If you own a home, you likely already know that ownership comes with a long list of maintenance jobs. Keeping your HVAC system running efficiently, ensuring your lawn and landscaping is tidy, and taking care of any plumbing problems before they become major issues are just a few jobs on your to-do list. One of the biggest and most important parts of your house to pay attention to is the roof. Your roof is the barrier between your family and belongings and the elements and it’s important to be aware of red flags so you can schedule repairs or a replacement before it’s too late.
Here is more information on signs your roof needs repaired or replaced and how to choose the right roofing San Diego company to do the job.
Signs Your Roof Needs Repaired
In some cases, you just need repairs done to your home if it’s been damaged in a storm or if normal wear and tear is leading to issues. Here are some signs you should call a roofing San Diego company to repair your roof.
- You’re missing a few shingles. You may notice them in your yard after a storm or discover that you have some missing when doing a visual inspection.
- You have minor shingle buckling or curling. If this applies to only a few shingles in one location on your roof, you might be able to get away with a repair.
- You notice small leaks. A roofing San Diego company can take a look at the leak and, if it’s small and isolated to one area, repair it.
- Your flashing is damaged. If the area around your chimney has been damaged, it may be able to be repaired without having to replace the entire roof.
- There is algae or moss growth. This can sometimes be removed and any damage repaired if it’s not a sign of a larger problem with your roof.
- There is a small amount of granules in your gutter. This is a sign of shingle deterioration but a small amount is a normal sign of wear and tear and may not indicate a replacement is needed.
- Your roof has some issues but is still relatively new. Most asphalt roofs last 10-15 years. If your roof is not seriously damaged and under that age, you should talk to a roofing San Diego company about repairs.
Signs Your Roof Needs Replaced
A roof that has suffered too much damage or is not structurally sound will likely not be able to be repaired and you’ll need to budget for a roofing San Diego company to replace it. Here are some signs you need a roof replacement.
- You notice frequent leaks or there is extensive water damage. If the leaks are widespread or causing damage to your home, you will probably need a new roof.
- Your roof is getting old. If your roof is over 15 years old, you should have it inspected to make sure it’s still doing its job properly.
- There is extensive damage to it. If you have a lot of missing shingles, have cracks in your roof, or notice a large amount of granules in your gutters, it’s likely that it’s time for a new roof.
- Your roof is wavy or sagging. This usually indicates structural issues and you should call a roofing San Diego company right away as it could pose a danger to your home.
- Your energy bills are skyrocketing and you don’t know why. This could indicate that air is leaking in through your roof. While a small leak can usually be repaired, a leak large enough to cause high energy bills will likely require a replacement.
How to Choose the Right Roofing Company
Whether you need a repair or a replacement, you need to work with the right roofing San Diego company to ensure the job gets done properly. Here are some tips on choosing the best roofing company for your project.
- Ask for referrals. If you know people who have recently had their roof repaired or replaced, ask who they used and if they would recommend them.
- Read online reviews. You can find out a lot about a company by reading reviews on Yelp, Facebook, and Google. Try to find a company that has a majority of five-star reviews and that past customers say is reliable, trustworthy, and has great customer service.
- Look at websites. Visit a few roofing San Diego company websites to find out more about how long they’ve been in business, if they are locally owned and operated, if they have all the necessary insurance, and other important details.
- Ask for a quote. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, ask the companies you are trying to decide between for a quote. Though you should not decide on price alone, a quote can help you make a final decision if you’re trying to choose between two or three roofing companies.
Prepping for Your Roof Replacement
Once you’ve selected the right roofing San Diego company to do the job, it’s time to prepare your home and family for the project. Here are some steps to take.
- Notify your neighbors that you are having a roof replacement to minimize any inconveniences to them.
- Cover all valuables in your attic to prevent damage from falling debris.
- Consider staying in a hotel or with friends for a couple days, especially if you have pets or children who will be disturbed by the disruption and noise.
- Remove wall decor that could fall due to vibrations involved in the project.
- Make sure vehicles are moved out of the driveway and remove any toys, patio furniture, or other items are removed from the lawn.
- Trim any branches that extend over your roof area to provide safe and easy access to your roof for the workers.
Working with a Roofing San Diego Company
Once you know the signs of your roof needing repaired or replaced, you can make a timely call to a roofing San Diego company to get the job done. Take steps to make sure you’re choosing a reputable company and prep your home for the project so it can go as smoothly as possible.