Most people don’t think about the roof over their heads until a leak ruins their furniture, electronics, or another item.  One sure way to know you need a roof replacement is if your roof is older than 20 years old. However, age isn’t the only determining factor when considering a roof repair or replacement. While nothing beats a thorough inspection by a professional, here are some of the most common signs that may indicate you need a new roof. 

1) Light Through the Roof Boards

The first place you should check is the interior of your attic if you have one. Look for daylight coming through the interior boards at the top of the house — if light is coming through there, then so is water. Also, look for dark streaks and visibly sagging areas. That also means there is too much moisture and you most likely have a leak.

2) Buckling or Missing Shingles

Take a look at the slopes of your home that get direct sunlight as well as the “roof valley” — these are the spots where two parts of your roof that are sloping down meet each other. Shingles should lie flat against the roof. If you notice the shingles are curled, buckled, cracked, or losing granules, you should contact a professional to get them repaired or have your room inspected. The area beneath them may have additional damage. 

3) Broken Flashing

Flashing is the material used to cover joints and seams on your roof around chimneys, vents, and skylights to prevent water seepage. Older homes often use roof cement or tar, which tends to crack and break with time and temperature fluctuations. Metal flashing systems are now the preferred method since they’re more efficient and they last longer. Regardless of whether or not your tar flashing is damaged, it’s a good idea to upgrade before it fails.

4) Sagging or Drooping Roof

If you look at your roof’s surface and you see rotting or decaying boards, sagging spots, or missing or broken tiles you should address these issues as soon as possible and have your roof inspected by a professional. Damage such as sagging or dropping can have costly consequences if ignored for too long.

1) Clean Off Debris

Cleaning your roof about every year can decrease the likelihood of bacteria buildup. Make sure to clear your gutters of debris and anything else that can get stuck and restrict the flow of water.

2) Observe Any Changes

We recommend making frequent inspections and observations of your roof in order to not miss any defects that could compromise the integrity of your roof in fully protecting your home. Notice when you see any missing or damaged areas of your roof, and call the professionals at Hercules Roofing to assess the damage and potential threat.

3) Upkeep Surrounding Area

Many homeowners in South Florida have trees and other large plants in the surrounding yard of their homes. The low hanging branches can pose a potential threat when storms strike the area. Lessen the likelihood of roof damage from falling branches and debris, by cutting back the surrounding vegetation.

4) Prevent Roof Breakdown

Check for rust buildup on any areas of your roof that are metal. Rust can lead to roof breakdown and to more frequent repairs if not cared for. If you do notice your roof appears to have small areas with rust, you can use a wire-brush to easily remove it.

5) Prepare For The Future

Hercules Roofing can service all your roofing needs; we offer a variety of services including roof repair, maintenance, replacement, as well as leak detection. We are committed to maintaining your roof to ensure your safety and security inside the home. If you notice damaged areas of your roof, don’t wait to call so we can assess the damage and prevent further breakdown of your roof.

Scrutinize Roof Shingles

The shingles that line your roof are the first line of defense for your roof. Damaged or missing shingles mean a leaky roof. If those shingles are lifting up, it is easier for water to get into the underlayment and into the house. Over time, water and wind from storms beat down on the roof and wear away the grit of the asphalt shingles diminishing their effectiveness.

Not all damaged shingles will be visibly lifting up, but that’s not the only sign they need to be replaced. Torn shingles and shingle creases are two other common signs that those shingles need to be replaced. Hercules Roofing believes that not all roofs need a replacement. Instead, many problems, like shingle replacement, can and should be repaired before the problem turns into a leak.

Inspect Roof Flashing

Roof flashing is usually made from rust-resistant metal, and it is placed around skylights, chimneys, and vents to create a barrier between the roof and the inside. It also runs along the valleys and crevices of the roof to direct water. Caulk is used to create a seal, and this caulk could wear over time.

Monitoring the points of contact on your roof with flashing is another way to take spot problems before they start. Summer heat can cause the caulk to swell and contract over time which wears it away. If you do notice worn-out caulking or leaks, call Hercules Roofing as soon as possible. We offer 24/7 emergency roof repair and inspections. Taking care of the problem before it gets worse could save you a lot of money in repair bills.

Check Your Drains And Gutters

Clogged drains and gutters can create a multitude of problems. Water overflow could accumulate around your home causing erosion at the foundation. Also, leaves and debris in the gutter are great places for pests to hide, and these pests will eventually find their way into your home. But for your roof, it could cause the shingles to rot and leaks inside your home leading to even bigger problems like mold.

As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That couldn’t be more accurate when it comes to your residential or commercial roof; maintenance is important. Replacing a roof can be a costly and time-consuming process, so it is critical to inspect your roof at least twice a year – once in spring and once in fall. A well-maintained roof will go a long way to prevent it from damage and can catch simple repairs early which can increase the life of your roof. So this spring, follow these suggestions from Hercules Roofing!

Remove Debris

Debris on your roof causes two problems. First off, it just doesn’t look good. Second, debris traps moisture, and moisture is the prime condition for mildew, mold, and moss. These things can cause your tiles to rot which causes them to need to be replaced. To clean debris, you can use your hand to pick up the big pieces. A soft broom, or a leaf blower if you have one, can remove the rest of the debris that is left over. Be careful with a broom – too much pressure can scrape off the granules or damage tiles which will reduce the life of your roof.

