All You Need to Know About Roofing Solutions
House renovations are usually costly and a major part of this cost goes into roofing solutions. The roof is one of the major investments for a homeowner and it protects you against various natural elements such as rain, snow, and the harsh heat from the sun.
Since roofs require regular maintenance, here’s a comprehensive guide that will help you in making an informed decision about roofing solutions. This article will also inform you how certified roofing companies work and what is the estimated budget of roofing solutions.
Signs you need a new roof
- Shingles of your roof are visibly worn out
If the shingles placed on your roof top give a bald appearance or are granular, then you should consider replacing them. Worn out shingles let the moisture and heat seep through them and once the underlying asphalt of these shingles get exposed to direct sunlight it will soon dry out and start to crack. This makes your roof prone to water leaks in the rainy season and can cause snow damage in the winters. Also, the cost of air conditioning your home is raised as there would be more heat penetration in the house due to the cracked shingles and damaged roof.
- Shingles are cupped or curled
Curled shingles are not as severe as bald spot shingles but still, they are a reason to worry when it comes to roofing. In such cases, the moisture can get into your houses by seeping through the curled shingles and the dust and dirt carried by strong winds can also find a way into your home through them. To sum it up, Curled and cupped shingles increase the chances of leak and rot.
- Shingles are cracked
Cracks in the shingles expose the roof to the leaks and may bring down the whole roof if not attended on time. The risk of leaks is increased by the cracked shingles. Cracked shingles also may fall out of the frames under heavy snow and cause injury to anyone in the house.
- You experience constant leaking from the roof
There are vent stacks, boots, starters, hedges, and other components of your roof that might cause a leak. So, make sure that with the aging of your roof these components do not start falling off.
Keep checking the condition of your roof to save extra bucks being shelled out from your pocket.
- The roof has outlived its age
Every roof has a certain age beyond which it is no longer usable and is prone to several kinds of damages. You must not put stress on this kind of roof or else it might fall apart.
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The roof has undergone massive damage
If you feel that more than 35% of your roof is damaged and needs repair or if it is more than a decade old then it is time to replace your roof with a new one. Repairing such roofs might be a costly affair. Integrating new shingles on such roofs takes time and additional effort. Also, a mix of old and new shingles will not guarantee you a good waterproof roof.
- Your roof looks ugly
One of the components that give away the bad condition of the roof is its appearance. The aesthetic of your roof matters a lot and can tell a lot about its condition. A worn out roof with algae staining all over it calls for a roof replacement. Replacing it with new shingles will add a new shine to its look.
Can a double layer of shingles be installed on a roof?
Yes, you can install two layers of shingles on a single roof. But it is based upon the condition of your present roof. If your roof has undergone major wear and tear then it is best to tear down the present layer of shingles and start afresh.
Following conditions call for tearing down of the present layer of shingles:
- There is roof damage and soft spots present on the roof along with spots of sagging and significant leaking
- The chimney flashing has become loose and is leaking
- The first layer of the shingles is of 1D shingles and applying a second layer of shingles on this would result in a lumpy appearing roof
- The roof structure does not have enough structural strength to handle the heaviness of the two layers of shingles. Also, make sure that you do not use heavy shingles when using double layers of shingles on the roof.
How to repair the roof deck?
The roof deck is the layer of plywood under the roof shingles. This layer is nailed to the rafters of the roof. While tearing the old roof down the roof installer would look for damage that needs repair. This repair is done on a bare deck.
Instead, if you have chosen to add a new layer of shingles to your roof, then the roof installer would:
- Examine the roof to check if it feels spongy or if there are any rotted or broken areas on the deck area.
- If the nails have been pulled out in the roof areas, it indicates that the wood has gone soft and would need to be replaced.
- Would look for leaks from the attic and check the underside of the roof.
- While checking the underside of the roof the installer would also look for molding or rotting of the underside. The rotting is a clear indicator of the moisture levels in the attic & one reason for the moisture build up might also be the lack of proper ventilation.
The decision of using a single roof or a double layer roof is totally up to you. Whatever your choice, there are residentialand commercial roofingcompanies in Houston that can help you out. Get in touch with us to get a free quote.







