JulianConstruction.com: Does Your Roof Need to Be Replaced?
The purpose of a building’s roof is to provide protection from environmental elements like rain, snow, wind and sun. Although a roof can last for 20 to 30 years, it will eventually deteriorate and need to be replaced. Factors that can impact the life of a roof include how well the roof was installed, the quality of the materials that were used, the effectiveness of the roof’s ventilation system and weather.
Indicators that you may need a new roof include:
- Cracked shingles or tiles
- Loose shingles or tiles
- Missing shingles or tiles
- Shingle edges are curled and buckling
- Shingle granules in the gutters
- Bald spots where shingle granules are missing
- The roof is sagging
- There are signs of water damage
- Daylight is shining through the roof
- There are roof leaks
- The roof looks old and worn
Roofs can be made from different types of materials, such as asphalt shingles, clay or concrete tiles, wood shingles, slate and metal, along with various synthetic products.
Asphalt shingles, also known as composition shingles, are the most common type of roofing product. They are less expensive than clay or concrete tiles and relatively easy to install. The shingles are covered with grit and come in a variety of colors.
Both concrete and clay tiles are extremely heavy, but also very durable with a long life (100 years or more in some cases). Because of their weight, concrete and clay tiles often require extra framing.
Wood shingles are usually made of cedar, redwood and southern pine. The shingles may need to be fireproofed in certain areas, or chemically treated in wet climates because they are a natural product.
Metal roofs are made of steel, zinc, aluminum, copper and stainless steel. They come in shingles or panels, and provide long-lasting protection, especially in places with extreme weather conditions. They are also low maintenance.
Slate is one of the most expensive types of roofing materials. Similar to clay and concrete tiles, slate is heavy and will need additional support, but can also last 100 years or more if properly maintained.
Sometimes a damaged roof can be repaired instead of replaced. If you have concerns about the condition of your roof, get professional advice from an experienced roofing company, including an inspection to find out what issues need to be addressed.
Julian De La Torre, expert in Los Angeles foundation inspection, foundation repair and founder of Julian Construction (https://julianconstruction.com) foundation contractors (Los Angeles), has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with engineering firms & local departments of building & safety. The company has done more foundation repair (Los Angeles) than any other company in the area over the last five years (foundation repair). Julian Construction owns its own company and is a “no middlemen” model–no salesmen or subcontractors–you get the principals of the company and its workers under your home. Learn more about Julian Construction and Los Angeles foundation repair at www.anchorla.com.
