Do You Need a New Roof?

This is the first question many roofing contractors New York get asked when dealing with a new potential customer. Often the answer is that repairs will do the trick. Other times a new roof or re-roof will be in order. We will discuss some common problems that occur and try to determine the best course of action for each. I’d like to note here that it is always best to seek the advice of a reputable, qualified professional. Early detection of problems is by far the most desirable option available. Yearly inspections by a knowledgeable, licensed professional can save you a ton of money in future repair, or replacement costs.

Exterior Inspection

A thorough exterior inspection should be the first step in making a decision on whether to replace or repair a roof New York. A frequent culprit is damaged or missing shingles. High winds as well as improper installation can cause shingles to become displaced. Some regions of the country (especially in the southeast) may have shingles permeated by algae or fungus which can lead to damage of the roof decking material. Damaged or improperly installed flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents may also be a source of potential problems. Checking rain gutters for granules and bits of rotten wood may also indicate trouble. It should be mentioned that loose granules found after application of new roofing should not alarm you, this is normal; on older roofs this indicates the need for replacement. Buckling of shingles may be a result of improperly installed felt, or shifting of the roof deck. Though there are other things to look for while inspecting the exterior of your roof an interior inspection is most likely to be the deciding factor when asking “Do I need a new roof?”


Interior Inspection

An interior inspection can be instrumental in deciding whether or not to go with a new roof New York. Deteriorated decking or decking that sags between the rafters (sometimes visible during an exterior inspection) is a sure sign that superficial repairs such as replacing a few shingles will not suffice. If both the decking and rafters are badly damaged it is time to consider a new roof. Re-roofing (placing a new roof over the existing one) when there is extensive damage to rafters and/or decking can lead to major future problems, even roof collapse in areas with heavy snow.