Your roof has been a loyal member of your family for years now. You would like for it to stick around for many years more but you’ve been seeing quite a few broken and missing shingles lately. Not to mention that there’s water leaking into your attic.

If you’d contacted a roofer in Annapolis before things got too bad, you may have been able to keep your roof in good shape. Part of taking care of your roof is regular maintenance after all.

It can be expensive but having to replace an entire roof is a much larger hit to the wallet. Keep reading for a few signs that it’s time to call a contractor.

1. Your Shingles are Damaged

Check the condition of your shingles on a regular basis. If you live in a hot area, look for curled shingles. This is a common occurrence when shingles are old or are exposed to a lot of heat.

Once they begin curling up, they can easily be whisked away by even mild winds. Check your gutters for granules. Missing granules leave your shingles exposed to the elements which make them prone to breakage.

The last thing you need to look out for is buckling shingles. Buckling is common for aging rooftops. It makes the shingles vulnerable to high winds and bad ice storms.

2. Water is Leaking into Your Home or Attic

If the metal flashing or rubber seals on your roof take any kind of heavy damage, water may start to leak into your home or attic. If this is happening you may spot water stains on your ceiling and walls.

If you have an attic, head up there during the day and turn off all the lights. If you see any sunlight leaking through that means it’s time to start making a roof repair budget.

If left unchecked mold will begin to form which will lead to horrible medical consequences for your family. The water damage may even begin to affect the overall structure of your house.

3. Moss is Growing

Heavy amounts of moss growth on your roof isn’t normal. If you have copper strips under your shingles or you have algae-resistant shingles you don’t have to worry about this problem.

If you don’t have these precautions in place the wooden boards that are resting under the shingles will begin to rot and spout moss.

As the moss grows, it will cause your shingles to rise up. Water will seep beneath the shingles which will result in horrible roof damage. So, as soon as you notice moss growth, you need to call a roofing contractor to fix the problem.

4. The Roof is Sagging

There are many things on this list that can be fixed by calling an experienced contractor. Roof sagging is not one of those things. A sagging roof means that there is no structural support in a large area of your roof.

Rotting Sheathings can also cause the problem. Either way, if you don’t have the entire thing replaced soon, your roof may begin to cave in on you and your family.

If you suspect that your roof might be sagging it’s important that you call out a trained professional to confirm your suspicions ASAP and begin the process of putting on a new roof.

5. The Humidity Levels in Your Home are Unbearable

Does your home constantly feel hot and humid? It could be that you have a lot of moisture leaking into your house from your roof.

This moisture can discolor your walls, create nasty water stains, and cause mold to grow. If you’re not sure if your roof is the source of your humidity problem, check your attic insulation.

If the moisture has leaked into the insulation then there is something up with your roof. Call a roofer in Annapolis and ask them to find the source of the moisture and make repairs.

6. Your Roof Has Lived Long Enough

There comes a time when your roof is simply too old to stay around for much longer. If you spot dark streaks on the shingles or your neighbors are beginning to replace their rooftops it may be time for you to think about how old your roof is.

If it’s been around for 25 years or longer, that’s too long. You’ll need to call someone to replace it or it will be vulnerable to rain, snow, and other bad weather. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

7. There’s a Lot of Light Entering Your Attic

After a long time, the materials your roof is made out of may start to grow pretty thin. to check if this is the case for you, go to your attic. If you see streaks of light or if things seem a little too bright then it might be time for you to reach out to a contractor.

As a little side note, you can perform this test at night too. Flip the light switch in your attic and see if any light passes through your roof.

Why You Should Hire a Roofer in Annapolis ASAP

No matter how faithful your roof is, at some point, it will begin to show its age. If you start to notice any of the signs listed here, it’s time for you to find a roofer in Annapolis to either make repairs or replace the entire roof for the safety and health of your family.

Are you not sure if your roof needs repairs? It’s better to be safe than sorry. Contact us today for a no-pressure estimate on our services.

The roof is one of the most underrated parts of a home, and yet, one among the few investments that can actually pay for itself. It has evolved steadily for decades, where thatched and tin roofs were the most popular, to the shingles and asphalt roofs we have now. When building a new home, or remodeling an old one, choosing the right roof type can be a daunting task.

There is so much more to a roof than just protecting your home from the elements. For instance, the shape of the roof you choose will play a major role in defining the overall look of your home. There are several types of roofing systems to choose from the market, and the choice you make will determine the resilience, weatherproof, and overall energy efficiency of your home.

So, what are the different types of roofing systems? In this post, we’ll be looking at 9 of the most popular types of roofing systems. This definitive guide will help you understand and pick the best roofing style for your home, garage, or place of business.

