SIGNS YOU NEED A NEW ROOF BEFORE WINTER

Allow us to set the scene: your family has just arrived for the holiday festivities, the fire roars as you gather around it, and the kitchen is filled with the aromas of the feast that will soon be on the dinner table. Spirits are high, the halls are decked, and you find yourself finally sinking into the merriment of the season.

And then it happens. A winter storm creeps up and begins raining down onto your roof. And you encounter the dreaded sound no one wants to hear during a storm...drip, drip, drip. 

Roof issues can be a hassle to deal with in and of themselves, but especially so during the holidays and we're here to help you avoid falling into a similar situation. Keep reading to learn more about the warning signs of a damaged roof and why this time of year is the most optimal for roofing repairs.

SIGNS YOU NEED A NEW ROOF BEFORE WINTER

YOUR ROOF HAS REACHED THE END OF ITS LIFESPAN.

Roofs aren't built to last forever and their quality tends to diminish around the 20 year mark. While every roof type possesses a different lifespan, once you cross over that threshold, problems can start popping up. If it's been a couple of decades since your roof was installed, it may be wise to replace it all together instead of letting it continue to deteriorate. 

DAMAGE IS VISIBLE FROM THE EXTERIOR.

This one seems like a given but, think about it. When was the last time you really took a look at the top of your home? Now is the time to examine the condition of your roof and search for evidence of missing roof tiles, curling shingles, warped areas, and damage from debris. Every aspect of a roof works together to keep the elements out and, even if one is out of place, your roof can lose nearly all of its effectiveness. 

THERE ARE SIGNS OF MOLDY SHINGLES OR ROTTING BEAMS.

As you're most likely aware, it's been quite a rainy year for San Diego. While our roofs don't take the same beating as, say a roof in snowy Michigan or stormy Florida, the intervals of heavy rain we've encountered this year have been more intense than usual. 

The prolonged storms can prevent your roof from fully drying out in a timely manner and the longer the moisture is exposed to your roof, the more damage it can cause. Issues can range from moldy shingles to support beams that have been weakened by excess moisture. If you suspect any of these may be present, getting a new roof before the upcoming winter storms hit is crucial.

YOU'VE SPOTTED SMALL LEAKS IN THE PAST.

Usually, when there's a small leak, a bigger one is around the corner. If your roof has gotten to the point where it is leaking, it is vulnerable to serious damage. Since the internal elements of your roof are now exposed to the exterior conditions, this allows for moisture to get into areas where it cannot easily escape. This is the reason why holes often get bigger on their own if the leak is not properly fixed. Look in your attic for signs of wet spots; if you can see daylight through the ceiling, it's time to seek out professional assistance.

Alright, so you've gotten this far and haven't experienced any of the red flags described above. Lucky you! 

But, even if you're not in need of full blown roof replacement, you might be surprised to learn that this time of year is the prime time for conducting repairs or upgrades. 

Ironically enough, weather plays a huge role in the long-term success of roof repairs. Conditions like temperature, moisture, and weather can all impact how smoothly your repairs go so it's important to take these factors into account. Here are a few reasons why:

SHINGLES SEAL MUCH FASTER IN COOLER WEATHER.

When the mat is exposed to too much heat, it prevents it from adequately sealing to the shingles. At that point, no matter how much expertise your roofers have, the shingles will likely have a shorter than expected lifespan. Roofs are a serious investment and so you want to be sure you're getting as much possible return on this upgrade.

ANY DAMAGE BECOMES APPARENT WHEN THE WEATHER COOLS DOWN.

The heat takes quite a toll on our roofs, but it isn't always visible right away. In fact, some types of shingles won't show any damage until the heat goes away for good; around October and November is when we really start to see instances of curling shingles and cracked tiles. You don't want to get stuck repairing your roof more than you have to, so now is the optimal time to carry out any routine maintenance. 

FIXING ISSUES NOW CAN PREVENT WASTED ENERGY.

These days, we're constantly reaching to turn up the thermostat. While many of us find ourselves using more energy than usual to stay warm, a damaged roof can significantly drive up your utility bill. A few missing tiles or an isolated leak are small but mighty issues that can allow heat to escape. Addressing the issue before the cold creeps in will spare you from 3 months of needlessly high gas bills. 

THE SAYING GOES THAT, "WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS."

While your roof may only have a few small, seemingly harmless inconsistencies, the shifting weather can quickly turn these headaches into full-blown predicaments. While the climate stays relatively mild in San Diego, we still experience our fair share of rain and wind, all of which can wreak havoc on an already compromised roof. Repairing the little issues now can save you from a complete roof replacement by the time spring rolls around. 

As we approach the colder months, now more than ever, you need your roof to be functioning at full capacity and time is of the essence to secure your home from the elements. If it's been a while since you've had your roof inspected, or if you've been putting off a roof replacement, contact us ASAP. We want you to think back on this holiday season and remember the fond memories with your loved ones, not that it was the year rain started falling from your ceiling.