Roof Replacement

Does Your Home Require a Roof Replacement

If you’re a local homeowner who thinks your home may require a roof replacement, you’re in the right place.

However, there are some things to know before getting your roof replaced.

Your New Roof Protects Your Home and Family 

The first step when there is any roofing concern, or you’re considering replacing your roof is to call a trained, professional roofing contractor.

Although, it is still a good idea to get a basic understanding and education on the roofing process, so you can make an informed and intelligent decision that will ensure you get the most value for your investment.

Below we look at our roof replacement and new roof installation service and what it entails.

Signs That You Need a Residential Roof Replacement

Having a warm and comfortable home calls for a leak-free, solid roof above your head. But there are some potentially detrimental roof damaging issues that threaten this comfort. Below are some signs that you need a new roof installation.

1. Your roof’s lifespan is edging closer to its end

If your roof’s lifespan appears as though it’s coming to its end, you likely need to call a residential roof replacement service as soon as possible. 

Of course, the need for a new roof replacement depends on the condition of your roof. Still, even though it might look fine from the ground, that is not a guarantee that your roof is structurally sound. If your residential property looks like it may need attention, you need to contact Highpoint Roofing and Eavestrough for a complimentary no-obligation roof inspection. 

2. Curling shingles

When shingles start to curl, they are ready for replacement. Shingles will either cup (where the edges turn upward) or claw (where the edges are flat, but the middle is rising). Both of these are an indication that you need roof replacement services. If your shingles start to show these signs of weathering, they will begin leaking sooner rather than later.

Your need for new roof replacement, in this case, depends on the level of curling. Depending on the extent, you have up to five years before you need a new roof installation.

3. Missing shingles

Functionally, missing shingles might not be cause for concern. You can always replace the missing ones although they won’t match the colour of your old ones. If your roofing problem is only missing shingles and nothing else, you can continue enjoying the comfort of your home under the same roof by just replacing the missing pieces.

However, over time, if you continuously find more shingles missing and keep replacing them, you might need a new roof installation.

4. Cracked shingles

The most significant cause of cracked shingles is the strong gusts of wind. Like with missing shingles, these can be replaced if there are just a few cracked shingles. Often, the cracking caused by wind damage is isolated to one area of your roof. If it is spread out across different regions, it is probably time to consider a new roof replacement.

For this sort of damage to require a complete overhaul, you will have between three and five years.

5. Worn shingles

The most significant sign that your shingles are worn out are granules in the gutter. If your roof is new, then this is not a problem as those are the loose ones that will eventually come off. However, if your roof has been intact for more than ten years, sudden sights of loose granules might signify a bigger problem.

At this point, you need to start considering a residential roof replacement. Without the granules, asphalt shingles will bake under the sun and deteriorate faster than a fully functioning shingle would. If your roof is older and you start seeing signs of loose granules, your roof is probably beginning a literal midlife breakdown.

6. Development of moss or algae

The development of moss or algae does not necessarily call for residential roof replacement. Moss and Alae are not a functional but rather a cosmetic issue that does not impact roof performance if left alone. Although, if the aesthetic appearance isn’t something you appreciate, you can opt to replace your roof for a modern algae-resistant alternative.

While there might be a temptation to scrape away at the moss or algae, this will only lead to chipping off of the granules and more damage. If you can stand the look, then there is no need for alarm over algae and moss on your shingles. To remove the green stuff while being more gentle and protecting your roof, washing it with one part each of bleach and water is enough.
Alternatively, you can have a professional roofer install zinc strips at roof peaks to eliminate the problem over time.

7. Sunlight is visible from your attic

The only time sunlight should be visible from your attic is if you have a skylight. Otherwise, this is a clear sign you need a new roof replacement. If your roof is allowing sunlight to penetrate, it will also allow rain, cold air, and snow into your house. Once you spot sunlight, look for water damage and observe the condition over a few rainfalls.

