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"how to determine you need a new roof"

How to Determine if You Need a New Roof – Your Checklist

Knowing when you need a new roof involves the age of the roof, the condition, leakage and paying attention to various signs of deterioration and damage.  Asphalt shingle roofs typically last 20-25 years, while other materials like metal or tile can last longer. If your roof is approaching or past its expected lifespan, it’s worth considering a replacement. Here are ten other signs to determine if you need a new roof:

  1. Curling or Buckling Shingles: Curling, buckling, or cracked shingles indicate that the shingles are reaching the end of their lifespan or are damaged by weathering.
  2. Missing Shingles: If you notice significant areas where shingles are missing, it can leave your roof vulnerable to leaks and water damage.
  3. Leaks or Water Damage: Water stains on ceilings or walls, as well as signs of water infiltration in the attic, indicate roof leaks that need immediate attention.
  4. Moss or Algae Growth: Excessive moss, algae, or mold growth on the roof can indicate moisture retention and potential underlying issues.
  5. Granule Loss: Check your gutters for excessive amounts of granules from asphalt shingles. Granule loss indicates shingle deterioration and can compromise the roof’s effectiveness.
  6. Sagging or Uneven Roof: Sagging areas or dips in the roof’s surface suggest structural issues that require professional inspection.
  7. Damaged Flashing: Damaged or deteriorated flashing around roof penetrations such as chimneys, vents, or skylights can lead to leaks.
  8. Excessive Energy Bills: An old or deteriorating roof can lead to poor insulation and energy inefficiency, resulting in higher heating and cooling costs.
  9. Visible Daylight in the Attic: If you can see daylight coming through cracks or holes in the roof deck from inside the attic, it’s a clear sign of roof damage that needs immediate attention.
  10. Roofing Material Granules in Gutters: Check your gutters for excessive amounts of granules from asphalt shingles. Granule loss indicates shingle deterioration and can compromise the roof’s effectiveness.

Other things to keep in mind

  • Safety Precautions:
    • Wear appropriate safety gear, including non-slip shoes, gloves, and a safety harness if necessary.
    • Ensure the ladder is stable and secured before climbing onto the roof.
    • Be cautious of overhead power lines.
  • Exterior Inspection:
    • Check for any signs of sagging or unevenness in the roof structure.
    • Inspect the condition of the shingles or roofing material. Look for cracks, curling, blistering, or missing shingles.
    • Check for moss, algae, or other vegetation growth, as it can indicate moisture retention.
    • Examine the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for signs of damage or deterioration.
    • Inspect the gutters and downspouts for debris or clogs.
  • Interior Inspection (if accessible):
    • Check the attic for signs of water leaks or stains on the underside of the roof decking.
    • Inspect insulation for signs of moisture, mold, or deterioration.
    • Look for any daylight coming through the roof boards, which could indicate gaps or holes.
  • Structural Elements:
    • Inspect the fascia and soffits for signs of rot or damage.
    • Check for any loose or damaged roof decking.
    • Ensure that all vents and exhaust pipes are properly sealed and in good condition.
  • Chimneys and Skylights:
    • Inspect chimney caps and ensure they are securely attached.
    • Check for cracks or gaps in the chimney masonry.
    • Examine skylights for signs of leaks or damage to seals.
  • Flashing and Seals:
    • Inspect all flashing around vents, chimneys, skylights, and other roof penetrations for signs of damage or deterioration.
    • Check seals around vents and pipes for cracks or gaps.
  • Drainage:
    • Ensure that the roof surface is properly sloped to facilitate water drainage.
    • Check for standing water, which can indicate poor drainage or sagging areas.
    • Inspect the condition of roof valleys and ensure they are clear of debris.
  • Gutters and Downspouts:
    • Clean gutters and downspouts of debris, leaves, and other obstructions.
    • Ensure that gutters are securely attached and not pulling away from the roofline.
  • Additional Considerations:
    • Look for signs of animal or pest infestation, such as nests or droppings.
    • Check for signs of hail or storm damage, including dents or punctures in the roofing material.
    • Evaluate the overall condition of the roof and consider factors such as age, wear and tear, and previous repairs.
  • Documentation:
    • Take photos or videos of any areas of concern for reference and documentation.
    • Keep detailed records of your roof inspections, including dates, observations, and any repairs or maintenance performed.

Remember, safety is paramount during roof inspections. If you’re uncomfortable with heights or unsure about conducting an inspection yourself, it’s best to hire a qualified professional to assess your roof’s condition. If you notice any of these signs, it’s advisable to consult with a professional roofing contractor for a thorough inspection. Our Team at All Area Roofing and Construction can assess the condition of your roof and recommend whether repairs or replacement are necessary to ensure the safety and integrity of your home.

