If you lived in a teepee or an igloo, roof damage would be readily apparent. There would be no question that it had to be repaired. Today it is very seldom that anyone lives primarily in a teepee or igloo, mainly because the weather does not always cooperate to ensure safety to the occupants. Replacing a roof is a costly proposition anywhere in the US. Roofing installation in Maryland is comparable to other cities on the east coast of the US.
The roof of a building protects occupants against the elements. Replacing a roof is costly, and conversely, it is risky not to replace a roof. The average lifespan is 20-25 years unless it is damaged by unforeseen weather or an accident. As a general rule, representatives of roofing companies like GMP Construction of Dundalk, MD, would advise homeowners not to undertake roof replacement or repair as a DIY project.
Why would you need a new roof? A weather-related storm damaged the roof, or perhaps just wear and tear from years of protecting the home’s occupants. Suppose a roof is not properly replaced or repaired. In that case, it can result in water damage, mold, low energy efficiency, shortened roof life span, and even interior damage to the house or building. Poor roof replacement or repair does not ensure the home or building is safe and protected. Homeowners should ensure they have a safe and proper roof “over your head.” For the remainder of this article, we’ll focus on installing home roofs.
Replacing or repairing a roof should not be considered a weekend project. Many DIY roofing tutorials online are certainly easy enough to follow. Indeed, it is costly to hire this work done, but why would you install a roof yourself? Simply put, many homeowners are not prepared or willing to spend money to hire a professional roofer. A significant risk to DIY roofing is shortening the life span of a roof by more than 50% to 10 years. In addition, shingles might be missing or easily removed by wind, or the roof was not properly sealed. The home’s value would decrease in these instances, and mold could grow. Most roofing companies offer a free inspection and estimate; they explain the process and a simple repair or replacement.
A DIY homeowner can indeed buy shingles, tar paper, and nails from the big box store. But a professional roofer has the appropriate tools safety equipment and can buy the appropriate materials for the job at a discount. They also have insurance policies to protect their workers and the home and warranties on the product and their work. That protects the company in case of damage to the house or a car. Roofing installation in Maryland requires professional roofers to ensure the quality of their work with a warranty.
Replacing a roof is expensive. Those costs are based on materials for the new roof, removal, and disposal of the old roof. Roofing companies factor in their insurance, warranties, and workers’ compensation costs for their employees. The cost of labor for workers and subcontractors is high. These are skilled workers who must be familiar with the process for proper installation of the roof and safety requirements. Finally, overhead and administrative costs are factored into the estimate. Companies that provide roofing installation in Maryland also prove a company’s reliability, coverage, and expertise.
Some of the factors that homeowners should consider for roof replacement include:
Age – General rule of thumb is that the life of a roof is 20-25 years barring known damage. If the roof was installed before another homeowner purchases the home, have the roof inspected.
Curled Shingles – Maryland is known for high winds, and curled shingles indicate problems that can cause leaks or other damage or that the roof may have been improperly installed.
Missing Shingles – This is terrible news and requires a closer inspection to detail what caused the shingles to tear away from the roof.
Holes – Can you see sunlight in the attic or spot moisture? Your roof is compromised, call a professional ASAP.
Flashing – The flashing around the chimney needs to be secure and properly sealed against moisture and other natural concerns.
Sagging – Any spot of a sagging roof indicates moisture, damage, or the roof stability could be compromised.
Moss – Plants thrive with moisture, and a roof showing greenery needs to be inspected for damage.
Check your gutters. Roofing installation in Maryland, like other states, requires gutter inspection at the time roofs are inspected. Shingle fragments in the gutter mean the roof is slowly eroding. GMP Construction of Dundalk, MD, is equipped to replace gutters and roofs.
Valleys – Roof valley integrity is inspected when a roof has several peaks that come together across the roof. Water, debris, and damage will collect and appear first in the valleys.
Increased energy bills may indicate that the roof is not properly sealed or insulated as when installed.
These are just some of the reasons it is essential to be aware of damage to your roof. Finding a reputable roofing company near you is as easy as checking their BBB ratings or online reviews from previous customers. Installing a roof is best left to the professionals and not listed for the following weekend project.
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