16 Tips For Homeowners About Roofs and Roof Replacement
If you’re a homeowner, then you know that your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. Your roof protects you and your family from the elements, so it’s important to make sure that it’s in good condition. Here are 16 tips to help you regarding roofs and roof replacement from Paragon Roofing BC! With decades of roofing experience, our mission is to provide top-quality roofing service to all of our clients in the Surrey and Vancouver, BC area as a roofing company. We offer highly competitive prices and are insurance claims specialists.
Tips For Homeowners
1. Regularly inspect your roof
The best way to ensure that your shingles are in good shape is by regularly inspecting them. This can be from the ground, you don’t need to be on the roof.
Inspect each section of the roof, for any cracks or splits; and call a roofer if you are not sure of the condition. In a wet climate like Vancouver, its important to fix roofs before problems arise.
2. Openings in your roof
In order to protect your home from water damage, it’s important that you scan for leaks around any chimneys or skylights. These areas may present openings into the roof which can allow rainwater inside when there are storms and then cause extensive repairs down the line if left unchecked.
3. Clean the roof
It is important to clean your roof. Cleaning the roof will allow water to flow, which can be crucial in preventing leaks or other problems down the road! The valleys, metal flashings around the chimneys, and skylights are very important to focus on. Using a power tool, like a leaf blower will make the task easier. However, if you need help, please call a local roofing expert like Paragon Roofing BC.
4. Gutters tell a story
Check your gutters for granules, they can indicate a problem that could be arising in the near future. If there are large amounts of shingle granules in the gutters, this can indicate that the shingles are nearing the end of their useful life. It could be time for a roof replacement but you should use a quality roofer like Paragon Roofing BC.
5. That green stuff has to go
Wet environments like Vancouver are highly susceptible to moss.
The moisture creates the environment moss needs to grow. When you notice moss on your shingles, it’s important to take action quickly so the problem doesn’t get out of control. If allowed to progress, moss can damage roof shingles and shorten their lifespan.
6. Roofs and branches
One of the biggest risks to your home’s structural integrity are branches that hang too close to the roof. These can cause a variety of problems, from scraping shingles repeatedly on their way down or even large limbs actually toppling over during storms! Trim them often and keep the branches at bay.
7. Attic needs to breathe
The ventilation in your attic is an important part of protecting against roof damage. If it doesn’t have enough air flow, moisture can accumulate, which can increase your chances of having mold in the attic. Regularly check your attic for leaks, moisture and rot to ensure that it is good condition.
8. The roof shouldn’t curve
The end of a roof’s useful life can be difficult to determine from the ground level, but you will know when they are getting close if your shingles start curling or blistering. If your shingles are already curling, it may be wise to get the roof inspected and maybe even replaced sooner rather than later. If you’re waiting too long, the curling will just turn into blisters. A roof blister is basically a bubble on top of a shingle that can cause leaks when there’s heavy rainfall.
9. Changes in billing
A sharp increase in the cost of heating and cooling may be an indication that you need to have your home’s roof inspected! It is not uncommon for older homes to have leaks, missing shingles or other roof damage that can cause hundreds of dollars in extra utility bills.
Getting Your Roof Replaced
10. Children and man’s best friend
It’s important to let your kids know about the safety precautions during a roof replacement. Roofers will be focused on their work and it is important that no one’s safety is comprised especially children and animals.
Make sure children and pets are kept inside at all times. Leave them with a responsible adult if it is necessary for anyone to leave the house during roofing hours. It will be impossible to monitor their whereabouts during this kind of work so they are safe.
You may want them to play in another room away from the windows, they will most likely see roofers working near the windows with power tools and be attracted to it.
11. Give the roofer their space
Roofing contractors working on the roof, need quick access to their tools throughout that day. They also want a place where they can store shingles or debris while working – since the area will be dangerous until the roof is completed. Give them the best parking spot possible, making their jobs a little easier, they will greatly appreciate it.
12. Mona Lisa has to come down
Most of us, love art and we hang them throughout our homes. The vibrations from hammers and machinery on your roof may travel through some walls of the home, especially if repairs to an existing deck are needed. Remove any hanging paintings or mirrors.
13. The attic!
The act of installing new roofs can be a messy and dangerous process, so it is important to make sure that all the proper precautions are taken. During your roof replacement, many installers will walk on your roof with hammers, nail guns, pounding in new shingles for you! Cover your attic with plastic sheets to prevent debris from accumulating during the roofing process.
14. They need that power
Roofers need power outlets during the roof replacement. A homeowner should provide accessible power outlets, while considering safety. While a modern home might have a dozen or more accessible power outlets, an older home may have just a few. In this case, the homeowner may need to add some to make them accessible for roofers during the roof replacement process. For example: If you currently don’t have any, install one in the front or the back of the home, since the roofers will be able to use extension cords to reach most of the home’s roof.
15. Do you really need that dish?
Call the dish company and have the dish removed prior to the roofing process. This will prevent any technical issues for you and any issues for the roofers. However, if the dish is old and you want it gone, just tell your professional roofer and they will take care of it for you.
16. Neighbors are important
Let your neighbors know you are getting your roof replaced. That there will be noise and debris during the process. Some will be more understanding than others, but by letting them know is part of being a good neighbor. If they have any questions, they can reach out to you or talk to the roofer. Most reputable roofers like Paragon Roofing BC, love working with neighbors. They can provide stress relief by answering questions and acquire potential new business.
We hope that you found the 16 tips we provided, to be helpful in understanding your roof, and potential roof replacement project. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any assistance with your home’s roof. Our team is ready and waiting to provide information on our services, as well as answer any questions about roofs that you may have. Let’s connect today by phone at (604) 358-3436 or email us at contact@paragonroofingbc.ca