1. Butterfly Roofs

Butterfly roofs are some of the most modern types of roofing systems. They are a V-shaped roof with two tandem pieces that meet in the middle. The outer parts of the roof are angled upwards, while the inner parts meet to create a valley between them, creating a butterfly look.

These types of roofing systems are popular for eco-friendly, tropical, and modern home designs. The angle of the roofs make it possible to add more windows to the house, allowing more natural light in, which results in lower lighting bills. Even better, you can collect rainwater in the middle of the roof, and you can incorporate solar panels if you want to use renewable energy.

On the downside, it’s more expensive, given the design and maintenance may be high as well to avoid leaking in the long run.

2. Sawtooth Roofs

The sawtooth roofing system is also among the top modern roofing systems in the market. It involves two, sometimes more, pitched parallel roofs where the vertical and sloped surfaces alternate. If you look at the roof, you’ll note that it resembles the side view of a saw, which suggested the name. They were mostly used in commercial buildings in the past, but they look incredible in modern homes.

One of the best parts of this type of roofing system is that you can add a loft or opt for vaulted ceilings. Even better, you can take advantage of renewable energy and utilize solar panels, radiant heating, or geothermal systems. On the downside, though, this type of roof can be very expensive and may not be suitable for heavy snow areas.

3. Curved Roofs

Curved roofs are also getting more common with modern homes, and they provide a creative and unique roofing solution. The curve can highly vary from a curve to an arch, and it gives a very beautiful roof design. You can opt to have the curved roof cover the whole house or just sections of it, and the best part is that you can have it customized to your desires or your region.

4. Pyramid Roofs

This type of roofing system is almost like a hip roof because all the four sides of the roof come to one point at the top. It features no gables or vertical sides and is mostly used on smaller homes like bungalows or cabins.

One of the best things about pyramid roofs is that they are resistant to high winds, making them an excellent choice for high wind or hurricane-prone areas. Beyond that, you can have an attic or high ceiling with this type of roof, and with the hanging eaves, you can be assured of lower energy bills.

5. Combination Roofs

As the name suggests, combination roofs are a combination of various roofing types and designs on the same structure. For instance, it would be easy to incorporate a hip roof, gable roof, and skillion roof on one house, but in different areas. This design adds to the esthetic interests of the house, and you can use the best type of roof for all parts of your home.

On the downside, this type of roofing system can also be expensive because more designs translate to more roofing materials and higher labor costs.

6. The Gable Roof

Gable roofs, also known as peaked or pitched roofs, are among the most popular types of roofing systems. You can easily recognize them by the triangle shape, and they are a great option because they shed both water and snow very easily. They also provide space for a vaulted ceiling or an attic and more ventilation.

There are several types of gable roofs — side gable, crossed gable, front gable, and Dutch gable roofs. All these are a little different from each other in design.

7. Hip Roofs

Hip roofs are also quite common in the US. They have slopes on four sides, which are all equal in length and come together to form a ridge.

Hip roofs are an excellent choice for both snowy and high-wind areas, and the inward slope on the four sides makes them more durable and sturdy than gable roofs. There are several types of hip roofs as well, which are simple hip, half-hipped, and cross hipped.

8. The Gambrel Roof

Also known as the barn roof, the gambrel roof has two different slopes. The lower side of the roof has a steep, almost vertical slope, while the upper slope tends to be lower. Gambrel roofs are more common with Georgian style and Dutch Colonial homes, but they are also used in log cabins, farmhouses, and barns.

Gambrel roofs are a great choice if you want extra living space like a loft, an attic, or a garret. This type of roofing system is quite affordable because only two roof beams are required, and the construction is simple. It’s, however, not recommended for high wind or snowfall areas as the open design may cave under pressure.

9. The Skillion Roof

The skillion is also the shed or lean-to roof, which is usually a single, sloping roof attached to the taller wall. It’s more of an angled flat roof, or a half pitched roof. These types of roofing systems are mostly used for porches, sheds, and other home additions.

You may find them in some modern homes as well. They are affordable, easy to construct, and are an excellent choice for snow and rain areas. They are not suitable for high-wind areas, though, and when used in a home, the ceiling may be too low.

Make Your Choice From These Types of Roofing Systems

There you have it! These are some of the most common types of roofing systems and you can choose either one for your home depending on where you live, and your desires.

If you want to know more about different types of roofs and roofing materials, kindly reach out to us for assistance.

When was the last time you checked the condition of your roof? You’d be surprised at the number of people that neglect their roofs until it’s too late and they have problems they can no longer ignore.

Your roof protects not just one of your major investments, but you and your family as well.

No matter how durable it was during installation, after years of the scorching sun, and raging storms, it’s bound to have weaknesses, and wear and tear. It’s advisable to inspect your roof on a regular basis to avoid major roofing problems later on.

You’d be surprised at the kind of damage a small leak could do if undetected.

So, to avoid this, and many other roof problems, we’ll share with you some common roof problems and how you can fix them.

1. Roof Leaks

Roof leaks are probably the single most common roofing problems plaguing most homeowners. The leaks could be a result of many roof issues, such as broken shingles.

Mostly, you’ll find leaks near the chimney, around gutters, at flashing points, and close to vents or pipes.

The leak is usually located several feet away from the penetration, and the best way to track by checking the attic. Go to the attic with a flashlight and check for water stains, mold, or black marks.

If it’s a vaulted ceiling and you can’t get to the attic, you can only see the issue on the roof. The best way to fix it is having a professional roofer take care of it.

2. Damaged Flashing

Flashing is a material made of plastic or sheet metal and is used to protect creases on fixtures such as skylights or chimneys.

Flashing is also used to preserve venting pipes under your roofing materials. If this flashing material cracks or becomes loose, the fixtures become vulnerable to water and moisture.

Inspect all the areas with flashing and if you detect any of it cracked, replace it with a new one.

You may need to remove some of the surrounding materials, such as the shingles for both removal and installation. If you can’t do this, then a roofing contractor can help.

3. Broken or Missing Shingles

If the sealant attaching your shingles wears off, it tends to loosen and break or come off completely. The sealant may be damaged by force of nature, rodents, or wear and tear.

Depending on the age of your roof, shingles may start tearing off, which should be expected.

This is an easy problem to fix because all you have to do is replace the shingle. Some stores even sell single shingles if that’s what you need, or you can get a box and replace several that seem to cause problems. If you’re a handyman, you can replace the shingles yourself.

4. Granules Clogging Downspouts

When the roof is relatively new, you may notice some granules that may have fallen during installation. However, if your roof is relatively old and you see granules in your downspout, then it’s a sign that your shingles are getting weak and may need to be replaced.

Granules are an essential part of the roof because they protect it from UV rays, and once they fall off, the shingles are vulnerable and start to crack.

One of the first signs of falling granules is clogging in the gutters. Unless of course, you have so much debris such as leaves and twigs blocking your gutters, chances are they are granules, and you need to have them replaced.

5. Stagnant or Pooling Water

If your gutters are clogged and the piles of debris on the roof catch water, the moisture collects and forms stagnant or pooling water, which can damage your roof.

Standing water quickly turns into mold or mildew, which eats away the roofing material, causing roofing problems.

If you have a flat roof, you should be concerned about stagnant water. The solution here is to create tapered areas over the surface, which allow the water to run off. Having a professional contractor check on your roof regularly will help you avoid long-term problems.

6. Freezing Damages

If you live in an area where your roof is continuously exposed to ice and snow, then it has a reduced life expectancy. Roofing problems are most common during cold weather.

The thing is when ice water melts, it doesn’t run off fast enough since it melts at a slow rate. This can pass as stagnant water which penetrates underneath the roof and causes issues.

Even worse, during cold weather, the water that gets underneath can also freeze when temperatures drop.

When water freezes, it expands and pushes against the shingles, which leaves an opening that lets even more water in. By the time warm weather comes along, you have so many roofing problems.

Preventing this may not be easy since you can’t avoid the weather, but you should check on the roof regularly before damages are too far gone.

7. Tree Damage

One of the most common roof problems homeowners face is damage from falling branches.

You may think that only large branches would damage your roof, but when smaller branches come in contact with your roof and rub against it for a prolonged period, they erode the top layer of the roof.

The solution here is to trim your tree branches when they reach the roof.

If the tree poses a serious threat, then cut it down and replant a tree somewhere else more so when you live in an area prone to winds and storms.

8. Damaged Roofing Materials

These could be anything from shingles, tiles, nails, sealants among others.

Nature is a major contributing factor to a deteriorating roof, and the best solution here is regular maintenance. Some of the issues need to be caught fast before they cause other severe problems.

For instance, holes can lead to moisture seeping in the roof and causing damage. Shrinking roofing materials can crack and deteriorate, and the flashing could be pulled apart.

Schedule a maintenance check with a roofing contractor so they can detect these issues before they escalate.

Take Action for Roofing Problems Before It’s Too Late!

These are some of the most common roofing problems and solutions that help you maintain your roof.

The best solution is to have them repaired before they cause significant issues. Have you noticed a leak that you don’t know how to fix?

Do you feel like this is a great time to have a roof maintenance check? Maybe you have several roofing problems you want solved. Kindly get in touch with us and our professional contractors will be of service.

You depend on your home’s roof to protect your house from damage. Luckily, they’re durable, lasting between 20 and 50 years depending on the type of materials used. But the time will come when you need to schedule a roof replacement.

Installing a new roof is a relatively simple process. But if you’ve never replaced your roof before, you likely aren’t sure what to expect.

Here are some of the key replacement roof basics you should familiarize yourself with ahead of time.

Always Work with a Professional Roofing Contractor

The best thing you can do is work with a licensed and insured roofing contractor. These professionals know how to install roofing materials the right way to prevent costly leaks and damage. Even better, they can inspect the underlying roof structure to make sure everything is in good shape.

If they notice anything out of place, they’ll be able to fix the damage quickly.

Installing a roof on your own or with the help of an inexperienced handyman almost guarantees that the project will cost more. Not only do you have to pay full retail price for the roofing materials, but you’ll also have to sacrifice a few days of your time to the project.

Assuming everything goes well and the roof installation gets done correctly, the manufacturer warranty won’t be in effect. Most manufacturers require that the materials get installed by a professional roofing contractor. If you do it yourself, you’ll miss out on the added protection the warranty provides.

It Pays to Get Quotes from Different Contractors

Roofers charge different rates for their services and what one company says will be an easy job, another might struggle to complete on-budget. That’s why you always need to shop around before choosing a roofing contractor.

Get written estimates from several companies and compare what they say. Remember, choosing the cheapest contractor isn’t always the best option. You want to choose a company that provides the most extensive services at a price that you can afford.

If you base your decision solely on price, you’ll often end up with sub-par roofing materials and experience roof maintenance issues down the road.

The Old Roof Should Always Get Removed

In most areas, you’re allowed to have two layers of asphalt shingles (the most common roofing material) in place. But that doesn’t mean you should ask your roofing contractor to install a new layer of roofing materials on top of the old ones.

The key to a long-lasting roof replacement is to completely remove the old materials first. This lets your contractor inspect the support structure for damage and makes it easy to take care of minor repairs that impact the structural integrity of your roof.

If a contractor tells you that installing a new layer of shingles is all you need to do, get a second opinion.

Quality Materials Are Worth the Investment

When it comes to roofing, you really do get what you pay for. Higher quality materials will cost more than low-grade products. But they’ll also last far longer and have fewer repair issues in the future.

Remember, you don’t have to stick with the same type of roofing materials you had previously. It’s possible to upgrade from shingles to metal roofs or to switch from expensive wooden shakes to affordable and durable asphalt shingles.

If you’re not sure what’s best for your home, don’t hesitate to ask. Roofers want to do what’s right for your house and can break down the costs of each material for you during the estimate.

Your HOA Will Have a Say

Homeowners who live in neighborhoods without homeowners’ associations (HOAs) can choose whatever roofing materials and colors they like. But if you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, you’ll need to discuss your roof replacement with them.

HOAs often like to keep the neighborhood’s aesthetics consistent. This means they have a set list of colors and roofing materials that they’ll approve for installation on your home.

If you choose a color or type of roofing that’s not on their approved list, you could violate their rules. At best, the violation will lead to a fine, but you may also get asked to remove the roofing materials completely, forcing you to effectively pay for two new roofs.

Before you decide on the materials, always doublecheck with your HOA. Choose materials that are in compliance with their regulations and you’ll be fine.

Replacements Aren’t Substitutes for Maintenance

New roofs often solve ongoing maintenance issues you’ve coped with for the last few years. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to forego roof maintenance after the new roof gets installed.

In fact, doing so can void your manufacturer’s warranty.

After you get your new roof, set up a regular maintenance plan with your contractor. This will help prevent the most extensive damage from happening in the first place.

You’ll also want to notify them of any issues, leaks, or missing roof materials as soon as you notice them. The sooner those minor problems get fixed, the better off your roof will be.

Expect the Work to Be Loud

Unfortunately, nearly all roof replacements are noisy. After all, your contractor has to remove the old materials and hammer the new ones into place.

If you’re at work during the day, this shouldn’t cause much disruption to your routine. But if you typically spend the day at home or work out of a home office, you may want to get away for a few days.

The same is true for your pets. Remember, animals are more sensitive to loud noises and the sounds of the roof replacement may scare them. It might be worth boarding your pets for a few days until work wraps up.

These Replacement Roof Basics Are Just the Beginning

Installing a new roof can be stressful. But once it’s done, your home will have a new layer of protection against the elements. These replacement roof basics will help you know what to expect from the process.

If you’re ready to get your new roof installed, don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule an estimate and let our team help you keep your home in great condition for years to come.