Many people have never been on the roof of their house, the roof is one of those “out of sight, out of mind” things. The only time the roof is ever called in question is when it springs a leak and then instantly, the roof becomes the center of attention. When this happens, a contractor who is involved with roofing in Norfolk is usually the first to be called in.
Not every leak automatically points to the need for a new roof, but if there has not been a raging storm for a while and your house is 20 years old or so, perhaps it does need replacing.
Most homes in the US use what is called a composite shingle, something made up of asphalt and fiberglass. As time passes they, like everything else, begin to age and wear out. They finally succumb too many years of sun, rain, snow and hurricane force winds. When they have reached the end of their life, they will be curled and brittle and you will find your gutter full of granules that have come from the shingles surface. If the roofing in Norfolk breaks when handled, then you need a replacement roof. Composition shingles that are in good shape are pliable and will take a slight bend.
Other signs of deterioration:
If you see bald spots on the shingles, this is the fiberglass that you are seeing. You may also find blisters and pock-marks which are all the results of years of exposure.
You should not let your roof reach this state of disrepair. Even if it has not leaked yet, things can be happening which can cause much larger problems, and a much more expensive undertaking. Rainwater does not have to show itself on your living room floor, it can be absorbed or soaked up by the under felt and plywood, these materials can eventually begin to rot and they can certainly be the source of mold.
You may not need a new roof:
A lot depends on where you live. Composition shingles have an average life expectancy of twenty years; this average takes into account the baking sun of a Texas summer and the bone-chilling cold of a Maine winter. Homes located in more temperate parts of the country may last longer than the average.
Even reasonably new roofing in Norfolk can leak. A bad storm can easily rip off the hip and ridge shingles as they sit high on the roof and are the least protected. Even brand new homes can be problematic as mistakes happen. Certain shingles need more fasteners than others because of the location on the roof, if, during installation, a few too many nails were used, these vulnerable shingles can lift and blow off.
Regardless of whether your roofing in Norfolk needs complete replacement or just repair, the company to call is Reitzel Home Improvement. Whether your home has composite shingles, metal or cedar shakes, Reitzel have the skills that the homeowner needs.
