How To Tell Your Roof Needs To Be Changed – The Signals of Roof Damages
- Appearance: when your roof looks worn, it can be a clear sign that it needs to be changed.
- When other roofs around are getting changed. Since all roofs in the same area experienced similar climatic conditions, it is only logical that the wear and tear suffered by one as a result of these conditions is also experienced by the others.
- When your roof has lasted at least 2 decades.
- When its shingles are cracked.
- When a few granules are missing from it, it becomes apparent that it is becoming less weatherproof. Pay attention to your neighbors roof repair.
- When mold starts to develop on the underside of the roof.
- When you can see light shining through the roof.
- When your shingles are missing.
- When you notice algae growth on it.
The Type of Roofing Materials
There are several types of roofing materials but amongst the practical ones are;
Asphalt Roofs
This roof gets its name from the use of asphalt or bitumen to make it waterproof. Its fiberglass component ensures the durability of the product.
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Generally, Asphalt Roofs are good for your residential buildings if you are not looking to spend a fortune on Changing your roof. These roofs endure where there is consistency in climatic conditions as opposed to cycles of dry and rainy conditions.
Wood and Cedar Shake Roofs
If a draw in changing your roof is aesthetics, Wood and Cedar Shake Roofs are the way to go. The fact that these roofs have been utilized for centuries is a testament to their durability.
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Generally, Wood and Cedar Shake Roofs are fairly affordable. However, this roof does not suffer extremes. The roof tends to last much longer where climatic conditions are not too moist or too dry.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are formed from a metal such as zinc, copper, aluminum, and stainless steel. They are perfect for all sorts of extreme weather conditions.
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Generally, Metal Roofs will leave a dent in the pocket. They are the most durable of all roofing materials and suitable for all climatic conditions.
Tile and Slate Roofs
Tiles are made from clay or concrete and are suited for a modern house, while natural slates are produced from metamorphic rock, which is cut into thin layers. These roofs are gradually making their way into the housing market in Canada, and they come in a variety of colors and designs.
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Generally, Tile and Slate Roofs are more expensive. They are a good fit if you aim to give your home a more aesthetic and traditional feel. Their insusceptibility to rot and pests make them suitable for almost all weather.
Rubber Roofs
This less commonly used roofing material is long-lasting due to the usual lack of seams which greatly reduce the possibility of water finding its way under it.
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Generally, Rubber Roofs are an all-weather roofing choice. As well as their industrial use, they are now being utilized in residential settings and will endure in either extremely cold or hot weather conditions.
How To Pick Roof Shingle Colors
Commercial carpet cleaning products can be found at any nearby store and are very efficient in removing stains from carpets. However, they are harmful for yourself and for the environment. They also evoke a strong smell that can last for hours. When searching for commercial carpet cleaning products, choose an option that is considered to be natural or semi-natural.
There are several factors to consider when picking the color of your roof shingles. Here are a few:
1. Location
If your home is located in an area with extreme heat, you may be best off with lighter-colored roofing shingles as these do not absorb sunlight or its heat. Light-colored roofing shingles have a cooling effect on the home’s interior, and this means that as a homeowner, you would ultimately spend less on air conditioning. On the other hand, if you are resident in areas prone to intense cold, darker solid colors may be best as these absorb the sun’s heat.
2. The Neighborhood
It is also best to choose a color that goes well with already existing structures in the neighborhood so that your house does not stand out unnecessarily.
3. Your architectural style
The need for your home to fit in or harmonize with other surrounding structures should not deprive your home of its own unique identity or translate to a bland or boring look. Select shingle colors that both contrast and complement your home’s exterior designs.
4. Get a Sample
Just like with most commodities you purchase, you may need to try out a variety of roof shingles against the exterior elements of your home to know which color works for you and which doesn’t. The words “appearances can be deceiving” have never been truer than when it comes to the color of roof shingles. This fact makes it important to take time to examine the color of roof shingles under different lights or at different times of the day. And as mentioned earlier, a consideration of the prevalent colors used in the neighborhood may help to simplify the choice of which color is most appropriate.
5. Prevalent Law
Just like with most commodities you purchase, you may need to try out a variety of roof shingles against the exterior elements of your home to know which color works for you and which doesn’t. The words “appearances can be deceiving” have never been truer than when it comes to the color of roof shingles. This fact makes it important to take time to examine the color of roof shingles under different lights or at different times of the day. And as mentioned earlier, a consideration of the prevalent colors used in the neighborhood may help to simplify the choice of which color is most appropriate.
What is the Cost of Changing Your Roof
As with most things in life, the decision to change your roof must be backed up by the means to do so. In this case, a will does not make a way. When weighing up the cost of a new roof, it can be helpful not to view said cost as bad debt but as an investment because when carried out efficiently, there is a guarantee of return on the investment.
Factors affecting the cost of your roof include:
- Which roofing company you hire and the location of your property.
- The size of your new roof
- The shape and style of your new roof
- The type and size of the materials to be used
The average cost of changing your roof
In Canada, the cost of a new roof varies based on the aforementioned factors. On average, per 2000 square feet, shingle roofs cost about 12 000 CAD $ while metal roofs may go for as much as 25 000 CAD $. Below is a chart representing the average cost for a shingle roof.
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Home Size |
Cost of Roof |
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2000 sq ft |
7 500 CAD $ |
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4000 sq ft |
15 000 CAD $ |
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6000 sq ft |
22 500 CAD $ |
Sources: Top Metal Roofs & SMART Roofing Inc.
Roof Vents
Roof vents or ventilation are systems that protect buildings by allowing air to flow through the attic. The importance of roof vents cannot be overstated as apart from preventing overheating and condensation, which can pose a risk to the health of occupants and substantial damage to the house.
The best type of roof vents
Experts hold that the tag “best” when it comes to roof vents is best suited for the ventilation system which suits your home. However, we have taken the liberty to enumerate a few of the most commonly used roof vents. They are:
- Wind Turbines:
As its name suggests, this type of turbine is suitable for homes located in areas with constant wind.
- Box Vents:
These vents are created by making a hole in the roof from which hot air and moisture rise and escape.
- Eave Vents:
As the name indicates, they are positioned in the eaves with the sole aim of air circulation.
- Ridge Vents:
They ensure the distribution of air of varying temperatures along the roof to ensure its durability.
Why choosing the right roof vent is important
A primary reason to choose the right roof vents is that it makes the roof durable by ensuring that the shingles are cooler and this, in turn, preserves the shingles.
Another reason for choosing the right roof vent is to enable hot air escape so that there will be a reduction in indoor temperatures. Additionally, the right ventilation system will reduce the amount of energy used to cool inside your home in the warmer months.
How many roof vents you need
Experts have noted that as a general rule, you ought to have one roof vent for every 300 sq. ft. of attic area if there is a vapor barrier in your attic & one for every 150 sq. ft. of attic area in every other case.
FAQ- The most Frequently Asked Questions About Roofs
How long does a roof installation take?
There are quite a few factors that determine how long a roof installation will take. These factors include the complexity of the roof, the weather, how accessible the roof is, and the time of the year.
Most 2 000 square foot roofs can be replaced in 2 days depending on the amount of workers who are building the roof.
When is the best time to install a new roof?
The best time to install a new roof is when the installation would not be interrupted by external factors such as inclement weather and climate. Most experts opine that spring is the best time to install a new roof. Even if rain comes pouring down, if you have hired a good contractor, he would know how to accommodate for the weather.
Summer would appear to be the best time to install a new roof, but given that most people schedule a new roof installation for that season, roofing companies tend to be more preoccupied during this period; with what result? The simple law of economics coming to play- where the demand is higher than the supply, prices shoot up.
How long does a shingle roof last?
In general, a shingle roof will typically last around 20 to 30 years when maintained properly. However, shingle roofs in places with harsher weather tend to have a reduced lifespan. Certain factors that may lead a shingle roof to depreciate fast are enumerated below:
- Exposure to the Sun:
While it is practically impossible for your roof to avoid the sun, the amount of sunlight and its direction can affect its durability.
- Inclement weather:
Extreme weather conditions such as hail, blizzard, and ferocious winds can take a toll on your roof.
- The Slope of the Roof:
Roofs with slopes enable snow and water to easily slide off them as compared to flat roofs.
How long does a metal roof last?
In Canada, a metal roof can last 40 to 70 years if installed correctly. Admittedly, harsher weather may reduce its durability, but a metal roof (depending on the make) may be able to resist the impact of winds with gusts of up to 220 km per hour. These roofs are better equipped to resist damage from hail.
Can a metal roof be painted?
Yes, of course a metal roof can be painted! But of course, avoid water-based paints as these can damage your roof. Acrylic latex paint or oil-based paints produce way better effects.
Painting a metal roof has several benefits. For one, painting a metal roof changes its color and thus, gives it a different look.
Painting a metal roof helps to increase the lifespan of your roof as the paint helps the metal fight corrosion.
Experts, however, warn that it is best to put off painting over your metal roof within its first 6 months to allow it to adapt.
Can you install metal roofing over shingles?
Where local codes do not prohibit it, you can install metal roofing over shingles. This is particularly possible because of how lightweight metal roofing is. However, it is vitally important that you make sure that the plywood which holds the shingle roof in place is strong enough to accommodate the metal roof.
One of the more obvious reasons why installing a metal roof over shingles is a no-brainer for those looking to work on their roof is the additional insulation from heat metal roofs provide.
Conclusion
We have reviewed a few of the options open to you if you are thinking of changing your roof. We have considered the several benefits of a new roof, the tell-tale signs to look out for that signals that it is time to change your roof. We have also seen examples of some of the choicest roofing materials out there. Suffice it to state that the options open to you are in no way exhaustive, and we only hope that we have helped to trim down your search. Is the next task to replace your windows? Check out our guide to replacing your windows.
