Roofs are complex structures that need regular care and maintenance. However, not many homeowners think about this until they face a problem. Spotting potential issues with the roof is hard because they are difficult to reach, but once a problem is detected, it needs to be addressed.

Postponing repairs due to high costs can only lead to more problems and create more expenses down the line. Learning to read the signs and knowing when to repair a roof is crucial to avoid any bigger and more expensive issues.

Keep reading below to discover whether you should repair or completely replace your roof.

Signs Your Roof Needs Repairing

You will not always get a sign like a leaking or a broken shingle that will alarm you to repair a roof. Roofs age just like everything else, and there comes a time when you’ll need to schedule an appointment to inspect the roof and identify potential issues.

So, how do you know when to repair the roof?

Problems With Shingles

If you have broken or missing shingles, it means that you have holes that expose your house to weather conditions. And this can easily lead to, for example, a leakage. In fact, you may have a leak you haven’t noticed, which can cause serious damage.

Shingles are meant to lie flat on the roof, so the appearance of curling or buckling means the underlay felt is starting to get wet and wrinkling. Depending on the type of shingles used on the roof, you can notice cracked shingles or ones that allow moisture to get trapped.

Whatever the problem, be sure to check the whole roof, not just the area around the broken or damaged shingle, because water runs downhill.

Issues With the Gutter

The gutter is the place where you’ll find different kinds of debris. Most often, this includes pieces of shingles which can point to a rather serious problem.

This is especially common with asphalt and composite shingles that shed granules as they age and wear out. If you notice coarse black sand in the gutters, that’s granules from shingles, so it’s best to have the roof inspected immediately.

Check Flashing, Roof Openings, and Other Elements

The flashing found at connection points between vents, skylights, chimneys, and other objects penetrating the roof is a potential place of deterioration. Generally, this part of the roof should be made of corrosion-resistant metals, but sometimes that is not the case.

So note that even though it is designed to redirect water into the gutters and away from the roof, the flashing can get damaged, thus, increasing the risk of leaks.

Staining on Walls and Ceiling

If you notice discoloration and staining on the interior walls and ceiling, it is a sign that you have a leak in your roof. It may not be a serious issue, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to address it.

Signs Your Roof Needs Replacing

Some issues with the roof can’t be fixed with repairs and will demand replacing the roof. If you live in harsh weather climates, like somewhere where there’s heavy rain, snow storms, or high winds, it can cause a lot of damage that is beyond repair. This points to the signs that answer the question of when to repair or replace roof.

Sagging Ceiling

A sagging ceiling is a sign that there is an unidentified source of moisture caused by a leak. The ceiling usually has a soggy cardboard consistency and should, in no case, be ignored.

In these cases, usually, water pools somewhere between the roof and the ceiling. If not identified and fixed on time, the roof can literally collapse on your head.

A Streak of Light in the Roof

Streaks of light through cracks in the roof are a clear sign that the roof is damaged. If it’s a missing shingle, you can fix the problem, as we mentioned. However, when the damage is more severe, for instance, if you have heavy leaking through the small hole, then that’s a definite sign for roof replacement.

The Roof is Aging

Roofs cannot last forever, no matter what materials are used during installation. Especially if not maintained and cared for properly. If the roof was installed over 20 years ago, it is time to start thinking about replacing it.

When purchasing a new home and you have no knowledge of the time of roof installation, be sure to call a professional to inspect it and suggest possible repairs or maybe even a replacement.

Damages Caused by Wildlife

It is not rare that wildlife enters your roof and makes a home for themselves, not realizing the damage they cause in the process. Removing the imposters and repairing the holes can salvage the situation.

However, if the holes are left unrepaired, the damages caused by wildlife can expand, and you’ll face more dire problems.

How to Choose the Best Roof Repairing Service?

Repairing and replacing a roof is a dangerous and very demanding job that cannot be done by everyone. So you must be wondering how to choose a contractor for repairing a roof. Here are some helpful tips for finding a reputable roofing contractor:

• Do some research for reputable contractors in your area;
• Read customer reviews and check examples of their previous work;
• Ask family and friends for recommendations;
• Once you find a contractor, check their accreditations and qualifications before hiring them;
• Check the NFRC. This is a well-regarded association ensuring its members offer high-quality workmanship;
• Look for a contractor with lots of experience that will finish the job to the highest standards;
• Check the contractor’s licenses and insurance coverage;
• Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions;
• Ask for three quotes to compare prices and get the best deal.

How Much Does Repairing a Roof Cost?

The costs of roofs greatly depend on the size of the job and the materials used. Repairing a roof is cheaper than getting the whole roof replaced. It is important to contact a contractor and get a quote prepared with the specifics for your roof needs.

