Dec 6, 2022 | Roof Repair
While a roof does last for a long time, no roof will last forever, regardless of how well it is cared for. Over time, the wind, rain, sun, and other elements will wear away at your home’s primary protection, causing brittle, broken, and damaged shingles.
Periodic roof inspections are a great way to find any issues with your roof before they become disasters. You can take some time to walk around your home and inspect the roof from the ground. It is good practice to invite a professional to inspect your roof as they will be more thorough and know just what to look for.
When you see any parts of your roof that look broken, buckled, curling, or worse, it is time to call a professional roofing company that can repair it before more damage occurs. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common fixes that roofing companies can do during roof repairs.
Replace Missing or Broken Shingles
Stormy weather can be harsh and damaging to your roof. During strong winds, shingles may get blown off or snap in half if they are getting brittle. Branches and other debris from trees can land on the roof causing just enough damage to be of concern. Those missing or broken shingles leave your roof vulnerable, especially when the next winter storm hits.
When that happens, it is not necessary to replace your roof, just the missing or broken shingles. You might ask, “Can the roofer match the shingles exactly, so you don’t have some weird looking patch on your roof?”, especially if it is visible from the road. Quality roofing contractors typically work with several roofing manufacturers and have a complete suite of roofing shingle grades and colors at their disposal. They can usually find similar or even identical shingles, especially with respect to shape and color.
While it is important to note, new shingles will not always match exactly at repaired areas in color and texture due to sun exposure and weathering of the existing shingles, they will do their best to make sure you cannot tell that a shingle or group of shingles has been replaced. Your roof will look refreshed and restored.
Repair Curled or Chipped Shingles
When shingles get older, their corners tend to curl. Sometimes those corners will break off, especially during a heavy rainstorm or under impact of a tree branch. If ignored, these damaged shingles can lead to leaks. Curled shingle may, over time, loosen and fall off. It is best not to wait for that to happen. A professional contractor can identify those shingles that are damaged and let you know if the situation is pervasive enough that a replacement is a better choice.
Holes in Your Roof
This sounds scary but even the best roofs are subject to damage and may end up with a hole or holes visible when the sun is shining again. Roofs are very durable and should be able to withstand impressive amounts of assault. However, mother nature can be cruel, and your roof sits on top of your house to take the first line of defense. A hole can typically be easily fixed by replacing the shingles, but it is best to have a professional look at the damage and make an assessment. Sometimes, the hole can reach the roof’s felt underlayment, in which case more extensive repair is needed.
Damaged Flashing
Seasonal temperature fluctuations common in the Sacramento area can cause roof flashing to warp. Flashing can also bend as the home settles, and it can rust with age. Old flashing experiencing any of these issues is likely to fail the materials it is designed to protect. Another great reason to have regular inspections by a professional roofing contractor.
In Summary
While your roof is not always in the forefront of your thoughts, it is constantly working to protect you, your family, and the contents of your home. In severe weather, it is working extra hard at that protection. To that end, it is important to understand that your roof is vulnerable to sun, wind, and rain damage, especially during our California winter season. If you believe your roof has sustained damage, it is important that you call a local roofing contractor and get scheduled for a roofing repair as soon as possible. Remember, if a storm has given your roof a beating, it is likely that others have had the same. Reach out for an estimate before water damage makes the repairs even more costly.
To find out more about our roofing services, or to set up a consultation, contact us today.
Dec 2, 2022 | Roof Repair
Your roof is the first line of defense for your home. It protects your property from damage such as high winds, rain, and even local wildlife like squirrels and birds. In addition to the usual weather factors, your roof also protects your home from the sun. Just like any other environmental damage, the sun also causes potential to damage your roof. In the greater Sacramento area, with its high temps and sunny days, chances are your roof may take on even more damage than usual.
Is Sun Damage Actually Harmful?
The sun is a powerful force of nature that offers a wide range of benefits but can also be harmful. Overexposure to the sun can cause the materials in your roof to break down and eventually fall apart, making it one of the top causes of roof damage in Sacramento! This will leave your roof and home open to the elements and can even allow wildlife to take up residence in parts of your home.
UV damage caused by the sun can change the chemical makeup of the materials used on your roof. As a result, the roof may start to deteriorate earlier than expected which can cause a loss in overall property value. Sun damage can also cause your roof to experience thermal shock which is when the material expands during high heat and quickly shrinks once cooled. This can shorten the lifespan and effectiveness of your roof. A poorly functioning roof will not only leave your home open to the elements but can also drive up the cost of heating and cooling your home.
The residential roofing experts at Harlan Quality Roofing have put together a list of common signs that indicate your roof is suffering from sun damage.
Signs Your Roof Has Sun Damage
- Ultraviolet Exposure Causing Color Change
One of the biggest signs that the sun has damaged your roof is when the color of the surface has changed to a lighter color. The UV light from the sun can effectively bleach the color of any surfaces overly exposed. If you noticed that your shingles have become much lighter than their initial color, sun damage is probably to blame.
- Peeling and Cracking on Roof Surface
If you notice peeling and cracking on your roof surface, it is most likely that the sun has caused coating damage to the top layer. This can lead to leaks in your roof that can have a negative effect on your insulation and even your foundation. If you notice leaks, strange mold, increased energy bills, or even a new vermin infestation, sun damage to your roof may be to blame.
