You’re considering roof upgrades. You reach out to request a quote, and the professionals from Houston Restore Pros pay a visit. They conduct a roof assessment, meandering around your residence for a while.
Ever wondered about their activities? What catches their attention?
We understand the confusion that may arise for those unfamiliar with the process. This compilation sheds light on the focal points our specialists consider while evaluating your roof.
Roof Health Inspection Points
A roof examiner’s attention spans missing or damaged shingles, organic growth on the rooftop, ventilation glitches, and any undulations, blisters, or deformities in shingles. This extends to other regions displaying signs of wear that could lead to rooftop complications.
Shingle Breakage and Absence
Asphalt shingles, found on 80% of American homes, become brittle as they age. Decades of sun exposure and temperature variations play their part. Brittle shingles might crack and fragment, while wind can dislodge pieces. In severe cases, entire shingles might be torn away.
Noteworthy: Substantial shingle portions or entire units being dislodged can signify subpar installation. Incorrectly fitted shingles are prone to premature failure.
Moreover, an inadequate installation can void your warranty. Manufacturers recognize that sloppy work accelerates shingle deterioration.
In either scenario, once shingles take flight, a roof replacement might be necessary to safeguard your rooftop’s foundation and avert costlier future repairs.
Moss, Mildew, or Mold
Unsightly patches of moss, mildew, or mold emerge on your roof. However, these appearances hold more than mere visual implications: these growths negatively impact shingles and underlayments. Furthermore, they don’t sprout overnight, indicating an aging roof. Our assessment team remains vigilant for signs of these culprits.
All three require moisture to thrive, and they retain that moisture. As moss, mildew, and mold expand, they create raised masses that obstruct water drainage. Consequently, more moisture accumulates on your rooftop’s surface, fostering the growth of these elements. A vicious cycle unfolds, capable of shingle degradation.
Ventilation Challenges
Is your roof adequately ventilated? Few realize that insufficient attic airflow constitutes a roof’s worst foe. Subpar ventilation permits indoor hot air to heat the roof deck, rendering shingles brittle and leading to curling.
For regions prone to snow and ice, an ill-ventilated attic could result in gutter ice dams. These dams introduce moisture beneath shingles, initiating roof deck decay.
During the evaluation, our experts appraise ridge vents, eave vents, exhaust vents, and mechanical ventilation systems. These apertures facilitate attic air circulation, ushering out warm, damp air while inviting cool, dry air indoors.
Should our roofing team suspect inadequate ventilation, they’ll propose solutions to establish a smoother airflow.
Indicators of Roof Variability
Ripples, blisters, buckles, or shifts can unveil a host of roofing complexities. These may encompass:
- Shingles showing their age.
- Inadequate air circulation.
- Flawed installation practices.
- Impaired roof sheathing.
- Layered shingle applications.
- Moist underlayment.
Shingles naturally undergo aging, akin to wrinkles forming on skin. When these changes become noticeable during a rooftop evaluation, a roof replacement could be necessary.
An aging and deteriorating rooftop equates to a fragile roof foundation. A compromised foundation invariably results in a significantly costly roof replacement.
Multi-Layered Shingle Scenarios
Homes adorned with multiple shingle layers likely harbor concealed roof damage. Even if not immediately visible, such roofs hamper proper ventilation. Heat and moisture can become trapped beneath the layers of shingles.
Another red flag: “telegraphing.” As the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors puts it, telegraphing happens when new roofs overlay old ones. Fresh shingles mold to the contours of existing ones beneath, conforming to any high or low points. This unevenness can lead to increased friction during water runoff, causing premature deterioration in specific areas of the new roof.
To be certain, scrutinize the warranty terms of your asphalt shingles. Manufacturers typically stipulate a clean roof foundation as a prerequisite for upholding their product warranties.
Absence of Drip Edge
Drip edge, a type of roofing flashing at the edges, guides water flow around openings. Flashing, typically crafted from materials like sheet metal, plastic, or composites, is placed beneath shingles to shield wooden fascia from water runoff (at the eaves) or rain driven by the wind (at the rakes).
A roof sans drip edge or with improperly positioned drip edge may suffer from deteriorating fascia due to infiltrating water. If shingles at roof edges begin to curl, moisture might be the culprit.
Interior Leakage
Visible interior leaks demand immediate attention for roof repair or replacement. Interior leaks signify water penetration through all roofing materials, indicating possible shingle and decking damage.
Neglected roof leaks have the potential to harm joists and trusses, incurring expenses beyond a mere roof replacement.
Action Post Roof Evaluation
Should any of these concerns surface without involving a roofing professional for an in-depth evaluation, the time has come to make that call. Advanced roof age often presents multiple symptoms, and the countdown might be on for the durability of your roof foundation.
Seeking a Roof Replacement? Contact Us
For those seeking roof replacements, we collaborate with you to formulate a roofing solution that aligns with your preferences. Trust and reassurance accompany every Houston Restore Pros roofing project. Reach out to us online to obtain a quote, schedule a complimentary in-home assessment, or acquire answers to your home roofing queries.