If you notice more water damage over the next season or two, start looking for a residential roofing company to inspect your roof for active leaks. The time you have left in case there is a leak depends on the extent of the damage. Patching a small leak is relatively easy, but larger ones can lead to structural damage and require a roof replacement. To avoid rising costs, have a professional roofer evaluate the state of your roof and help you decide which is better – a repair, or a complete overhaul.

8. Sagging roof

A sagging roof is the most significant cause for concern and calls for roof replacement as soon as possible. A sagging roof signifies one of many potential problems, including problematic decking and attic or weak foundation supports. The best cause of action is to take care of a sagging roof immediately you notice it.

Waiting will only make the damage worse and raise the costs of replacement or repair to possibly prohibitive amounts.

The Process of New Roof Replacement

In this section, you get to understand what goes into a new roof installation.

1. Getting Ready For Your Roof Replacement

For any new roof installation, we first need a disposal method for the old roof. Asphalt shingles require a debris container, while metal can be stored and sold as scrap. When done professionally, other things to set up during roof replacement and new roof installation include a harness attached to the peaks roof for safety and a roof jacks propping 2x10 boards to catch slipping workers and shingles.

2. Clearing old roofing material

The second step of the process is prying lose old shingles to make way for the new roof installation. The professional practice is starting at the top and working your way down. To pry asphalt shingles off the roof, we first remove the ridge cap shingles and use a shingle fork that goes underneath the shingles and curls them upwards and off the roof.

A metal roof calls for the use of a full-size pry bar if the screws are too weathered to drill off. To start removing a metal roof, we begin by removing the ridge cap and then carefully removing the fasteners one at a time and working from one side to the other. We then pull off the panel after fully unhooking it and start the process on the rest of the groups.

3. Replace the Old Flashing

After removing all the old roofing material, we inspect the old flashing to ensure there is no damage. Flashing is the aluminum or galvanized steel pieces placed over joints on the roof. These flashings prevent water, moisture, and debris from seeping into the house. We inspect flashing on the roof’s valleys, vents, and chimneys alike, including the drip edge.

One of the reasons professional roofers should complete new roof replacements is because they understand a roof is only as reliable as the weakest point on the roof.

The strength of the roof is not in the shingles, or flashings alone, but through the combined benefit of the total roofing system.

For instance, chimneys need a special kind of flashing called step and counter, and in most cases, they also need a cricket. A cricket is a structure with a raised ridge and sloping sides that helps divert water around the chimney’s high sides.

If the vent boots are damaged or the valley flashing is cracked or rusty, they need to be replaced. As a rule of thumb, because valley flashing takes a beating on the roof as a conduit for everything from water to leaves and debris, they should be replaced regularly.

4. Laying the underlayment

Once the flashing is given the green light of approval, it is time to lay the underlayment. The underlayment improves the health of the roof by preventing the little bits of water that seeps through the roof from reaching the sheathing and roof frame below. Otherwise, the framing would get damp and rot faster.

Part one of underlayment installation involves laying down a barrier against ice and water. For extra protection, we pull up the ridge and install ice and water barrier under the ridge before fastening the ridge down again. We then nail the shield down along the roof’s edge for extra strength.

If done right, the underlayment should be 100% leak proof.
Once the installation of the underlayment is complete, we can then start laying down the shingles, starting with starter shingles at the bottom and sides of the roof, and completing the shingling process from that point forward.

Final Thoughts

While the work above might sound easy enough, there is a lot more that goes into new roof replacement. Are you looking for a roof replacement to work on your next roofing project? At Highpoint Roofing and Eavestrough, we understand every roof’s needs and strive to give you the best service at the most competitive rates.

Work With The Pros, Call Highpoint Roofing Today!

If you want to improve the look and further protect your home, contact Highpoint Roofing and Eavestrough. As one of the highest-rated roofing companies serving Burlington, Oakville, Waterdown and Milton, we’ve built our reputation one quality roof at a time.

Click the button below to schedule a complimentary no-obligation estimate.