Regularly scheduled roof inspections, ideally performed at least once per year, can help identify issues early and prevent costly damage to your home. If you notice any significant problems during your inspection, it’s essential to address them promptly  You can all All Area Roofing and Construction at 772-521-ROOF to schedule your roof inspection.

Check out our Roof Inspection Checklist for a complete list of things to look for https://www.allarearoofingftp.com/roof-checklist/

Roof maintenance

Making your Roof Last Longer in Fort Pierce, FL

While every property owner wants their roof to last forever, weather elements and other factors can cut short the roof’s life. Roof replacement costs average $35,000, an amount that can dent your savings. Proper care and timely maintenance can ensure your current roof stays strong and healthy, beyond the expected service life.

 

Roof Maintenance Tips

Roof Maintenance Tips

Here are practical roof maintenance tips that can help extend the lifespan of your roof in Fort Pierce, FL.

Hire a qualified roofer

Start by finding a competent roofer that can perform quality roof installations and proper roof repairs. A good roof contractor will perform flawless installations and thorough roof repairs on your metal panel or asphalt shingles, ensuring your residential roof stands the test of time. Experience, workmanship, and certification matter a lot. When looking for a roofer to install a new roof over your home, find a contractor that’s fully insured and has manufacturer’s certifications. These are good indications of their commitment to the craft.

A good roofer will not compromise on the choice of roofing materials or cut corners to save money. They will follow established roofing procedures and will complete the job to your satisfaction. Contact All Area Roofing for asphalt roofs and other roofing needs. We’re happy to help you create durable roofs.

Use durable roofing materials

Your choice of roofing material and components also determine how long your roofing system will last. If you’re building a new home, you want to make sure the roofer uses the best materials possible to make your roof last. Various roofing materials are available, and each has a different lifespan and price point.

Slate and metal roofs are two fantastic options. Metal can hold up well against snow, hailstorm, and high winds. A slate roof can also give you years of service, not to mention it looks beautiful from the outside. To ensure you get a roof that lasts long, find a local roofer that does expert installation as the slate roofs are delicate.

Inspect your roof each year

Unless you inspect your roof, you can’t tell whether something is off. Your roof can look good from the ground, but when you climb up or at a higher level and look at the roof, you’ll get a better view of the roof’s condition and shape. Look out for unusual dumps, dents or small holes, nails sticking out, lifted shingles, dips, or any other signs of potential roof damage.

Even the strongest roofs can be breached during heavy storms or traumatic events. In some cases, roof damage may not be visible unless someone that’s trained can examine the roof. A qualified roof inspector can help identify small problems before they turn into costly repairs or full-scale roof replacement down the road.

Keep snow and ice away

Snow and ice buildup can weigh down the roof, causing it to sag and fail before its time. Prolonged contact with these elements will also lower the temperature of your roofing materials.

This can cause materials to expand and contract, taking a toll on them. You can use a long-handed scrapper or a roof rake to dislodge the snow/ice from the roof. A salt-water solution can also help accelerate melt-offs.

Make roof maintenance a priority

The final piece of the puzzle in prolonging your roof’s lifespan is prioritizing roof maintenance. Once your asphalt roofing is complete, get in the habit of cleaning it and inspecting it at least twice a year (in spring and the fall).

Make sure the roof is clean and free of debris and leaf matter. Keep an eye out for moss and algae. Remove any moss on your roof shingles and unclog your gutters. Leaving debris and leaves to collect on your gutters can obstruct water flow. Moss can also weaken and ultimately damage your roof.

Cut low-hanging branches & old trees

If there are any nearby trees, make sure you trim overhanging branches or overgrown limbs to prevent them from causing roof damage in stormy weather. Cut down old, dying, or dead trees as they can become a safety hazard in a storm. There’s a risk that limbs can break, or the tree can fall on your property and cause extensive damage that will force you to do a roof replacement.

Maintain adequate insulation

Proper and adequate attic insulation isn’t just good for your money, but it also helps your home’s roof last longer. Without adequate insulation, indoor air can also become hot, and make shingles decay faster. Your existing roof will lose its effectiveness and may fall apart sooner than you expect. A professional roofer can help inspect the insulation and recommend a fix.

Check your attic’s vents

Take time to examine the attic vents that go to the outside of your home. Make sure the vents are clog-free and wide enough to allow air to move around. Proper ventilation can also prevent moisture damage and ensure the roof lasts for a long.

Perform timely roof repairs

Some roofing issues like minor leaks or dents can seem small at first. But over time, they can grow worse and cause lots of costly problems including water damage. So, don’t put off roof repairs. Contact All Area Roofing to fix repair damaged shingles, recaulk flashing, and fix loose or damaged gutters. Proper roof repair can add a couple more years to your roof’s life span and make maintenance a breeze.

