There are some signs that the roof repair job on your home may be showing it's age. If you have not replaced the roof in more than twenty years, it is may be time to consider having some repairs or potentially replacing the roof.
Roofing Materials
The majority of residential roofing in this country is made up of asphalt shingles. While every manufacturer has a different rating, most asphalt shingles will last between twenty and thirty years under normal conditions. If you live in an area where storms are frequent, you may find the roofing material does not last as long. One of the most common causes of damage to asphalt shingle roofing is wind getting under the shingles and loosening them. Hiring a roofing contractor to assess the roof's condition allows you to determine if you have any loose shingles or problematic areas that need immediate repair. In some cases, roofing nails can start to loosen and back out of the wood under the roofing. The most common reason for this is rot in the wood, and the more water that gets in under the shingles, the more severe the decay can become.
Making Repairs
Making repairs to the asphalt shingles on the roof of your home is relatively straightforward. The roofing contractor you are working with can often remove damaged shingles and leave the good shingles around the area intact. Once the damaged shingles are removed, the contractor can install new shingles under the existing shingles and secure the entire area with new fasteners. If the shingles around the damaged area are loose, the roofing contractor may need to install new nails to secure the existing shingles. Often, areas close to chimneys or vent pipes that pass through the shingles can loosen and leak. Your roofing contractor can apply a sealer around these items to help secure the shingles and keep the water out.
Damage Under the Roofing
Homes that have damage to the roofing shingles may also have damage under the shingles. The wood underlayment can start to deteriorate or rot if it is exposed to water for long periods. Having a roofing contractor inspect the roof means having an inspection on both the outside and inside of the home. Water staining on the wood is a telltale sign that a roof has been leaking, and the roofing underlayment is often soft in that area.
If there's damage to the roof underlayment, the entire roof needs to be removed from the home, including the wood underlayment, and a new roof must be installed. The cost of replacing the roof may be more than you planned, but not replacing it once a leak and rot have been discovered only delays the inevitable. Some companies, like Premier Roofing Co, know how important this is.