One of the most important parts of a home is the roof.  We might not think about it often, but it is what turns a set of walls into a protective shelter from the elements.  That is why maintaining it and taking care of it is so critical.

Now, they do not just keep us safe from the weather.  They also add to the curb appeal of our properties.  Keeping up with them might sound difficult, but it is one of the only ways to ensure your own safety and the security of your family and personal belongings! Looking to a company like Roofers Barrow in Furness, will help you find the resources you need.

Reasons to Find a Roofer

A Brief History of Roofing

Now, this might not seem particularly relevant, but educating yourself on some of the past materials that were used on top of our homes can help you to understand what we use today.  Let us go back in time a bit: some of the first materials used were woven into thatched roofs.  Usually, these were palm fronds, water reeds, or straw.

Of course, they are not utilized as much anymore today.  They do protect structures, but because they are made of natural fibers, they hold moisture quite often.  While they were sturdy, they were highly dependent on the person crafting them.  Because of this, wood gradually became the more prevalent substance used.

Of course, stone tiles were also used quite often, especially in places like England.  One of the major perks of this kind over the prior ones is the fireproof nature of the material.  Even today, slate is used in some of them for aesthetics and fire safety.

Clay roofing, sometimes called terracotta, is another form that has lasted quite a long time.  While we have refined it to some extent, it largely has not changed throughout the years.  The main thing is that their durability has been refined.

Finally, there are asphalt shingles.  You can read more about them here: https://web.archive.org/web/20131221003204/http://2005.nrca.net/rp/technical/files/1748.pdf.  They have increased in popularity in the last few years, especially because they can be recycled.  Throughout this conversation we should remember sustainability!

Signs of Damage

If we are not vigilant, we might miss the signs of damage to our roofs.  There are a lot of things that can cause it.  First, there are things like trees or creatures.  Branches could cause a cave-in in the worst-case scenario.  Animals like birds, squirrels, or rats might try to nest or get food via the insects hiding beneath tiles.

Inclement weather conditions can also cause significant damage to shingles.  This is especially true in places like Oregon, where it snows during the winter months.  Freezing damage is not preventable, unfortunately.  Snow is just a part of life in the north.

That being said, if you notice that there are tiles that are loose or chipped, it might be due to the way water behaves while freezing and unfreezing.  Wind is another hazard and can dislodge them.  Persistent rain can lead to moisture build up.  If there are any issues that you notice, you might want to look for a Tualatin roofer to help maintain and fix things.

Leakage can sneak up on us, and that is why you need to be on the watch.  Check your ceilings regularly to see if there are any dark spots.  That might be a sign.  Additionally, paint peeling from roof tiles or any moisture build up near a fireplace (if you have one) can signal that something may be wrong.

Even the sun can cause havoc.  Another fact of life, your roof tiles will be exposed to UV rays at least sometimes. The shingles will dry out over time and might even crack.  These cracks can lend to leaking in the future.  It might also result in moss or algae growing, depending on the climate.  The former is more likely in colder areas.

Making Repairs

There are some problems that you can fix on your own.  Always remember that one of the safer options is to hire a professional.  If you are not familiar with the equipment or are not confident climbing on ladders, the do-it-yourself method may not be for you. Check out Simply Roofing for information on what your roof needs for repairs.

One thing to keep in mind is that if you do not want to wait until the issues pile up.  When things get bad enough, you might even need to replace the entire roof.  Something like that is incredibly expensive depending on the materials.

This is why it is better to replace single shingles along the way if they are cracked or otherwise ruined.  Now, you probably do not want to be doing this in the middle of a blizzard or a downpour.  Choose days with mild weather for the best success if you are planning to attempt it on your own.

Now, if it does get to the point of requiring a full replacement, I recommend seeking out a professional roofing contractor.  They can get costly and dangerous if you attempt to do it without help.  There is also the matter of time limitations.

Depending on when you need the replacement, you might be exposing the interior of your home to harsh elements.  Obviously, this is not desirable.  You can learn more about these things here.

Safety is another huge concern for a home renovator.  Professionals are often quite comfortable walking on top of a home, even in more slippery conditions.  There is far less of a risk of them falling and injuring themselves than someone unfamiliar with navigating a roof.

Key Things to Remember

If you want to maintain the appearance and safety of your roof, you should make sure to remember a few things.  First, you will want to find out how old your current shingles are.  Most of them have an approximate lifespan, so you will want to educate yourself on that.

Now, some signs that they are aging include getting paler over time due to UV exposure and other weather patterns and curling or buckling of your tiles.  Always stay cautious and watch for potential damages.  Seek out professional help from a roofing contractor if you need it!