Category: Roof Maintenance and Repair

What to look for with the roof!

Even though the real estate market is uncertain, and interest rates are at an all time high, there is one thing that is definite… KNOWING if the roof is damaged and needs repair or replacement. 

Because we have helped so many customers when they were either selling or buying a house, and have partnered with many real estate agents, we thought it was time to help create a go-to document to help people better understand what to look for in a roof when buying (or selling) a house in today’s market!

First, take note of the type of roof the house has. Is it a metal flat-like roof or a composite shingle high slant roof?  Take a step back and really look at it. There could be some curly edges, bulges, or worn spots that can give signs that the roof has aged and could be damaged. When looking, you might see if shingles are missing and realize that the roof has deformities and is quite old. You can check for mold on the roof by seeing fungus and discoloration of shingles. No matter what you see when you are standing back, or even up on a ladder peeking at your roof, just know the smartest move is to have a formal roof inspection done by a professional before buying or selling a house.

Here is why. Professional and certified roofers have a trained eye, knowledge, and experience to detect if there are problems with the roof. Not only that, Roofing companies like Jenkins Roofing and Construction, do both interior & exterior checks!

Jenkins roofing inspectors will check the state of the shingles & flashings, look for leaks, inspect the area around the chimney, plus inspect the attic to rule out moisture & mold, and will confirm proper ventilation & insulation. Skipping this step initially could lead to costly repairs down the road as structural damage to the home occurs and can stop you from closing the deal, whether buying or selling a home.

Hail Isn’t the Only Summer Weather You Should Worry About

Texans love their state. And with good reason; it’s a great place to live, work and raise a family.

But even the most loyal residents must admit the summer months can be brutal. Hailstorms are a big threat; a few minutes of golf ball-sized ice pellets hitting your cars, home or landscaping can be devastating. The bigger problem, however, may be the heat. With the Texas sun beating down relentlessly and temperatures on the rise, homeowners need to be aware of how all that heat can damage many components around your home – especially your roof. 

Here are some of the ways heat can hurt:

Thermal Movement
Extreme heat can cause your roof to expand and contract, which can lead to cracks and gaps in the roofing material. In this case, it’s the combination of rising and falling temperatures that can cause the problems.

UV Radiation
High summer temperatures usually mean higher levels of harsh UV radiation. For most roofing materials, this leads to both decomposing of the structures and a fading or discoloring effect. Prolonged exposure might also weaken the surface of your roof and make it more porous over time.  

Shingles
The heat can cause your shingles to curl and crack, creating more open spaces which can lead to leaks and other problems.

Old Age
Another thing to keep in mind is the age of your roof. Most roofs last between 15 and 25 years, depending on the material and quality of installation. If your roof is approaching the end of its lifespan, it may be more susceptible to heat damage. If this is the case, you might want to consider a replacement. While this can be a significant investment, it’s important to remember that a new roof can add value to your home and provide peace of mind for years to come.

Here’s one more thing to take into consideration: If you have a flat roof, the Texas heat can cause even more problems (and cost you more money). Flat roofs are more susceptible to damage from the sun’s UV rays, which can cause the roofing material to break down and deteriorate faster than other types of roofs.

Minimizing Damage

Your roof is, and always will be, exposed to the weather; there’s nothing you can do about that.

But there is a lot you can do to minimize problems and/or keep a hot roof from causing further structural damage on or in your home. 

Regular Inspections
The best thing you can do to minimize damage to your roof from the Texas heat is to schedule regular inspections. This will help identify any issues before they become major problems and save you a lot of money in the long run. Of course, the best way to handle inspections is with an experienced, local roofer with the state’s best warranty – Jenkins Roofing and Construction.

Timely Maintenance
In addition to regular inspections, it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of damage or wear and tear on your roof. This includes things like missing shingles, leaks or cracks in the roofing material. If you notice any of these issues, contact a professional right away (like Jenkins) to prevent further damage.

Add Protections
Some homeowners choose to invest in reflective roofing materials or coatings to help reduce the amount of heat absorbed by your roof. The color of your shingles could be a factor, as well. All of these can help your roof last longer. And these protections come with a bonus: They can help keep your home cooler and your energy bills lower.

Let Jenkins Help

As a third-generation roofing company dedicated to doing things right, Jenkins Roofing and Construction can answer all your questions about heat, sun, roofs, repairs, replacements or almost anything else related to protecting your most valuable investment – your home. 

To schedule your free, no obligation roof inspection, just click here or call (817) 886-6710.