So, generally speaking, how much does repairing a roof cost? Repairs can cost between $100 and $2,000, depending on the seriousness of the job. This will also depend on the roof area that needs to be repaired. The size of the home and the materials used can also influence the price of replacing a roof – it will go around $5,000 and $15,000.

AA Brite 24/7: Repairing Arizona Roofs Since 2003

Repairing or replacing a roof needs to be done by professionals so that you can ensure your and your family’s safety, as well as preserve the overall living space. AA Brite 24/7 offers only the highest-quality roofing services to homeowners in the Tucson area.

We are a licensed, insured, and bonded company that offers a 2-year workmanship warranty and is a BBB-accredited business. Our fast and professional services have saved homeowners thousands of dollars in roof repairs. Whether it’s roof repair, coating, or emergency roof patching, we are here to make sure all your needs are met!

FAQ

How often do you repair a roof?

Regular roof maintenance is highly recommended to prevent any possible damage to the roof. Because the roof is a hard-to-reach and dangerous area, it is advised to hire a professional to inspect it and see when to repair roof.

Roof inspections should be done at least every six months. The most suitable times are spring and fall. During the spring inspection, the professionals can identify any possible damages that may have occurred during the winter months. The fall inspection will also identify problems that have occurred as a result of the intense heat during the summer.

What is the average lifespan of a house roof?

The roof’s lifespan greatly depends on the material used during the roof installation. Another factor influencing the duration of the roof is maintenance, as regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan past the foreseen length.

The average age that a roof is about 20 years. Roofs made of composite shingles are built to last between 12 and 20 years, while asphalt shingle roofs can last somewhere from 15 to 30 years. The wood-shingle roofs have proven to last up to 25 years, while rubber roofs have a longer lifespan of up to 50 years.

The most durable roofs of all are metal roofs and clay tile roofs. Metal roofs have a lifespan varying from 50 to 70 years, while clay tiles can last up to 100 years.

Does replacing the roof increase the value of the home?

Replacing the roof is a reasonable investment that will increase the value of your home by several thousands of dollars. But that doesn’t mean you should replace it if there is no actual need for it, as this can cause unneeded complexities.

So unless the roof is no longer functioning, is in a desperate condition, or we’re talking about selling the home, many homeowners don’t consider replacing the roof at all.

As a homeowner, you are probably well familiar with the roofing requirement of your home. From the type of materials that last the longest to the most cost-efficient methods to repair a loose shingle, there are many aspects to keeping your roof in working condition.

On average, residential roofs are due for replacement after 30 years of use, which sounds like music to the ears of homeowners. Why? Simply because roof replacement is a costly home improvement process.

This is why finding a good roof repair service is crucial. But the question of how to find a good roofer that will get the job done in time and as it should doesn’t have a simple answer. Since there are many self-proclaimed contractors out there, homeowners, especially new ones, are likely to fall for the low prices and fast service.

But don’t worry; we have you covered! To learn more about how to find a good roofing contractor, continue reading this article.

Look Around You

The best advice professional contractors will give for superb home improvements is to look for a local business to get the job done. Hiring a local contractor means they are familiar with the local construction rules and guidelines and will follow them to the T.

Make sure the company you choose operates from a physical store you can visit. If a contractor says they only communicate online, then it’s better to turn your business elsewhere.

This matters because if in the period after your roof has been installed, say in the next 5 or 10 years, you have an issue of any kind, you can easily find the contractor and resolve the problem. In such a scenario, if the contractor is out of your native state or city, it might not be easy for them to come to you and fix the problem.

Other important aspects of staying local include the following:

• Local contractors have stronger relationships with local supply outlets;
• There’s less chance of a scam, as local roofers tend to maintain good standing within the community;
• They are more knowledgeable of the local building regulations and necessary permits;
• You have more options for in-person meetings and instant touchups if needed.

Do Research and Ask for Referrals

One of the most efficient tried-and-tested tips for choosing the best roofing services is referrals.

Referrals are a bulletproof approach to finding the services you need. Asking your friends, neighbors, colleagues, and any other reliable sources for their experience with a roofer can save you a lot of time and effort.

If you’re certain some of your friends have recently had their roofs replaced or repaired, ask them if they’re satisfied with the service. If yes, ask for contact details and have a meeting with the roofer yourself.

Another way is to ask people online about their experience with a roofing service. If you have some spare time, the Internet is abundant in all sorts of Q&As on many topics. By looking online for referrals, you will get a better insight into the matter from individuals in the same situation as you. Some good places where you can start include:

• Facebook pages/community social media;
• BBB (Better Business Bureau);
• Specialized contractor review sites (Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor, etc.).