Do Not Pressure Wash

This point is serious enough to include in its own section. Let’s just say you saw your neighbor on his roof pressure washing last weekend, and now it looks brand new. You’ve got a pressure cleaner that you use on your driveway, so why not just haul it up to the roof and get that debris, mold, and moss in one shot? Besides being dangerous, a pressure washer does more harm than good, and you’ll end up replacing the roof sooner than you had planned. The water from the pressure washer damages the tiles by scraping off the granules, and it causes debris and moisture to get lodged between tiles, causing your roof to rot.

Check for Leaks

The best time to check for a roof leak is when it’s raining because that’s when the leaks will be easiest to see. Bring a flashlight into the attic and check for the tell-tale signs: wet insulation, water stain on the wall, puddles on the floor, or mold and mildew growth. Unfortunately, the leak’s origin may not be obvious. Either way, you should always call in a professional as soon as you suspect a leak. At Hercules Roofing, we know the tricks water can play to get through even the best roofing systems. We can replace your shingles and make the other necessary repairs to your leaky roof. We even provide 24-hour, emergency service to stop the leak right away!

Clean the Gutters

You should regularly check your gutters, especially after a big storm. You may think that your gutters hang off your roof, so they don’t affect the roof. However, if your gutters aren’t clean, the water and debris that should be draining through them will be trapped on the roof. At this point in the article, you should be well aware of the dangers of moisture and debris! Cleaning your gutters can be easy with the right tools and a little time, but the reward is not having to replace your roof.

Protecting your home at all costs is the ultimate goal to ensure that you and your family are safe. Roof repairs can cost homeowners a tremendous amount of money each year because of neglected maintenance or simply just wear and tear.

Over time, your roof deteriorates with age and from withstanding harsh weather conditions. For most homeowners knowing when it’s time to replace the roof entirely or to re-roof it can be a difficult decision to make. Deciding as to which solution is the most durable or which one will keep you from breaking the bank is frustrating, but don’t fear – Hercules Roofing is here!

Pros of Re-Roofing

Re-roofing your home can be a daunting task, but can take little to no time. This process is fast and cost-effective. Re-roofing works best when your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan or when you want to maintain your already healthy roof that has minor damages. However, it is necessary to contact a professional roofing company like Hercules Roofing to thoroughly inspect your roof to see if re-roofing is the best option for you.

Pros of Replacing

Replacing your roof is a great choice when considering several things such as the material of the roof, the age of the roof, and the damage from a recent disaster. Replacing your roof is the safest option because it guarantees that areas affected by water/moisture damages, sagging shingles and the holes in your roof will get fixed properly.

Cons of Re-Roofing

The major con of re-roofing is that oftentimes this method does not fix the underlying problem. Re-roofing just covers up the problem, leaving your roof exposed from damages within that can potentially be hazardous to the interior of your home.

There’s something special about the roof over your head, so why not treat it to a facelift? This winter, move forward with roof replacement as your next home remodeling project. Here are five things to keep in mind:

1. Get More Bang for Your Buck:

Ah, tax season. With the scramble to collect documents and filing of forms, comes the moment we’ve all been waiting for: an income tax refund. As tempting as it is to cash out on something luxurious, perhaps the most important investment you can make with your hard-earned money is to place it back into your humble abode – specifically, your roof.

A residential roof replacement varies in price, depending on the size of the home and roofing materials used. Though your tax refund may not be able to cover the entire cost of roof replacement, it will assist in covering necessary roof maintenance. In turn, your investment in your roof will be returned if you wish to sell in the future.

2. The Weather’s on Your Side:

Aside from the additional chunk of change, tax season coincides with another break for Florida residents: the weather finally drops below 80 degrees. Hurricane season officially ends Nov. 30, and risk to South Florida in November drops significantly as cool, dry air from the north stops the development of tropical depressions, storms, and hurricanes in their tracks.

The onset of Florida winter allows a perfect timeframe to allow work to be completed on the outside of the home, without fear of storms or heavy summer rain delaying progress. With shutters safely packed away, work can begin and continue smoothly, ensuring an efficient process.

If you’re looking for a great way to increase natural light in your home while adding an interesting decorative element, consider installing skylights. With so many different factors to consider when shopping for skylights, choosing the right kind for your home can be tough. Here are four factors to consider when choosing skylights for your Florida home.

Plastic vs. Glass Skylights

Skylights are available with both glass and plastic panes. There are a number of different unique pros and cons of each kind. Plastic skylights are available in a wide variety of shapes and are also very durable. However, they can become hazy and cloudy over time. Glass skylights remain clear and energy-efficient, but they are also more easily damaged by debris in harsh weather.

Skylight Shapes

Another factor to consider is the shape of your skylights. Standard skylights are typically square or rectangular, much like any normal replacement window. However, shaped skylights can make your roof seem more interesting and exciting. Plastic skylights are even available in domed or pyramid shapes.

Energy Efficiency

Because installing skylights requires part of your roofing to be cut away, it’s important that your skylight can provide your home with an adequate level of insulation. Choosing skylights with high-efficiency glass and inert gas fills can help to lower your energy costs and keep your home comfortable.