Replacing your roofing shingles can be a huge expense. If you check the state of your shingles on a regular basis you can prolong the life of your roof. Localized replacements are cheaper and relatively easy to perform. You can either employ a local roofing contractor or you can do it yourself if you have the correct tools.

When Should You Replace Roof Shingles?

Apart from the glaring obvious water damage what signs should you look out for? If your roof is more than 20 years old you will need to inspect it carefully. You should start by looking in the gutters to check for loose shingles or asphalt granules. See if the shingles are curling at the edges or if there is moss growing on your shingles. These are indications you need to perform some maintenance on your roof.

Maintenance might also mean cleaning the roof and removing algae or weeds. Take care when working on the roof as to not damage the granules on the asphalt. The granules are what keeps the asphalt waterproof and weatherproof. Constant treading on the asphalt will remove that important protective layer so take care when you are on the roof and try to limit your footsteps.

Another tip is to keep trees and branches trimmed back away and away from your roof. This also applies to your gutter. It is important to keep all your guttering clean and damage-free. You should be clearing your gutters more frequently when it rains or is stormy.

How Do You Replace Damaged Shingles?

Once you have assessed the damaged area and identified the damaged shingles slide a putty knife under and above the damaged shingle to break the seal that secures it. Remove any securing nails completely.
Use a flat bar to prise up the damaged shingle.
Cut off the damage tab of the shingle with a utility knife, or remove the entire piece.
Put the new shingle in place, and secure it under the shingle above with standard 7/8” roofing nails and a hammer.
Once the new shingle has been affixed, lift the tab up and seal it with roof cement.

When repairing your roof you need to have the relevant safety equipment in place to prevent further damage to your roof or damage to whoever is working up there. Ladders must be secured and protective gear must be worn. It is also recommended that all workers use a safety harness.

If You Need To Replace Your Roof

You may wish to remove the asphalt yourself to reduce the cost. There are many reliable guides available and you can buy all the tools from your local hardware store.  It is quite gratifying to be part of this process and it is hard work.

Before you remove anything from your roof you have to have its replacement lined up and ready to be assembled. You do not want to have a completely exposed roof for longer than necessary. Make sure you discuss the logistics of the project with your roofing replacement contractor.

For shingle roof replacements completed in one day at the best pricing and with the best warranties in NYC contact us today at:

Royal Renovators Inc. 118-35 Queens Blvd Forest Hills, NY 11375 (718) 414-6067 https://www.nycrenovators.com/

A roof is the most important element of the house. If it shows leakage or has signs of molded materials, it will eventually make the entire structure vulnerable to significant damage. Therefore, it is imperative to regularly inspect the roof and surrounding materials such as flashings and attics. In this way, you can detect when simple repairs are needed over the years or when you need to budget for a major roof replacement.

Roofs do not usually receive much attention or appreciation – until there is a problem. By the time the roof needs to be completely redone or replaced, the damage is probably significant.

First, you need to differentiate a roof repair from a roof replacement.

Roof repair/re-roofing

Basically, re-roofing consists of superimposing new shingles (or other roofing materials) on old, existing shingles. Minor repairs must be done in advance. A new roof covers the old one and should only be done once. The process is simply to put a new layer of shingles on an existing set. This can be a simple solution if the overall condition of the roof structure and support system is good. It works best if you do the whole roof, rather than just repairing a section or side, because you do not want to have multiple shingles in some places.

Repackaging can only be done once, so it is not appropriate in all situations. More than two layers add too much weight to the roof, while the nails may not penetrate properly, which may cause the shingles to fall or peel in cold weather. In addition, if there are any problems with the substructure, you only need to cover them rather than fix them. But if only the shingles are worn and there are no leaks, moss, mildew or other damage, this could be the solution to get a few more decades of using a roof.

Although you can save money with roof repairs, this solution is only suitable when there are minor roofing problems. But if the roof is ready to give up, replacement is the only option.

Roof replacement

The replacement of a roof involves the removal of all existing roof coverings. Then, repairs can be made on the substrate. A new roof system completely solves all roof problems, including leaks. This process is exactly as it should be: the entire roof is removed to the deck material. This allows the problems to be fully exposed and repaired before new shingles or other materials are put in place. Since this is a more complex procedure that requires extra work, it is more expensive than re-roofing. If a roof already has two layers of shingles, roof replacement is the only option.

It is advantageous to get a brand new roof, as this essentially affects the reset button for the roof life. You will still enjoy 30 years or more without worrying about leaks, repairs and other common problems. This is often better for insurance as it can increase the value of the building.

