outdated, contrasting with the new sections. Renovations and additions mean you’ve got crews at the house anyway, so it’s the perfect time to get more work done and have it finished for years to come.

If you are still unsure of your answer after going through this list, we would be happy to sit down with you. We can discuss your questions and concerns, and determine what your current or planned roofing system needs are, then offer a proposal, if you so choose.

Contact us today to set up an appointment and get your questions answered.