- Curling Shingles
Like anything exposed to the elements, your roof will break down over time. If parts of your roof or even bits of shingles start crumbling, it’s a sign that sun damage has weakened the overall composition of your roof. Warped shingles are another sign of a damaged roof. This can be due to water damage, or sun damage. When shingles have curled edges, it is a sign that the damage has been caused by too much sun exposure.
Protecting Your Roof from the Sun
While there is no way to eliminate sun damage to your roof, there are some things you can do to reduce its effects. To start, it is a good idea to use high-quality roofing materials that have specialized UV protection. Lighter-colored roofing materials are better equipped to repel sun damage. Also, those that have reflective granules can also help deflect sun rays.
Give Your Roof the Attention it Deserves
When you need professional roofing services, never settle for less than the best. Harlan Quality Roofing offers a wide range of roofing services at competitive prices. We have been in business for nearly two decades and specialize in Cool Roof Composition Shingle installation and repair. We pride ourselves in our quality workmanship and a long list of happy clients.
To find out more about our roofing services, or to set up a consultation, contact us today.
Jun 24, 2022 | Harlan Roofing
3 Signs You Need Roof Repairs
Your roof is the most critical part of your home, yet most often we never appreciate just how important it is to the safety and comfort of the interior. When was the last time you cleaned debris from your roof, looked for any damage, and examined the integrity of the shingles and flashing?
The experts at Harlan Roofing are here to help, offering 3 top signs that roof repairs are needed. Read on or call us for a roof inspection.
Missing Or Damaged Shingles
This may seem obvious, but you may not be able to see all facets of your roof from below and for elderly homeowners, climbing a ladder may not be a great idea. We recommend that you walk around your yard and see as much of the roof as possible. Use binoculars, if you have them, to see a closer view of the shingles, the flashing, the gutters, and the downspouts. Look for uniformity in layout and color. Look for any that might be cracked, broken, or completely missing.
Discoloration In The Attic Or Ceiling
If you see discoloration on the ceiling or in the attic, it is a likely sign that water is making its way into your home, especially if that discoloration is growing over time. Swelling and sagging are also key indicators that the roof needs some attention. Take a flashlight with you into your attic and examine all the interior roof surfaces that you are able to see. If any appear darkened or swelled with moisture, it is time to take immediate action. Left unchecked, these will only get worse, create unhealthy mold, and lead to larger repair costs.
Mossy Or Moldy Shingles
Many homes in California will grow a bit of mold during the winter rainy season. Those moldy spots soon disappear as the hot, dry weather returns. Moss and mold on your roof indicate that moisture is being trapped where it is not wanted. Left unchecked these mossy areas allow water to seep under your shingles. Keeping your roof free of all growth and debris are high recommended for optimal roof maintenance.
If you need assistance with a roof inspection, give us a call. Roof repairs done early are almost always less expensive than those that have gone unnoticed or unattended. Let us help you keep that most important part of your home healthy and safe.
Aug 25, 2021 | Roof Replacement
Your roof is the primary protection for you and the contents of your home. That said, it pays to be proactive when it comes to roofing replacement decisions. A water spot on your ceiling or a leak are noticeable signs, but there are a few other signs that are not so obvious but should not be overlooked.
Missing, Damaged, or Curled Shingles
If you are missing shingles, or have damaged shingles, your roof may have sustained some storm damage, or it simply may be deteriorating and at the end of its useful life. This deterioration can let in water and should not be ignored.
Curled shingles have up-turned edges, making the shingle have a concave shape. Curled shingles can be a sign of indicate poor attic ventilation, improper installation, old age, or multiple layered roofs where the new layer is over an old one that is further decaying, causing the shingle to be less secure. Regardless of the cause, it is a good idea to have it professionally evaluated and corrected.
Shingle Fragments in Your Gutter
Finding the remains of your shingles in your gutter is a sign that they are decomposing. Whether it is fragments of shingle or just the granules, it is worth investigating further, especially if you roof is over 10 years old. If your roof is newer, it is possible that this is just some excess material. Heavy wind and severe storms can also loosen some of these granules. However, as your roof ages, there is some natural decomposition in the materials and an excess of these granules in your gutter could be a warning sign.
Roof Cracks
Wind damage is the most common culprit when it comes to cracked shingles. A few random cracks can generally be addressed as roof repairs. However, if you notice cracks over much of your roof, this could be an indication that a replacement is soon to be required.
Damaged Flashing
The flashing is a particularly important part of your roof. It works with your underlayment to keep water from getting underneath the shingles and into your home. If you notice missing or damaged flashing around your chimney, vents, or skylights, this may be allowing water to seep into your attic and accumulate over time. Perhaps there are no visible water stains today but ignoring this condition will surely lead to more substantial damage.
Roof Age
Sadly, your roof will not last forever. Your roof takes the worst beating of any part of your home during storms and in the heat of the summer. While an older roof may not have any visual signs of deterioration, it is a good practice to have an experienced roofer give it a checkup as it ages.
Depending on the quality of roofing materials used and its exposure to the elements, your roof may last for many years. When you consider the damage and cost of waiting too long, you will agree that a roof inspection is a great idea. Not only does it provide peace of mind for today, but it allows planning for the future.
Contact a roofer that has a reputation for quality workmanship and honest appraisals. If you are in the greater Sacramento area, contact Harlan Quality Roofing. Join our community of happy customers!
Harlan Quality Roofing
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916.292.9548