Roofing Replacement and Repair

Roof replacement and repair is one of those homeowner expenses most people try to avoid for as long as possible. Depending upon the materials used, you can, on average, expect asphalt to hold up between 15-20 years, wood or metal up to 40 years, and slate coming in as the durability winner at 30-200. If you owned the house when the roof was installed, then you can estimate when it will start to degrade. However, if you are not sure when the current roof was added, here are a few telltale signs that your roof may be at the tailend of its useful life.

Missing or torn shingles

Curled or lifting shingles

Rusted or missing flashing (the metal that surrounds chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes)

Roofing debris in gutters, downspouts and splash pans

Discolored drywall or cracked paint and peeling wallpaper near the roofline inside the house

Visible interior leaks near roofline

What if You Are Afraid of Heights?

Sometimes caring for a roof means climbing a tall ladder and traipsing around on a pitched parapet which is no fun if heights make you dizzy. The good news is you can call Jim Hicks Home Improvement for a thorough roof inspection, repair, or replacement. We are experienced roofing specialists and will help keep your home leak free and your feet on solid ground!

Extend the Life of Your Roof

Did you know you can take steps to make your roof last a bit longer? It’s true! First, keep your roof clear from fallen leaves, sticks, and debris not only from your gutters, but other areas like near the chimney or in other nooks. Trimming back trees with overhanging branches will make this task much easier. Get rid of any moss you find growing. It traps water and of course, water is enemy number one when it comes to roofs! Now, fortunately for us in the coastal areas of Virginia, ice dams are not a common occurrence on roofs, but if we happen to experience a particularly tough winter, do not leave a big pile of snow or ice on your roof! Remember: water (frozen or otherwise) + roof = bad.

Find more information here:

Selecting Shingles for Price & Quality in Hampton Roads

What will it be like when they replace my roof?

Should I get a ridgevent?

Should the flashing be re-used or replaced when a new roof is installed?