Q & A: Some of the Most Pressing Roofing Questions
By Stacy MelleteA roofing contractor has the best knowledge when it comes to repairing or installing a residential roof, which is why you should consider calling one instead of going the DIY route. However, it’s always good to know a thing or two about your roof. Here are some answers to the questions you should be asking.
How Can You Tell If a Shingle Roof Is Up for Replacement?
Age is the leading “sign”. A 20-year-old roofing system is a lot more prone to damage than a five-year-old roof. There are several things to look out for: shafts of light coming through the roof in your attic, curled shingles, missing shingles, cracked shingles, shingles totally devoid of their protective granules, and other more obvious signs of age and damage.
Will a Steep-Sloped Roof Last Longer?
Many people might think this is so, as a steeper slope means faster water runoff and a lower likelihood of debris getting stuck. However, the slope isn’t the only factor to consider. For example, a tall building is better off with low-sloped roofing because of the high winds. The speed of corrosion and aging can also be determined by the amount of sunlight a roof’s side receives. Ventilation is another huge factor that affects longevity.
Is Frequent Caulking Helpful?
It should be, but it might not be what your roof needs. A residential roof with proper ventilation and flashing doesn’t need caulking.
Do Black Streaks on the Roof Mean It’s Damaged or Defective?
Black streaks on your roof typically point to the growth of algae that lives off the roofing material. It’s not a cause for alarm, as the algae will not damage your roof. However, as the streaks are unsightly, you might still want to remove them. A solution of one-part-bleach/two-parts-water should do the trick. But what you should be more concerned about is the presence of moisture on your roof, which enables the algae to thrive. Talk to a contractor about this before moisture damage occurs.
Shingle and metal roofing, as well as other materials, present their own weaknesses and, therefore, problems. At Affordable Roofing Systems, we can answer your most pressing roofing questions.
Call us today at 813-542-8462. We can help you, we are a local roofing contractor in Tampa or in St. Petersburg, FL.