Spot the Warning Signs – How to Know When You Need a New Roof

You don’t have to be a roofing expert to pay attention to your Austin home’s roof. In fact, many aspects of your roof can be viewed safely from the ground. You can and should keep close tabs on what’s happening on your roof so you can take action quickly if needed and prevent further damage from occurring. 

As a bonus, by being on the occasional lookout for these warning signs, you can save money by making roof repairs rather than having to do full-on roof replacements. Remember, if you take good care of your roof, it will take good care of you.

Warning Signs You May Need a New Roof

Here are a few areas to pay attention to regarding your residential or commercial roof in Austin. 

• Your roof’s age – One clue you could be approaching a roof replacement is your roof’s age. Asphalt shingles begin to deteriorate within 20 years, especially in a climate like ours, and understanding your roof’s lifespan is an important variable in knowing when you might need a new roof. 

• Curling shingles – The sun and heat in Central Texas offer no reprieve for our roofs. The sections of your roof in the most direct sunlight will wear down faster. Pay attention to curling and buckling shingles to know when a roof replacement is on the horizon. 

• Loose shingle granules – If you notice loose granules from your asphalt shingles on the ground or in your gutters or downspouts, that’s a sign your roof is reaching the end of its life. 

• Damaged flashing – Your roof’s drainage system keeps water out of your house. Water can enter your attic if there are weak points in your flashing, near vents or other seams. You may need to call a professional to inspect how well your flashing is maintained. 

• Roof moss – This is a sign that you could have trapped moisture on your roof, and that’s an issue you want to clear up right away. 

Knowledge is power, and by being informed about your roof, you will know when it’s time to install a new roof.

What to Look for When Reviewing a Roof Estimate

When you are sure you need a new roof, contact the different roofing contractors in your area to compare roof estimates. When comparing roof estimates, you may jump right to the bottom line number. While yes, cost is an important factor, you also want to review everything else that goes into the project’s total scope of work. 

When reviewing a roof estimate, you should be sure to look closely at the following items. Remember to gather at least a few bids before selecting a roofing contractor for your job.

• Scope of work – Look closely at what will be done. You should see an itemized list with associated costs for materials, labor, permits, and any cleanup or dumpster expenses. 

• Warranty & Guarantee – The bid should include any warranty on the materials, including their terms and coverage period. Most roofing materials offer some sort of manufacturer warranty. You should also look for any guarantee related to the contractor’s workmanship quality. 

• Provisions – Understand if there is a plan for possible add-ons to the project. For example, sometimes the roof decking needs to be replaced, and that’s not always known until the old roof is torn off. Some estimates will already include those costs. If they’re omitted, you should ask.

• Roofing contract and payment terms – Some estimates may not include full contract terms or a detailed project timeline. You’ll want to secure this information before committing to any work. You’ll also want to see proof of licenses and insurance. In addition, evaluate the accepted payment methods and whether the contractor offers any financing options.

The roofing estimates you collect from various contractors will likely look slightly different, but they should all include the same general information. Look closely at the bid details and don’t be afraid to ask questions. A reputable roofing professional will be happy to take the time to thoroughly answer your questions and ensure you understand the roofing project details. 

What to Do Before Roof Installation Day

In the days before your new roof installation, you should take some basic preparation steps to protect your home from falling debris. 

• Move patio furniture, grills, and lawn items away from your home.
• Move any parked cars, boats, or other vehicles farther down the street or into your garage so the roofing crew has plenty of room to come and go.
• Consider dumpster needs – one may be delivered to your home in the days before installation.
• Take a look in your attic. If anything needs to be moved or covered, do it before installation so it doesn’t get damaged.
• Make a plan for pets and children while your roof is being replaced. It can get noisy, and being outside is a safety risk due to the potentially falling debris.

What to Do During Your Roof Replacement

The actual roof replacement will go quite fast. It can be completed in just a few days. The roofing crew will start by removing the old roof. Then, they will do a thorough inspection of your roofing base. Any rotted, soft, or otherwise damaged wood needs to be replaced. They will also inspect your vents, check for gutter damage, and examine your flashing. 

Once your old roof is completely removed and your new roof is prepped, the crew will lay down the shingles. This is when you’ll hear the tell-tale sound of a new roof being installed – the near-constant firing of the nail gun.

What to Do After Your Roof Replacement

Once the new roof is installed, the crew will clean up. They’ll make sure the roof is clear, and they’ll do a sweep of your hard to pick up any fallen debris or loose nails. They should also do a final walk-through with you.

If you have questions during your roof installation, don’t hesitate to ask your roofing crew. And if you have any questions about roof installations or roof repairs in Central Texas, come talk to Storm Guard of SW Austin.