A well-built, well-maintained roof can last for many, many years—decades, even—before it needs to be replaced. However, no roof lasts forever. Over time, the roofing materials gradually wear away to the point where a roof is no longer sound. Many variables can affect how quickly this happens. Weather is a major factor; rain and storms can shorten the life of a roof and necessitate replacing your roofing. Vancouver, WA, is a rainy climate, and eventually, the roofs here begin to weaken and allow water to seep into the attic area, damaging property and encouraging the growth of mold and fungus.
A roof that is allowed to leak long enough will become structurally unsound. A structurally unsound roof can eventually collapse entirely. This is why roofs should regularly be maintained, and, eventually, replaced. You may, however, be concerned about the costs involved with this regular level of maintenance. This is a valid concern: roof repairs can be expensive in general, and replacing a roof entirely is a very pricey proposition.
It’s important to remember, however, that even though repairing and replacing rooftops can be costly, it is far cheaper to do so than to repair the damage caused by a failed roof. An unexpected collapse of part of your roof can be a catastrophic experience, which is why regular maintenance is so critical. In order to work regular roof repairs into your yearly budget, you should have some idea of the costs involved in roofing in Vancouver, WA.
Signs You Might Need a Roof Replacement
The signs that your roof needs to be replaced may be obvious, or they may be more subtle. It’s important to be able to recognize the telltale signs of a compromised roof before they become serious. Here are a few signs to watch out for:
Damaged or Missing Shingles
Your shingles are your roof’s first line of defense against inclement weather, and they are constantly under assault from solar radiation, wind, rain, ice, and snow. This is particularly true in the Vancouver, WA, area where wet weather is common and summers can get fairly hot. It stands to reason, then, that shingles may be the first part of the roof to exhibit signs of trouble. Heavy winds, in particular, can blow them away, leaving bare patches on the roof that are then vulnerable to water and sunlight. If you notice any of your shingles seem to be damaged or missing, then it is time to contact your roofer.
Water Stains or Damage Inside the Home
Visible water damage is another clear indication that your roof has been compromised. You can usually tell fairly easily when water is seeping through the roof and into your house. You may see brown or black streaks along the walls or large unsightly stains on the ceilings. Entering the attic, you may also see black spots all along the rafters. These may indicate the growth of black mold, which is encouraged by water that seeps in through a leaky roof. A roof that is leaking in this manner should be inspected by a roofing contractor as soon as possible.
The Roof Itself Is Sagging
While the above problems are certainly major issues, they can often be repaired without necessarily requiring the replacement of the entire roof. However, if you can tell visually that the roof has begun to sag, then it may be past the point of repair and require a replacement immediately. Even a slight depression in the roof is cause for immediate action, as this may mean that the roof has become saturated with water.
This, in turn, can mean that the roof is in danger of collapse. Needless to say, a collapsing roof can do more than lead to expensive repairs. It can put members of the household in danger and should be prevented by the fast action of a roofing professional.
The Process of Replacing a Roof
If it’s determined you need to replace your roofing, Vancouver, WA, roofing professionals will begin by removing your old roof in its entirety. This means that they’ll pry all the existing shingles off and tear away the underlayment later beneath. They may also need to remove and replace portions of the wooden support structure, depending on how compromised it has become by water damage and other decay.
You may opt to have some elements of your roof upgraded during the replacement process. For example, if your roof was installed decades ago, it may not have been taking full advantage of modern energy-efficient technology. The roof replacement process can be a good time to ask for new, high-efficiency shingles and other improvements. Similarly, you may opt for more of a decorative look to your new roof to boost your home’s curb appeal and increase its overall value.
How Much Should You Expect to Pay?
Remember that if you are having your roof replaced, you are not only paying for the labor of your roofers, but you are also paying for a lot of replacement materials. The cost of your roof replacement is affected quite a bit by the materials you choose. For instance, those aforementioned energy-efficient shingles can cost a lot more. You may, however, consider them to be an investment, as they will likely save you money on energy costs and increase your home’s overall value.
The size of your roof is also a major factor in the cost of a roof replacement. Predictably, larger roofs are more expensive in terms of repair costs. In general, you can expect to lay around $10,000 on the low end and $50,000 on the high end, depending on the variables we’ve discussed. Of course, if you have a larger roof or are planning to utilize premium materials, you can expect higher costs.
It’s important to remember that, even though replacing a roof can be expensive, it may ultimately be the best financial choice for your home. It prevents the need for costly repairs later on and improves the home’s overall value.
To ensure the job is in good hands, you need to find a trusted, experienced, and certified roofing company to perform it. In the Vancouver, WA, area this means Interstate Roofing. With over thirtyfive years in the business and thousands of satisfied customers, we will ensure your new roof is sturdy, strong, and reliable.