Signs You Need A New Roof

As Chicago’s top-rated roofing contractor, we get asked all the time by home and business owners how they can tell whether or not they need a new roof installation. Their questions is usually posed like this, “Are there signs I need a new roof?” and the answer is a resounding yes. No matter what type of roofing material your structure uses, there are warning signs to look for that will alert you to the need for a new roof installation. Then you can make the call to Chicago’s best new roof installer – Roofing by Hernandez (312) 439-0556.

As most Chicago properties use either flat roofing or pitched we’ll discuss each in detail to give you the insights you’ll need to identify a trouble roof. We understand that it’s a stressful thought – replacing your roof, but it doesn’t have to be such a headache. If you choose the right contractor to work with you could find yourself improving the overall value of your property rather than eating a hole in your pocketbook. In fact, the right perspective is a benefit of working with the right contractor – like Roofing by Hernandez.

Now, let’s take a look at the different roofing types and the warning signs you should look for when trying to ascertain whether it’s time to make the call to a licensed roofing contractor.

Shingle Roof Warning Signs

Shingles are a fantastic roofing material, but they do have their weaknesses that you have to look out for if you want your roofing to stay in good shape for as long as possible. Here are the most common issues found in shingle roofing when it time for a new roof installation:

Curled Shingle Edges: When shingles get older and start to fall apart, one of the first signs they show of their condition is curling at the edges. You may also notice the shingle tabs beginning to cup which is a sure sign they’re in need of replacement.

Shingles with Bald Spots: The granules that cover your shingles are there to give the shingle strength and impact-resistance, so if you notice bald shingles where the granules are missing you have an issue. Check the gutters for granules that have collected there during rainstorms.

Cracked Shingles: Obviously, cracks in your shingles area sign of trouble and should be repaired or replaced immediately. Your shingles form a barrier between your decking and moisture, so when cracks appear that barrier is no longer functional. Moisture could be invading your home and causing a great deal of damage.

Streaks & Algae: If you notice your shingles have dark streaks on them or algae growing in the crevices between them then you have very serious trouble. Dark streaks are caused by airborne algae that can make your home look awful from street level. And, much like the algae growing in the cracks of your shingles this can capture moisture, freeze during cold weather, and allow moisture to make its way into your property.

Flat Roof Warning Signs

While flat roofing is vastly different than pitched, it will still show you signs that it’s beginning to feel the pressure and needs to be replaced. As Chicago’s #1 flat roof installer we can provide some insight into what to watch for – take a look:

Pooling of Water: With properly installed flat roofing, you should never have water pooling or standing on the material 24-48 hours after it rains. The materials are not designed to be submerged in water for any length of time and will rot away if left in this condition. This is the very first sign of trouble with most flat roofing.

Material Rips & Tears: Flat roofing is installed with seams connected using heat or specially-designed connectors. If you find large rips or tears in the material at the seams, or anywhere for that matter, this is a definite sign that you need a licensed roofing contractor to take a look. Often, these issues can be repaired, but you’ll need a professional opinion to be sure.

B-Grade Roofing: In Chicago, like many urban centers, you can find homes built at all points in the last century. That means a great many different kinds of roofing materials can be found still in use here today that would never be used in new construction – tar and gravel for instance. This was an exceptional roofing material for decades, but it was always difficult to find trouble areas and repair them. If you have one of these substandard materials – no matter its condition – you should consider upgrading to a modern flat roofing material.

So, with a little guidance you can easily find the warning signs calling out for a new roof installation. When you call Roofing by Hernandez you can have our expert work with you to uncover the issues and discuss a new roof installation with you in detail. We offer all the materials you could ask for and our crews are licensed and insured to safely tackle your new roofing challenges.

Chicago’s Trusted New Roof Installer

Are you in Chicago and in need of roofing or roofing-related services? Roofing by Hernandez specializes in everything from simple TPO repairs to tear-offs and roof restorations. Our extensive network of resources means we can deliver spectacular results anywhere in Chicagoland – maybe even the same day. So, make the call to Roofing by Hernandez at (312) 439-0556 for the highest-rated roofing installation in town!