Extending your roof life

Your roof protects you and your loved ones from extreme weather and falling debris. With proper preventative maintenance, a healthy roof can last up to 20 years.

Most roofing professionals recommend twice a year roof inspection. Not having periodic inspections can also affect and even void your warranty. Of course, the simplest solution is to hire a roofing company to inspect your roof for you. However, you can conduct your own inspection to see if you notice any issues by taking a quick look at your roof.

Interior Signs of Roof Problems

It is recommended to inspect the interior of the building by looking for signs of water stains, mold, drips, and even peeling paint. Be aware that leaks can travel sideways through a building, so the cause of the damage may not be found directly above it.

Check for Cleanliness

Once you step outside of your home take a quick look for any accumulated dirt and debris. Drains and rain gutters can get clogged with tree limbs. Check surroundings areas, if tree branches are touching the roof it may be a good idea to schedule a tree service.

Check the Roof Surface

Look for signs of standing water, and make a note of any blistering, cracking, tears or holes, abrasions, or deep scratches in the membrane. If it is a gravel-top roof, check to see that the gravel layer is uniform and free of bare spots. Take notice of any fungus or moss growing on the roof. These will deteriorate your roof.

Check Your Rain Gutter System

All roofs and gutter systems will need some preventative maintenance, but with proper planning, it is possible to reduce that chore to a minimum. Here is how: Keep your rain gutters clean and free of debris, make sure all the downspouts are in place, and divert water into your drain system. Periodic inspection of your rain gutters will help you find any debris that may lead to future issues.

Keep Your Attic Ventilated

You can help prevent moss and algae growth by keeping your attic properly ventilated. Proper insulation and ventilation of your attic will prevent excess humidity from forming, which in turn will reduce moisture. Remember, most roof repairs are preventable, yet we rarely think about our home roof until it is too late. We will be more than happy to help you and offer expert advice. Contact us today!

The climate in Florida might not be very hostile but it can cause a lot of damage. Your roof receives most of the damage due to the local climate. Whether it is the installation of a new roof or the replacement of the damaged one, both can be expensive to do. When you are installing or fixing a roof, you need to be assured of its quality plus how long it would last you. So, what can cause the roof to get damaged?

• Hurricanes and Hail

Florida receives a lot of hurricanes during the year. The water that falls upon the rooftops does more damage than it looks. As water stays there for a long time, it can cause penetration in the roofs by damaging the shingles. As shingles get worn out this allows water to seep inside the house and damage the roof. No matter how much hurricane preparation you have done once the water seeps inside and it rots it out. The water might seep in the ceiling and the floor making your roof repair or even roof replacement getting more expensive.

• Sunlight and Heat

All of Florida also receives a lot of heat and light. Constant sunlight may damage the shingles. As there is a three sixty-degree change in the temperature the shingles might develop cracks. These cracks then allow water, air, and sand to get inside damaging the interior of your house. The intensity of the sun sometimes is so strong that it splits the shingles wide open.

• Composition and Quality of Shingles

Shingles are rectangular blocks that overlap each other while forming your roof. They are basically the outer layer which is subjected to the harsh weather. The harsh weather first cracks it open and then water seeps inside. You will need to check what shingle composition does your roof have. These can be 20 years, 30 years, or even lifetime. The asphalt shingles might last for 10 to 15 years but they are not durable for areas exposed to stormy weather that Florida has. The architectural shingles are more wind resistant. They can tolerate wind speeds greater than 100 mph.

• Ventilating System

The ventilating system is also important. The exit of the warm air increases the life of your roof. It means that the roof must have vents in both ways at the top and the bottom. If it does not have that then the shingles with an estimated life of 30 years are reduced to 15 years.

How can you help increase the lifetime of your roof?

The best you can do is check the condition of your roof quarterly in a year. As Florida receives a lot of storms on a yearly basis, to check your roof must be more frequent than this. As you are unable to see the cracks appearing in the shingles you need to hire a professional roofing company for this job. The more you delay the roof check-up, the higher cost you might face to fix it. As Florida’s temperature is not at all mild, frequent changes in conditions cause the wear and tear of the roofs much more quickly then you estimated.

Be aware that because of our weather conditions many insurance companies require your roof to be replaced after 15 years. Also, many companies will not be able to make repairs on roofs over 15 years. As roofs get old and wear out, trying to repair them, just causes more problems. If you think your roof needs to be replaced due to damage, or age contact Affordable Roofing. We are here to help with all your roofing needs.

