Friday, February 29, 2008

Spring Has Sprung a Leaky Roof




That gentle spring rain is great for your garden, but it's not so nice when you're dealing with a leaky roof. If you've noticed peeling wallpaper, cracked paint, stains on the ceiling or actual drips that you have to catch in buckets or pots, you need to think about fixing your roof.


A few things you should know about roof repairs


The best-case scenario is that a section of your roof will require patching or repair. The worst-case scenario is an expensive recovering or replacement of your entire roof. When determining which scenario applies to your roof, interview some quality roofing professionals and consider these facts:


- A roof needs to be replaced every 20 to 30 years, on average, depending on materials, installation, weather and maintenance


- Finding the source of a leak can be challenging, even for roofing pros, and repairs can get pricey if you have to keep calling them back for additional fixes


When a new roof is your only option
Your chosen roofing professional has advised you need a new roof. Now, you have a number of new questions to answer:


1. Replace or recover? Outright replacement means tearing off the roof and installing a new one. Recovering involves installing new shingles over an existing roof. Depending on building code in your area, you may not be allowed more than one roof recovering before a complete replacement is necessary


2. What materials do you want to use? While most people choose cost-effective asphalt shingles, which come in a variety of grades and colours. You can also choose shingles made of wood, ceramic, slate, metal, or synthetics made to look like slate or wood


3. How's your attic ventilation? Proper ventilation can save energy, prevent structural damage caused by moisture, prolong the life of your roof, and make your home more comfortable. Have your roofing professional check it out before any works begins


Once your new roof is installed, maintain it diligently. Inspect it every spring and fall, as poor maintenance is the leading cause of damage and leaks. Replace damaged shingles and take note of sagging or other damage. Careful maintenance of a new roof will keep you and your family leak-free and happy - at least for the next 20 to 30 years.


Published by RoyallePage.ca

4 comments:

Mariam Freame said...

If your roof is more than 10 years, it is clearly subjected to problems related to aging. It can create dents, holes, or loosen shingles which can lead to water leaks. But, before deciding to replace the old roof, consult your roof contractor if the roof is still repairable. Recovering the roof is more cost-effective rather than replacing it.

Joann  Winton said...

I agree with you, Dora. Many people take their roofs for granted. They think that leaks and stains are other damages that don’t require too much attention. But after some time, they realize that they made a huge mistake, and the only way to fix it is to have a major repair. Anyway, I want to thank you for raising awareness about this issue.

Joann  Winton said...

I agree with you, Dora. Many people take their roofs for granted. They think that leaks and stains are other damages that don’t require too much attention. But after some time, they realize that they made a huge mistake, and the only way to fix it is to have a major repair. Anyway, I want to thank you for raising awareness about this issue.

Unknown said...

“That gentle spring rain is great for your garden, but it's not so nice when you're dealing with a leaky roof.” – I totally agree with this! I’ve grown very awesome gardens during spring, but my roof wouldn’t cooperate. I had to change the roof since there were lots of leaks. Great that I’ve read this ‘cause the information here gave me a lot of new ideas. :)

-- Cody Charlebois