Sentinel Exteriors

When dealing with leaks it is important to keep in mind that water wants to find the path of least resistance to travel, which means that your leak could present itself in parts of your house that aren't close to the actual leak. One solution is to go into your attic or crawl space with a flashlight the next time it rains and try to trace the leak. Visible signs, such as pooling water or damaged drywall/building materials should be present. However, this isn't always effective due to walls or other physical obstructions blocking your view. The most accurate way to track the leak is to have a professional come out and access the leak.

Most damage that a roof will take on is the direct force of nature. Severe weather, including typhoons, haboobs, hailstorms, snowstorms, and tornados contribute to the degradation of a roof. Algae and mildew, as well as sunlight, can also be a source of roof damage.

One of the big questions to ask is the age of the roof. If a roof is older than 15 years it may be time to contact a local contractor to inspect your roof and give their recommendation on how to proceed. Generally speaking cracked, broken and curled shingles can be replaced individually and are often the cause of issues like leaks. Roofs with widespread issues are more likely to need replacing, as the whole roof system may be compromised.

If your roof is old and underperforming, roof replacement can help lower energy bills. Ideally, an attic should remain close to the outside temperature, but overheating in this space during the summer is a sign of inadequate ventilation. This inadequate ventilation can cause an HVAC system to work much harder than necessary. A new roof helps ensure that your HVAC system can work properly and keep stress off the system causing more power to be consumed.

Your roofing system is comprised of several layers, all performing a different function. Generally speaking, replacing the entire system is the best route for improving the roof’s performance. The different layers of a roof can include leak barrier protection, sythetic roof deck protection, starter strip shingles, lifetime shingles, and ventilation.

In short no. There are projects which can be completed with a DIY mentality, however, due to the dangers of working on ones' roof, completing a roof replacement yourself isn't something that should be attempted. Not only do thousands of Americans die annually from falling from roofs, but you could be violating your roof's current warranty which could wind up costing you down the line.

Weather typically plays the largest factor in timing when to get your roof replaced. While contractors work year-round, factors like snow, rain, ice, and sleet can impact how quickly roofers can safely and effectively get their roof finished.

There is no straightforward answer because every roof is different. Roofing contractors consider a few factors when pricing out new roof installations: size, old roof removal, style, shape, materials, and labor. In addition to these factors, your roof could include other features like chimneys, skylights, and vents that need to be factored into the cost. Contact a licensed roofer near you to get an accurate quote.

The longevity of your roof will depend on its materials, its installation, and its ventilation. Weather conditions may also impact the life of your roof. A well-constructed roof can last between 12-15 years. Depending on the quality and type of shingles you chose and the underlayment of your roof, that number can go up to 30 or more years.

When assessing whether or not to replace your roof the first question that should be asked is "How old is my roof?". Most roofs will last around 15 years but signs that it is time to replace your roof could include: holes in your roof, missing or damaged shingles, or leaks.