Roofing Wilmington DE is one of the most hazardous home repair jobs and requires specialized skills. For these reasons, it is best to leave repairs to professionals.
Roofs protect houses against rain, snow, sunlight, extremes of temperature and wind. Rafters or pre-fabricated trusses support sheathing, which is then covered with shingles.
If your shingles are starting to show signs of ageing, it’s a good idea to get them replaced. This will help ensure that the underlying roof deck is protected and the integrity of your structure is maintained. It will also protect your home from future damage and reduce energy costs.
If you’re not quite ready to replace your roof, you can repair it with a few different options. One of the most common is re-roofing. Re-roofing is done when you’ve lost a number of shingles, and the damaged area can be covered with a new layer.
However, re-roofing can have some significant drawbacks. For example, it can void or shorten the warranty on your shingles. It can also be problematic if your old shingles were architectural shingles instead of 3-tab shingles, as the second layer won’t match them as well and could look patchy or uneven.
Re-roofing is a large job, and it’s important to prepare before your roofers arrive. This includes trimming any trees that are encroaching on your roof, and moving any objects like ceramic landscaping features or patio furniture. It’s also a good idea to clear out the attic and remove anything stored there that could break if it gets hit by falling debris during the re-roofing process.
Replacement
When a roof is nearing the end of its lifespan or shows significant signs of deterioration, it may be time for a replacement. Roof replacement involves removing the existing layer of roof materials and replacing it with new ones, typically shingles. Some roofing contractors offer both re-roofing and roof replacement services, while others specialize in one or the other.
When the time comes for a roof replacement, it is essential to choose the right materials. Some roofing materials, such as metal and tile, have a very long lifespan when properly maintained and can be used for several replacements. Others, like shingle roofs, require regular maintenance to extend their life. The type of roof on a commercial building also has an impact on its replacement options.
A re-roofing job could be an ideal solution for a commercial building that is close to the end of its expected lifespan or has minor damage in only one area. However, re-roofing is not appropriate for a roof with significant structural damage or if there are serious leaks.
Adding a new layer of shingles can give a roof an immediate face-lift. This is particularly true if the old roof was stained or damaged.
Many factors can influence whether re-roofing is an option, including the type of existing material on the roof, the condition of that material and how much weight the structure can handle. Re-roofing is not possible if the existing roof is made from a material that cannot support another layer, such as slate.
A professional roofing contractor has specialized knowledge and equipment to perform a complete roof replacement. This includes tools to remove old materials and install a waterproof barrier underneath the shingles. This prevents moisture from penetrating the interior of the building and encouraging mold, mildew and water damage. Additionally, a roofer can help homeowners choose the most energy efficient materials, solar panels and other features that will save money on utility bills.
Maintenance
Whether they are new or old, roofs need to be maintained and repaired periodically. A properly functioning roof protects the interior of the building from rain, snow, sunlight and extremes of temperature.
During maintenance visits, crews will clear all debris from drains, gutters and roof surfaces. They will also trim and remove organic growth, clean drains, and re-flash openings in penetration base flashing as needed.
A good roofing company will keep a roster of maintenance personnel that you can hire to come into your buildings on an as-needed basis. These personnel will have passed background checks, and be briefed each morning to the needs and systems of the buildings on their schedule for that day. They will be equipped in their vehicle with all tools necessary for the work they are scheduled to perform.
Insurance
The roof is one of the most exposed parts of a home. It can suffer direct damage from weather, like heavy snow or hailstorms, as well as indirect damage from other things that can be triggered by a storm, like falling trees or debris from a fire. If this is a concern, it is wise to consider adding impact-resistant shingles to your roofing. This can help protect your roof from cosmetic as well as functional damage and may even qualify you for an insurance discount. You should also check to see if your homeowners insurance covers your roof at its actual cash value or replacement cost value, as well as whether it has a separate deductible for hurricanes.
Understanding these factors can make a big difference in your decision to file an insurance claim for a roof repair or replacement. It can also make it easier to navigate the process if you need to negotiate with an adjuster.