Make Sure the Contractor Is Licensed and Insured

If you’re wondering how to find a reliable roofer, then you need to know there is one thing that will prove they are the people for the job – licenses! It’s highly important for the contractor to be licensed to do business and has its company and employees insured in case of an accident.

You might wonder what a contractor’s insurance has to do with how good they are at their job. When a contractor has covered their employees and company with insurance, if they suffer an accident while repairing or installing a roof, the costs will be taken care of by the insurance company.

But, when they aren’t insured, any mishap the workers endure on your property will be on you.
In other words, uninsured contractors or subcontractors that suffer an injury while working on your property can easily lead to a lawsuit against you.

In every state in the U.S., contractors must have a license to operate, so ask for proof before you hire. You can also ask for the following insurance types:

• General Liability;
• Workers’ Compensation.

Ask For Proposals in Writing

Before you hire a contractor to repair or replace your roof, make sure you ask them to put down their roofing proposal on paper. If the contractor starts explaining why you should take their word for it, tap out immediately.

A contractor that won’t deliver a written proposal for their services explaining how much everything will cost and when the services will wrap up is a contractor you should not trust. It’s basically as simple as that – no written proposals, no deal!

It’s always best to look for contractors that can offer quotes or bids. The difference between the two is that quotes are the contractor’s estimate of the costs, whereas bids contain the fixed cost for the service.

Educate Yourself

Although any reliable roofer will know how to detect a roofing issue and how to approach it best, knowing a bit about roofs won’t hurt. In fact, a homeowner should be able to answer a roofer’s question regarding housing issues like plumbing, heating, and foundation.

After all, a faulty roof can easily cause damage to the structural system in your house, so knowing what’s what is always a good idea. Moreover, if you know your roof and what’s wrong with it, you’ll be able to recognize any foul play by unreliable contractors.

If they charge you a lot for a simple repair or try to play you by throwing numbers and labels at you, you can easily spot the scam and cut ties immediately if you have basic knowledge of the matter.

AA Brite: Your 5-Star Roofing Contractor Since 2003

Delivering unmatched services in Arizona for 19 years now, we at AA Brite are dedicated to offering only the best roofing services for our customers. From roof repair to emergency roof patching, you can trust AA Brite to handle all roof issues with care and professionalism.

But don’t just take our word for it – check out the long list of 5-star reviews we have, all by highly satisfied clients. Call today and request a free estimate. You can trust AA Brite to deliver top-notch service for your home!

Key Takeaway: How to Find a Reliable Roofer

From staying local to educating yourself on the roofing basics, there are a few tips for choosing the best roofing services for your home. Before hiring a contractor, do some research and review some client testimonials.

Also, a positive word-by-mouth can save you time and effort in sourcing the right roofer, so be sure to check with your neighbors and colleagues and pick their brains about roofing services they are happy with.

Lastly, a reliable roofer is one that owns a license, is insured, and guarantees their workmanship and roofing materials. Moreover, a trustworthy roofer should be knowledgeable to answer all of your roof-related inquiries and perform any touchups if needed.

FAQs

Homeowners have a lot of questions when it comes to major home repairs like roofing, and it’s only natural. We’ll go through some of the most frequently asked questions regarding roofing issues.

What are the most common roofing problems?

The number one roof issue homeowners are concerned with is roof leaks. Other than rendering your roof dysfunctional, roof leaks can also lead to structural damage in your home. Besides leaks, broken or misplaced shingles, clogged gutters, and freezing are some of the other common roofing issues homeowners are concerned with.

How do you know if a roofer is reliable?

You can tell whether a roofer is reliable or not by looking into their work. Ask for referrals or find them yourself online.

Also, a licensed roofer is always a reliable roofer since it means they own a license that attests to their professional capabilities. Make sure you ask about their insurance coverage – you don’t want to find yourself facing a lawsuit because a worker injured themselves on your property.

How long do most roofers guarantee their work?

Roofers will vouch for their workmanship anywhere from 2 and half years to 10 years, depending on the contractor themselves. Regarding the roofing materials, the manufacturer of those will usually guarantee their efficacy for 25-30 years. Some roofing materials come with a lifetime warranty, such as asphalt shingles.

How do I know my roof needs replacement?

In general, roofs aren’t meant to be replaced often. What’s more, a roof is only due for replacement if it nears the end of its lifespan. In other words, if you laid down your roof 20 years ago, give it five more before replacing it. Alternatively, you might need simple roof repair rather than roof replacement.

As a homeowner, it is important to be proactive in caring for your home and ensuring it’s in good condition. One particularly important task to keep up with is roof maintenance, including the coating on your roof.