 

Want to Install Shingle Roofing or Do a Roof Replacement? Contact Our Roofing Experts

A properly maintained roofing system can offer you a lifetime of service, keep energy costs down, and ensure your roof looks great all year round. Prioritizing maintenance and working with a qualified roofer can ensure you get full ROI.

All Area Roofing & Construction Inc is licensed to provide roof installation, roof repairs, maintenance, and roof replacement. We have skilled roofers and cutting-edge tools and follow the best practices in the roofing industry to ensure you get the best results with your shingle roof or metal roof.

Call 772-348-2878 to discuss your roofing needs with our experts.

Common Types of Roofing Materials in Fort Pierce, FL

What Are the Most Common Roofing Materials in Fort Pierce, FL

Not every roof will work for every property, and the ideal type of roofing for your home or business will be determined by various factors.

For starters, there are different types of roofing for residential houses and commercial buildings. Since commercial buildings are often more significant in size and weight than residential structures, the roof must be able to sustain the extra overall weight.

Another important factor you must consider is the roofing material. Many homeowners in need of a new roof are often overwhelmed to hear that at least ten distinct roofing materials are used in the United States roofing industry alone. Understandably, the many different varieties of roofing available are often a cause of concern for them.

You’ll find that some roofs, such as clay or concrete tile, are best suited for hot climates in the south, while others, such as green roofs, help combat air and noise pollution in urban areas.

 

Types of Residential and Commercial Roofing Materials

To help you narrow down your choices, let’s look at the different types of roofing materials for both residential and commercial properties.

 

Asphalt Composite Shingles

Asphalt Composite Shingles

Asphalt composite shingles are the most used roofing material in the United States. They’re incredibly cost-effective and make an excellent investment for your residence. An asphalt shingle roof is more affordable than other materials and depending on weather conditions and proper maintenance, they can last for up to 20 years.

Furthermore, they are available in a variety of shapes and colors. Asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors and can be chosen based on the color palette of your home’s exterior and landscaping. Choose between light and dark browns, dark and light greys, black, green, reddish-brown, and even blue-gray for a stunning backdrop to a green forest line.

Dimensional shingles,3-tab shingles, and luxury shingles are the three main types. 3-tab shingles are made up of a single layer that overlaps like shingles. They’re inexpensive and can create a dynamic look because of their granular appearance, which gives each shingle modest tone variations.

Dimensional Shingles are more robust and long-lasting, lasting up to 30 years or longer. Dimensional shingles, unlike 3-tab shingles, have two or three layers, making them exceptionally sturdy. Their three-dimensional appearance adds texture and patterns to the roof, and they are available in a variety of colors to complement a home.

Luxury asphalt shingles are a fantastic option that is less expensive to install and maintain. The multi-dimensional beauty of slate and cedar shingles is easily replicated with luxury shingles, which create texture, shadows, and depth.

 

Wooden Shingles or Shakes

Wooden Shingles

Natural wood shakes or shingles are a high-end roofing material alternative. They can last up to 50 years with proper care. Wood shakes and shingles, often composed of pine, cypress, cedar, or redwood, can be processed to be fire-resistant, prevent decay and decomposition, and deter insects.

The significant labor expenses connected with wood shakes are much more costly than other roofing materials. Not only is manufacturing time-consuming, with all of the cutting, staining, and protective sealants required, but the shingles must be set one by one, strategically, and this takes a long time and a lot of skill.

Despite being formed using the same materials, there is a distinction between shakes and shingles. For manufacture, shakes are split straight off the log and molded. The rough edge is frequently kept to keep the texture and unique rustic aesthetic. They have a unique shape, with one thicker end that tapers down into a wedge shape.

With their dynamic design, they add a lot more complexity to your roof, notably when layered together. On the other hand, shingles are sawn on both sides to ensure a uniform thickness and are installed overlapping one other.

 

Slate Roofs

Slate Roofs

Slate shingles are one of the longest-lasting roofing materials available, if not the longest. Slate shingles can survive for 100 years or more with relatively little care. That’s most likely why they’ve gained the moniker “forever roof.”

Slate is water- and fire-resistant, as well as aesthetically beautiful. You would have to change your roof (if of a different material) maybe three or four times before having to change your slate roof.

However, there are several disadvantages to having a slate roof. Because the shingles are quickly broken by force, hail is its deadliest enemy; thus, don’t install them in places where hail is expected.

 

Metal Roofs

Metal Roofs

Metal panels, stamped to look like slate or shingle roofs, are incredibly huge since they measure roughly 4 feet long.

Stone-coated steel, which is steel with an acrylic foundation into which stone is embedded, is another option. It’s resilient, and it’s a terrific way to cover up any dents or defaults. It may readily disguise defects due to its almost damaged appearance.

Specific metal panels with a flat reflective surface, on the other hand, will dent easily and will not hide it as well as stone-coated steel. Metal roofing comes in various profiles and gauges to suit varied residential and commercial roofing uses.

