Great question. We know roof maintenance and repairs are an ongoing program for home ownership, but we’ll give you some professional tips here, so you can determine if the best course of action is installing a new roof rather than opting for substantial repairs on an old roof.
Is your roof leaking?
It’s one thing to have an open leak you can see, but leaks are often hidden by the materials and the structure of your building as water drips down behind walls and along framing. Sometimes the thought of visiting our attic can be unsettling, but movies and novels aside, most of us don’t have monsters, rats or vampires living up there. You’ll need a good flashlight for your inspection, and someone to hold the ladder if it’s a portable one. (Also having a buddy system for moral support is a great idea). Look for stains in the wood or water damaged insulation. It’s a pretty easy to see signs and symptoms of leaks in your attic, it’s just hard sometimes to make the final decision to check, but check you must. After you’ve determined you’re safe and your nerves are back in shape, turn your flashlight off and look for little beams of light shining through. If yes, you have leaks. If light can get through your roof, so can water.
Inspect Your Roof
Getting up on top your roof is a safety hazard, so make sure you are properly geared up and have your buddy system in check before climbing that ladder to inspect your roof. This is especially important after wind or seasonal storms, or if branches have blown off and hit your roof. If you find signs of damage, such as shingles that are cracked or buckled, it’s time for repairs. If the damage is extensive, you may want to call us for a professional inspection to determine if just repairs or a new roof is in order.
When was your roof installed?
Knowing when the last new roof was installed is valuable intel since all roofs have a material lifespan. It’s not always product lifespan that determines whether or not you need a new roof though. Improper installation can cause serious problems years in advance, so hiring a professional roofer is an absolute must. Asphalt shingles normally last 25 years, slate, tile and copper can last 50, and metal cladding roofs have been known to last a century, which is why they are so effective for industrial buildings and warehouses. The point is, if your roofing material is at its life end, it’s a good idea to start planning for a new roof before degraded material allow leaks and further damage to your home.
Call us at (250) 492-3916 for new roof installations in Penticton and the South Okanagan. We’ve been working in the community since 1946 and as a two-generation family business, continue to provide the best roofing in the industry.
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