Inspecting your roof for damage after a nasty Austin storm may be common sense, but there are so many more factors that degrade a roof’s quality over time than might you’d think. Roofs are designed to be tough, handling all kinds of intense weather, but here are a few facts you might not have known:
- Most typical asphalt shingle roofs, depending on the quality of materials used in their construction, possess a practical life span of about 30 years
- Asphalt is an organic compound (formed from the remains of ancient, microscopic algae) which deteriorates slightly when exposed to our incredible Texas daytime heat, and its occasionally surprising night time cold
- Asphalt is particularly susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) radiation which significantly speeds up the aging process
It is difficult to identify roof damage visually if you’re not a roofing expert. You may be able to spot obvious damage from the ground, or a second story, but if you suspect there is something wrong with your roof, do not climb on your roof to inspect it. Not only is it dangerous, but without the appropriate skills and knowledge you can cause further damage to your roof, worsening any problem you may already have. If you have an accessible attic, inspect the underside of the roof deck and rafters for wet spots or stains, which are a dead giveaway.
If you’re not sure, or can’t do the inspection yourself, we would be happy to inspect and provide an estimate on any repairs. The fee for such an inspection is applied directly to any actual repair, so essentially the report is free!
Newer roofs can often be repaired for a very modest cost, replacing individually damaged shingles or areas. While it is possible to shingle over an existing roof, that is often going to lead to future problems. It is generally not advised, and in many jurisdictions, it is not legally permitted. Each layer of shingles adds significant weight to your roof, and that can lead to mechanical failure of the roof structure. If that’s the position you find yourself in, a roof replacement might be in order.
If you know your roof needs some work, but aren’t sure if repair or a complete replacement is in order, contact us today and we would be more than happy to discuss your options and set up a free consultation.
We’re a Family Business
We’ve been around since 1999 and we built our reputation on exceeding our customers’ expectations. We use superior quality materials, and exceptional craftsmanship to make sure you’re satisfied.
For any of your roofing needs, including upgraded ventilation, and radiant barriers (which can save you 20% on your energy bills), or even eavestroughing (rain gutters), give us a call and ask for some free advice. Unlike some of the less reputable outfits, we have full liability insurance ($2,000,000) and not some expired certificate that they wave around as if it were still in force and effective. We would be delighted if you called our underwriter to see for yourself that our insurance is still in force!