Roofing

Asphalt Shingles

Many homeowners in the Northeast area choose asphalt shingles for their homes because of their durability, low maintenance, and lower cost. With the seasonal weather in our area, homes need the highest roof protection. Asphalt shingles provide years of strength for your home and protection for your family. They can also elevate the design of your home with the various styles and colors available. A new roof from M & H Roofing will increase your curb appeal and help increase the value of your home.

Something to consider when researching an asphalt roof is that asphalt absorbs heat which is beneficial in the winter. However, in the high temperatures of the summer, the shingles become brittle over time. As the shingles become brittle, they are prone to wind damage and breakage causing the homeowner less protection. Asphalt has a considerably shorter life span than other materials. The lifespan is about 15-20 years depending on the weather conditions during those years.

Do I need to replace my roof?

It’s recommended to inspect your roof on a regular basis but especially after any major storms or periods of wind. Shingles can become broken or damaged with wind and falling debris.

Interior Home Inspection

Your first instinct might be to look for exterior damage to your roof but remember many times the interior areas of your home can identify major problems quickly. Go in your attic or the highest room in your house. Look for any leaks or dark areas where leaking may have occurred. Examine for sagging or soft spots in the sheathing. These are signs that your current roof is not protecting your home from further damage.

Exterior home inspection

Once you have looked for damage on the interior of your home you should do an external inspection. You can examine your roof from the ground but a ladder may be more beneficial since you can see any damage close up. First, you want to investigate any missing shingles and sagging areas of the roof. Those are fairly easy to see from the ground. If you are using a ladder, examine for any broken, chipped, or brittle shingles. While surveying for obvious damage, also look for warped or curled shingles too. Be sure to also inspect for nails that may be rusty or have popped. These are all signs that a new roof is needed

Once you have inspected the shingles themselves be sure to check for gaps surrounding external items such as chimneys and skylights.

During your roof inspection, you also want to look at its surrounding areas such as the fascia, gutters, downspouts, and any other areas that could contain rot or have animal breaches. Birds love to build nests in the strangest places! This is also a good time to make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and rain can flow freely during heavy periods.