HOW TO DETERMINE IF A RE-ROOF OR ROOF REPLACEMENT IS NEEDED

Extreme weather can damage many types of roofing material. So, how can you be sure, with the exception of a roof inspection, if you need to re-roof or replace the entire roof? There are some methods to detect the answer.

Signs that you might need a re-roof

Most of us are not used to looking closely at our roofs; the first sign that something is wrong up there is often a problem. Signs that might be noticeable are;

• Daylight is visible from inside your attic or attic
• Cracked, damaged or curly shingles
• Shingles granules in your gutters
• Cracked flashings around vents, skylights and chimneys

If you opt for an amendment, there are some essential points to consider before proceeding;

• The size of the area to be repacked has an impact on the cost of the work. However, it may be worthwhile to weigh the cost of repairing the existing roof’s repair potential over several years – a repair can be more economical in the long run.
• Several materials are available for recasting, and they all have different price tags as well as different advantages and disadvantages. Sometimes we have to weigh the cost of materials on quality and durability.
• If your property is in a conservation area or protected area, you may need to replace a roof in accordance with the style of the area.

Renovating a property instead of replacing the entire roof saves the amount of materials needed and the level of labor required. Even then, it may not be the right option for your property. It is therefore recommend that you contact a specialist for an evaluation and a quote before making a final decision on re-roofing your flat or sloped roof.

Signs you may need a roof replacement

A healthy roof on your home or business is an important part of keeping your walls in place. If the roof of your property has suffered some kind of damage, it is quite possible that a routine repair of the roof corrects the problem. However, there have been other times when damage to the roof of the building is too great for a small repair to repair sufficiently. In these cases, you may need to complete a roof replacement. So, how do you know it’s time to replace the roof? Your best option is to seek the advice of an expert roofer, but look through this quick list for some common reasons that may require replacement of the roof.

A roof replacement is mandatory if;

• The existing roof appears in poor condition and lacks many shingles. In addition, if the material of the roof has become irregular and severely damaged, it would be impractical to lay a new roof flat.
• You do not know the age of the current roof and its lifespan may be exceeded.
• The roof has already been redone and has too many shingles.
• After verifying local building codes, you discover that roof repairs are the only viable option.
• You discover deformed or rotten wood and too much damage to replace.
• The roof structure reveals signs of subsidence or leakage.
• You want a newer roofing material requiring less maintenance.

So there you have it, all the information you need to make an educated assessment on the future of your roof.

Royal Renovators Inc. 118-35 Queens Blvd Forest Hills, NY 11375 (718) 414-6067 https://www.nycrenovators.com/

Royal Roofing & Siding Brooklyn 2380 Ralph Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11234 (718) 536-2667

Virtual Roofing Corner:

Your roof is a big investment. Whether you are planning to get a new one, and want to make sure that you get the thirty or more years out of it that it is supposed to last, or you’re trying to make your current roof last as long as possible, here are a few tips that will keep your roof in good condition for as long as possible.

Keep your gutters clean

Gutters aren’t just there to keep you from getting dripped on as you walk into your house. They also serve a very important function for the structural integrity of your house. Gutters carry away the run off from your roof so that moisture doesn’t collect on your roof anywhere. If gutters aren’t working properly, moisture can build up along the edges of the roof, causing damage to the structure of the building itself.

Check your gutters at least once a year, more often if your property has a lot of deciduous trees or is subject to leaves and other contaminants from adjacent properties.

Look at your electric bill

You might not think your electric bill has anything to do with your roofing, but it’s actually a very useful way to tell if there is something not quite right with your roofing.

Every 6 months or so, take a look at your electric bill and compare it to the year before. If your electric usage has gone up, and you haven’t done anything to change your lifestyle, it could be that the insulation in your attic is no longer doing it’s job.

It could be just a sign that you need new insulation, but it could also be a sign of a leaky roof. Leaking can damage the insulation, causing the sudden unexplained increase in electricity. If you see this, it might be worth glancing in your attic and checking to see if you can see any moisture from the underside, as it may help you diagnose the problem.

Visually inspect roof

As roofing ages, you can often spy signs that the roof is reaching the end of its lifespan before drastic damage occurs. Look for granules in your gutters, curling shingles, and loose shingles when you check to see if anything is wrong. If you notice these things, it may be time to get your roof replaced.

Trim your trees

Your trees can potentially cause a lot of damage to your home, both from the build up of leaves getting into your gutters, and also from branches breaking off and falling onto the roof during wind storms. Keep your trees trimmed back from your roof to help preserve it as long as possible.

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Royal Renovators Inc. 118-35 Queens Blvd Forest Hills, NY 11375 (718) 414-6067 https://www.nycrenovators.com

Royal Roofing & Siding Brooklyn 2380 Ralph Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11234 (718) 536-2667

Virtual Roofing Corner: