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
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.
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 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
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 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 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 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 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.
The most trusted roofing contractor on Florida’s Treasure Coast is All Area Roofing & Construction. We’ve been providing high-quality roofing services, from storm repair to new metal roofing, to the area for over 15 years, and our parent company has been around for over 20. We’ve got the experience and knowledge to tackle any roofing job, so we were excited to hear from a Fort Pierce, FL neighbor who had a damaged tile roof and siding.
A homeowner in Fort Pierce, FL recently contacted us about their local property. Their roof tiles had gotten damaged, leaving the roof open to leaks. This leaking had damaged wooden roof supports, as well as the soffit, or roof overhang, and the fascia, the board under the overhang. These wooden roof parts were completely rotted through, and needed to be replaced. Luckily, the crew at All Area Roofing & Construction knew just what to do.
Our experienced roofing contractors got right to work. First, we removed all the damaged roof tiles and rotted wood, and then disposed of them safely. We always leave every job site clean. After consulting with our local homeowner, we installed a new metal roof, which offers better durability and protection, especially in areas with severe weather like the Florida coast.
The Fort Pierce, FL homeowner was extremely happy with their new metal roof, and they knew their home would be protected for decades. If you have roof damage or need a new roof, contact the roofing and construction experts at All Area Roofing & Construction today.