Knowing how to check for roof damage after a storm can be crucial. If there was a recent storm with high winds or hail and nothing seems to have been damaged on the exterior of your home, it’s still a good idea to get your roof checked by professional roofing contractors.

When winds are coming in at 50 to 60 miles per hour tree limbs and debris can cause unnoticeable damage.

Most of your roof cannot be inspected unless you are physically on top of the roof. Getting on the roof and inspecting it needs to be done by a professional.

Although, there are ways to check for roof damage without getting on top of your roof. We put together a quick list of ways to spot roof damage after a recent storm. You want to be prepared for a storm when it comes.

How to Check for Roof Damage After a Storm in Florida

Check your attic for any water damage or leaks. Also check your ceiling and walls for any water stains.

Look for missing shingles on the ground, or any missing soffit, or fascia boards. Do a quick walk around your home to see if you notice any damage.

Make sure no trees fell on your roof. If a tree did fall on your roof, make sure you stay out of your home until a professional can assess the situation and make recommendations.

Stay away from getting on top of the roof. It can be extremely dangerous for you to go on the roof yourself to assess the damage..

Call Your Home Insurance Company

After a heavy storm passes through your home in Florida, you will want to check for any roof damage from the hail, wind, or debris. Its best to have an inspection as soon as possible.

The reason you want to check your home sooner rather than later is because if there are any roof damages you may have to notify your insurance.

Some insurance companies can take a few days before they can send someone out to assess your roof damage from the recent storm, let alone fix the issue if there is one.

Contact Affordable Roofing

If you need a roof inspection or roof repairs do not hesitate to contact Affordable Roofing. We’ll come out to your home as fast as possible and check for any damages to make sure you and your family are safe.

We know that storm damage can happen at any time. Storm damage includes hazardous conditions produced by damaging high winds, large hail, storms, strong winds, freezing rain and even flooding. It is important to understand how severe weather can affect you and your family. All of this is of concern as we enter hurricane season.

Storm damage prevention tips

Have you thought about having a professional inspect your roof? Request a shingle, tile or flat roof and flashing inspection. Having your roof inspected by a professional can help you determine whether your roof needs repairs before the rainstorm. You want your roof shingles or tile and your flashing which are the metal strips at the boundaries of your roof to be in good condition. One of the best ways to protect your roof is by performing preventive maintenance and repair inspection.

While flat roofs are common for businesses, most homes have pitched roofs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t install a flat roof on your home. If your home has a modern or unique design, a flat roof may be a great way to compliment your home’s style. However, flat roofs require a lot of great drainage to prevent issues, so check out these facts you should know.

They Are Inexpensive to Install

Getting a new roof is usually a costly investment, but with a flat roof you may be able to save money on installation. Many flat roofs use ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), which is a special membrane that coats and seals the flat roof.

Now that winter is just about here, you need to get your roof ready for the weather changes. In Florida, you don’t need to be overly concerned with freezing temperatures, but moisture and humidity are still issues, especially where your roof is concerned.

If you haven’t had your roof inspected in a few years, schedule one right away. Hidden damage could wreak havoc on your home this winter, especially once the rains begin to fall. Here’s what you want to check for during an inspection.

1. Shingles

Getting a new roof is important to protect your home, but with so many roofing materials from which to choose, picking the right one can seem overwhelming. While many people still choose asphalt shingles for their affordability, more and more homeowners are choosing metal roofs because of their great benefits.

If you aren’t sure if a metal roof is right for you, check out these four reasons you should consider one.

1. Metal Roofs Are an Affordable Option

When you live in a humid climate, you need to be proactive about protecting your roof from experiencing roof rot. Roof rot can ruin your roof long before its time if you don’t take good care of your roof.

Prevent roof rot by installing a suitable roof ventilation system and keeping all roof vents and chimney spaces well sealed.

1. Keep Your Attic Well-Ventilated

Keeping your attic well-ventilated helps provide a host of benefits to your roof. A well-ventilated attic will protect your roof from roof rot. A well-ventilated attic will also increase the life of your shingles and help prevent ice dams from forming in the winter.

A skylight is more than just a novelty — it’s a natural light, heat, and air source. Your skylight allows for proper ventilation, natural heat, and sunlight in the winter months. In the summer, the skylight cools the home with fresh air.

The average skylight lasts around a decade or so. When your skylight needs repairs, the sooner you have them done, the better for you, your skylight, and your roof. Here are some signs your skylight needs to be repaired.