Do you have a roof? If so, when was the last time you assessed it? If your roof is leaking, then you may want to consider a roof assessment before deciding whether or not to spend money on a new one. A professional Registered Roof Observer (RRO) can tell you how much life there is left in your current roof and if any repairs are necessary. But if there’s significant damage—such as missing shingles or cracked boards—then it’s probably time for a replacement anyway. This guide will help you decide if now might be the right time for a new roof.
Get your roof assessment.
It’s a good idea to have your Burnaby roof assessed every few years to make sure it’s in good shape. A professional assessment is the only way to know for sure, but there are some things you can do yourself. You should look for:
- Missing or cracked shingles
- Loose nails and screws on the surface of your shingles (they will be easy to see when you look up from the ground)
- Sagging spots or other signs of damage under each eave of your home
More rain means more regular roof assessment.
If you live in an area where rain is heavy, you’ll need more frequent assessments. The reason for this is that roofs get damaged faster in areas with heavy rain. If you have a roof that’s been installed for over 15 years, it may be time to consider re-roofing. With the wet, west coast weather, roofing in Burnaby falls into this category.
If your roof has been installed for over 20 years and has experienced several different types of weather conditions during its lifetime (including heavy rains), then consider having your home’s exterior assessed at least once every 3-5 years by a professional RRO who can tell whether or not it’s time to replace the shingles or replace the entire structure altogether.
A damaged roof requires immediate attention.
If your roofing in Burnaby has been damaged by high winds, hail or fire, it will need to be replaced immediately. If you have a roof with a high wind rating (such as a shingle or tile), it’s likely that your insurance company will require that the entire roof be replaced if any part of it was damaged by storm. The same goes for asbestos-based shingles; these are toxic when damaged and should be removed immediately.
Visible holes or cracks should be repaired right away.
If there are visible holes or cracks in your roof, it’s best to repair them immediately. If a leak develops in your home’s ceiling and you don’t fix it, the damage can spread quickly throughout the house.
To repair a damaged roof:
- Remove debris from around your home’s baseboards and window frames so water doesn’t seep into these areas during rainy weather
- Use waterproofing sealant to cover any gaps between shingles or tiles (this will prevent further water damage)
- Patch up any holes with plywood sheets
Additional signs a re-roof is in order…
Other signs that it might be time to get your roof replaced include missing or damaged shingles, a leaky roof and buckling siding or fascia boards. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to get your roof assessed by a professional.
Call Canuck Roofing for a professional roof assessment.
A professional assessment can tell you if your roof still has life left in it or if it needs replacing soon. Roofs can last a long time if they’re well maintained. However, there are some signs that indicate when a roof may need to be replaced:
- Leaks
- Cracks in the surface of the shingles or flashing around chimneys and skylights
- Rotting wood support beams under the deck or fascia boards (the board that runs along the bottom edge of your house)
Conclusion
Looking to save money on your next roof? Then it’s a good idea to consider the cost of re-roofing by speaking with a professional. This will help you determine if it makes sense financially for you or not. Our team of roofers are here to assist. Call Canuck Roofing today to have your roofing in Burnaby assessed, repaired, or replaced.