Arizona’s extreme weather conditions can be harsh on your roof. It is important to know what to expect regarding the lifespan of a new roof given these conditions. Many Arizona residents are hear for the warm winter weather, heading back to their summer homes once the temperatures rise. Their roofs are left behind amidst the big swings in temperatures, sometimes high winds, and rain from monsoon storms.
There isn’t a lot of rainfall, compared to other parts of the country, so you may think your roof here isn’t stressed as much as it might be somewhere else. Expanding and contracting materials tend to wear out quickly in fluctuating hot and cool temperatures. Monsoons then bring rain, high winds and blowing sand, which can damage a new roof in a hurry.
The type of material you use for your new roof depends on several factors including how you want your home to look and the budget you have to work with. A professional consultation with one of the professionals at Mikku and Sons Roofing and Repair can help in determining the right Phoenix roof installation for you. Here’s a list of the most common materials and how long they should last if you properly maintain them:
Something to keep in mind: it isn’t always the material on top that can cause problems. As mentioned above, with a tile roof, the underlayment that’s placed beneath the tiles for an extra layer of protection can dry out and will probably have to be replaced every 12 to 15 years. So, its important that you do inspections at certain intervals in the life of your roof and perform common maintenance tasks to insure you get the most possible years from your roof’s
materials.
The best way to make sure your roof lasts is to get it inspected on a regular basis. If you have gutters, make sure you’re cleaning and clearing them out monthly to get rid of any debris and ensure proper water flow from them. Keep an eye out for loose shingles or tiles, especially after monsoon storms, that could cause water to get under the top material. If you have tall trees, make sure you keep the branches trimmed and away from the roof so that they don’t drop leaves and other organic material on it. Tree branches can also scrape the top of your roof during strong winds and knock off shingles or tiles.
If you have a flat roof, check it after storms to make sure debris isn’t impeding the flow of water off of it and leaving standing pools that can erode the materials on top. Finally, inspect your roof yourself every 3 months and then have a professional roofing company inspect it annually to catch any problems you may have missed early. Your roof is one of the most vital and expensive components of your home. Follow these suggestions and it should last a good, long time.
Your roof is made up of big, heavy materials that work together in creating a barrier to the elements for your home. When you have a problem with it, it’s difficult to decide whether to replace or repair your roof with a new one. Here at Mikku and Sons Roofing, we’re experts in all things roofing. You need to make an intelligent decision. We can provide you with all the information you need to make that decision an informed and cost-effective one.
Eventually, every roof needs to be replaced. You need to know when the time is right because you don’t want to blow a lot of your hard-earned money on a big project that could be postponed. Consider these things:
If most of the roof is in good condition, it would make sense to fix the trouble spots and problem areas to save big bucks. Obviously, spot repairs are way less costly than full-blown replacements.
In case of wind damage, get in contact with your homeowner’s insurance agent because they may cover repairs. If it’s minor work, like replacing shingles, it can be completed for relatively little cost.
It’s easier to repair an older roof when you’re keeping up with regular maintenance and inspections. By doing the necessary repairs through the years, you will save money in the long run. Check yearly for dark spots or stains on your ceilings that could indicate damage, or paint that might be peeling on the underside of any overhangs. Have a professional roofing company, like Mikku and Sons Roofing, to come out and thoroughly check your roof to make sure there isn’t any cracking in the caulk, any buckled shingles, any rusty areas on the flashing, or, if you have a tile roof, any brittle or deteriorating underlayment.
If your roof only has partial damage to one side, it would make sense to only partially re-roof – which would save you a lot of money. However, If you think your roof needs complete replacing, here are a couple things to consider:
