Don't wait until the water is unexpectedly pouring into your home by way of a leaky roof. Start protecting your home by using some simple observation skills. Here are some signs that it may be time to get a roof replacement:

1. Cracked, torn, bald, or missing shingles.

2. Worn out flashings around chimneys, vents, pipes, or other penetrations. If your flashings consist of roof cement or tar, they may need to be replaced with a long-term, water-tight metal flashing system.

3. Signs of moisture, rot, or mold.

4. Your current roof is upwards of 20 or 25 years old.

5. You notice a spongy feel or trampoline bounce when walking on the roof, indicating that the underlying decking is weakened from moisture.

6. Hail damage and wind damage are also important reasons to get a new roof. If your neighborhood has experienced a hail storm or wind storm, give us a call, and we will come out to let you know if there was any significant damage and walk you through the process of working with your insurance company to recover any losses.

Avoid costly roof repairs. Having regular checks done helps to recognize any signs of damage and have them handled before they become more costly issues. Catching things ahead of time will prevent roof leaks before there is any interior damage. Regular roof maintenance will bring any issues out in the open immediately and offer the possibility to remediate mold, mildew, and bacterial growth immediately as well. Regular roof maintenance will maintain the overall curb appeal of your home, and necessary repairs, cleanings, and/or recoats will ensure that your roof lasts longer and saves you more money over time.

When making this decision, we suggest having a roofing professional come take a close look at the age and condition of your roof to decide if it is serviceable or in need of a replacement. One of our pros will be able to layout the pluses and minuses of repair versus replacement. We will show you how to understand the situation in terms of financial costs. For example, not everyone may be able to afford a full replacement, and a repair will spare them that cost. On the other hand, the accumulating cost of repair after repair may make one wish they'd gone for a full replacement. Replacing a roof in full may get the homeowner qualified for discounts on their property insurance and spare them costs of future repairs, which can quickly amount.

Western Summit Roofing rarely ever recommends a homeowner to get on their roof, much less try to repair or replace it on their own. If you do not know what you are doing, you can do much more damage to your roof and possibly to yourself. Roofing is not as simple as all the DIY websites make it look. Also, if you have a steep roof or one with special flashing concerns such as the roof to wall, dormers, pitch changes, chimneys, or a variety of other special issues, you will definitely want a professional roofer to do this work for you.

Western Summit Roofing recommends that you investigate the track record of any roofer or contractor you consider hiring. Look for a local roofing company with a good reputation in your community. Call your Better Business Bureau for help, get references, and don't give anyone a deposit until you are sure they are a reputable roofing company. Make sure that your contractor is properly insured and ask to see certificates. Never choose a company based on price. Cheap bids drive down the market, and anyone with overhead and proper insurance has to establish pricing to cover such costs. Steer clear of the storm chasers. Pick a roofer from a referral or a sign in your area that has a satisfied customer on the other end.

Replacing a roof is one of the most expensive projects a homeowner can face. Several variables are factored in to determine the price of a new roof, including size, pitch, accessibility, and material costs. Because of this, prices for a new roof can vary drastically. In terms of a ballpark figure, the average cost of a new roof runs as low as $5,000 for a basic asphalt shingle to $25,000 and up for higher-end roof options. The average price to replace an architectural shingle in our market is roughly $12,000.

Things to consider when choosing a new roof product for your home include the following: How long will it last? Does it hold up during natural disasters such as wildfires, hail storms, and high winds? Will my roof framing bear the weight of the roof product I want? What is the slope/pitch of the roof? Will the look complement the style of my house? Are the materials eco-friendly and recyclable, and is this important to me? What are the local roofing codes? And finally, how much does the new roof cost? When considering all of these questions, a professional roofing consultant from Western Summit Roofing will be able to help you weigh your options and choose between asphalt composition shingles, metal roofing, synthetic polymer roofing, and concrete tile, slate, wood shakes, stone coated steel, and more.

Like any building component, roofs will lose their value and deteriorate at different rates depending on a large number of factors: the product and quality of original construction, the level of abuse, and the level of maintenance. We have seen poorly installed roofs go as few as 7-10 years before failing, and we've seen old asphalt roofs live well beyond their 30-year lifespan. Most building contractors and designers believe the following numbers to be acceptable for today's products: Slate, copper, and tile roofs can last more than 50 years. Wood shake roofs should last about 30 years, while asphalt composition roofs last anywhere from 20-30 years.

Replacing a residential roof is a labor-intensive project and could take anywhere from a day to a few days or more, depending on the size and complexity of the project. The time required to replace the roof is always affected by the weather. Rain, wind, snow, or even just the threat of one of these will delay the process a considerable amount.

1. Be prepared for noise. Hammering and construction noise may last several days, depending on schedule, weather, and the size of your roof.

2. Please keep all children and pets away from the work area, and installers will need access to your backyard during the project.

3. Roofing debris may fall from the roof to the ground, and it is a good idea to remove personal property surrounding the house during the construction project.

4. Loose hanging items on the interior of the home may become dislodged during the roofing process. It is advisable to take any loose hanging valuables down during the roofing process.

5. Depending on the accessibility of your property, a supplier's boom truck may be used to deliver your roofing materials. If your driveway cannot sustain heavy equipment loads, please inform your Western Summit Roofing representative, and other arrangements will be made.

6. If there are areas of your property where there are vaulted ceilings or openly exposed soffits, please inform your Western Summit Roofing representative, as shorter nails may be required.

7. On some properties, roof-to-wall flashings must be replaced by pulling siding away from the structure. This may result in damages to siding, such as chipping of paint and cracking of wood or vinyl if the siding is not brand new. We will do our best to protect these areas; however, Western Summit Roofing will not be held responsible for any unavoidable damages.

8. If there are any skylights on your property, please take precautions to protect furniture, flooring, personal objects, etc., located beneath the skylights.

Here are some ways that you can look for hail damage following a storm without getting on your roof: Look for dents, cracks, or breaks on windows, screens, doors, and patio furniture. Examine outdoor appliances like A/C units. Check trees and shrubs for stripped foliage. Inspect your vehicles for dents caused by hail. If you find any of these signs, it is more than likely that your roof may have been damaged, and it is a good idea to call an expert roofer to determine this for you.