If left unchecked for too long, your roof may be dealing with problems that you won’t know about until the problem is severe, such as water seeping into the roof. The coating prevents such problems from threatening the building’s structural integrity and it’s advisable to coat your roof as a pre-emptive measure. 

But when is the best time to coat your roof? Can it be too hot or too cold to coat your roof? Continue reading for more information and then speak to your Local Roof Expert for an estimate or inspection.

Cool Coating Your Roof in Arizona

To answer the question of the best time to get your roof coated, let’s dive into what that even is. Elastomeric Coating, more commonly known as “Cool Coating” is a great option for your home in Arizona for many reasons.

Elastomeric roof sealers – acrylic, butyl, polyurethane, and silicone – are an incredibly thick yet flexible coating that creates a waterproof and weatherproof seal when applied to a roof. Cool Coating is a great option for homes and businesses in Arizona for multiple reasons including:

• Cool Coat Systems are designed to keep water out while withstanding the sun, rain, and wind.
• On Average, Cool Coating has a lower surface temperature than other kinds of roof systems, which results in lower Air Conditioning Bills and Electric Bills.
• Compared to tile and shingle, a coated system is quite a bit easier to work on.
• Elastomeric Coating is less expensive to apply than most other roofing systems.
• In most cases, the coating itself will last for 3-6 years depending on variables of roof design, drainage, tree or plant debris, quality of the product, the technique of application, and patches that were done throughout its lifetime.

The Best Roof Coating in Arizona

Depending on the climate where you live, Cool Coating might be the best option for your residential or commercial property. That leaves two questions: what is the best Elastomeric Roof Coating and when is the best time to get it?

Elastomeric Roof Coating that is regionally produced or produced specifically for the climate you are living in is the best kind of coating to get. You’ll need to speak with a Professional Roofing Company to discuss the types they provide and installation. 

For example, Here at AA Brite in Tucson, AZ our favorite for the past 4 years or so has been Tucson Rubberized 7000. It provides maximum adhesion, strength, and elasticity to resist cracking and peeling while ensuring the highest grade of protection from extreme weather conditions. 

When is The Best Time to Get the Roof Coating Done?

The temperature has multiple effects but is not as significant as most people would think. In order for an elastomeric coating to be at its maximum strength and perform at the highest level, the liquids the manufacturer used to produce the cool coating need to be completely evaporated. If the process of evaporating was too fast or out of order then the coating can be compromised. Drying times and curing times are two different things.

Due to the property of Elastomeric Roof Coating, it’s best to apply when temperatures are above 60 Degrees Fahrenheit for the entire drying process (at least 8 hours after application). Residual moisture can affect the coating’s adhesion and take longer to dry, so there should be no chance of precipitation (rain, fog, humidity, or freezing temperates) for 24-48 hours after the application to allow the coating to dry correctly.

If you’re dealing with an Emergency Situation, it’s best to quickly contact a local roofing company to assess and assist you with your roof.

Can It Be Too Hot To Apply Roof Coating?

Yes, it can be too hot to apply roof coating. Especially for energy tan-colored roof coatings. The primary heat-related problem for new coating applications is blistering. As long as the material remains wet long enough to roll or brush out, then it’s fine. If it dries so fast that individual stripes are being painted instead of an area, then there will be edges on each brush stroke and there is a significant chance for blisters to form.

One cause of blistering is when the surface of a coating dries well before the interior of the coating does. This rapid drying traps liquid in the coating. Other than blistering, heat-related issues with new applications are rare.

Can It Be Too Cold To Apply Roof Coating?

Yes, it can be too cold to apply roof coating but this is not very often in Tucson, AZ. If the actual temperature of the roof, which is different than the ambient air temperature, is over thirty-five degrees and it’s not very humid and the roof is not freezing in the next six hours – then generally speaking it will be fine if premium materials were used.

If it’s cold and wet, then the material will take much longer to completely cure. While the cool coating is soft and curing, it’s vulnerable to being physically damaged. Elastomeric roof coatings can even be applied much thicker than normal and used to fill small ponding areas when it’s going to be cool out for long periods of time.

Roof Coating Near Me

AA Brite 24/7 is the Professional Roofing Company in Southern Arizona that you can count on to get the job done correctly, with honest and upfront pricing, advice, and information.

We have over 20 years of experience and over the years, we’ve repaired and cool-coated thousands of Tucson Homes and commercial buildings. We’re familiar with the best techniques, products, and maintenance to ensure your roof coating will last for years to come!

For more information, contact us today or give us a call to schedule your roof coating in Tucson!

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