 

Concrete Tiles

Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles are excellent for hotter areas. They’re made from clay, but they have a metal core to make them durable. They are known for being incredibly durable and low-maintenance, capable of surviving even the harshest weather conditions that might emerge with humidity and high temperatures, just like traditional clay tile roofs.

Concrete tiles are bulky, and if your roofing contractor does not build your home to accommodate the extra weight, it might be challenging to install. Note that they have more design flexibility than clay tiles.

Solar Tiles

Solar Roof Tiles

Solar tiles resemble traditional shingled roofs but are entirely solar panels and shingles. Solar panels turn solar radiation into electricity, used to power your home or company. It is more common in southern and western areas, where there is more sunlight all year. Solar energy and solar roofing will be more effective in areas closer to the equator.

It’s a huge expenditure, but you’ll see a return on investment in the form of energy savings over time (often a very long time).

 

Looking for the Right Roofing Material for Your Property?

As you can see, a lot goes into choosing appropriate roofing materials for a sturdy roof system. A corporation or individual may be well on their way to acquiring a sturdy roof for years and years for residential and commercial roofing if they choose quality roofing materials.

After you’ve chosen the best materials for your property, you’ll need to hire a reputable contractor to install them properly. That’s where All Area Roofing comes in.

Having been in business for 25 years now serving the State of Florida, All Area Roofing is expert in roof installation or repair of different kinds of roofs. Feel free to give us a call today at 772-238-8136 for a professional roof inspection.

Is Port St Lucie Expensive?

When looking to move to Florida’s Treasure Coast, you’d be rightfully concerned about the quality of life in communities like Port St Lucie, Vero Beach, and Fort Pierce. Because of access to beautiful beaches and local attractions, Port Saint Lucie, FL has this high quality of life.

What’s the Cost of Living in the Port St Lucie Area?

This high quality of life is often connected to a high cost of living, but the Port St Lucie area’s cost of living is in line with the national average. While transportation and health care costs are slightly higher than the national average, housing and goods cost about what they would in Florida or across the nation.

Are Properties in the Port St Lucie Area Expensive?

With this high quality of life, you’d imagine that properties in the Port St Lucie, FL area would be much more expensive than the national average. However, residential properties in and around Port Saint Lucie are right in line with the national average. If you’re thinking about becoming a resident of the area, you won’t pay an exorbitant price for the property.

Let All Area Roofing & Construction, Inc. Protect Your Port St Lucie, FL Property 

Residents of the greater port St Lucie, Florida area have experienced roofing contractors to protect their investments in their local properties. All Area Roofing & Construction, Inc. expanded into the Port St Lucie, FL area in 2005, so we have experience providing high-quality roofing construction and storm damage repair. Let us help you protect your property investment in Port St Lucie, FL.

Wind Mitigation Code Roof Replacement near Jensen Beach FL

We recently had the opportunity to take on a residential roof replacement job near Jensen Beach FL.  The client was ready to have a new roof installed. His current roof was reaching the end of its life span and he needed it to be up to Florida code. He was especially concerned about meeting wind mitigation code, which requires a roof be installed properly and pass the following areas of concern with proper roof covering, roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall attachment, roof geometry, opening protection and a resistance to secondary water.

He called us to express his concerns and to ask if we could install a roof up to code. We were happy to tell him that we were able to do just that, and scheduled the job to be done within the next week. The homeowner looked through our current list of roofing options and decided on the Cottage Red Certain Teed Shingles, which we installed the next week.

Our team arrived early in the morning and had the old roof off within a couple of hours. By the end of the day, we had the new roof on and all cleanup finished. The customer reached out to us to tell us that his roof looks amazing now and he is so satisfied with the results. We couldn’t be happier and are thankful you trusted us to perform your residential roof installation that is now up to Florida Wind Mitigation Code.

Flat Roof Repair Fort Pierce FL

Flat Roof repairs save the day in Fort Pierce

A Fort Pierce, Florida business owner approached the All Area Roofing & Construction crew while hard at work at another site, and told them about the problems with a leaky roof on his property. After checking out the site, we recommended a brand new flat roof, but extensive repairs were necessary before a new roof could be installed. The customer didn’t have the budget for all that work at once, but we offered to credit the repair costs towards a new roof in the future.

This was a workable solution, and the All Area Roofing & Construction contractors got to work making the existing roof safe again. First, contractors cleaned up the standing water and repaired the roof structure, and then they coated everything with a watertight coating to make sure that further leaks didn’t damage the building. The business owner was thrilled with the repairs, but even happier that the All Area experts found a solution that saved their building and their bank account.

For home and business owners in the Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Florida area, All Area Roofing & Construction are the experts to call when they need a new roof. We’ve been working in the area for over twenty years, so we know that the best advertisement is a job well done. If you need repairs or a brand new roof in the Fort Pierce Florida area, contact us today.