Roofs are the most vital part of our homes. The roofs not only make sure that your head is protected but it also make sure that all the objects which are kept inside your house are also well protected from the changing climatic conditions.

Every homeowner should take proper care of their roofs but unfortunately, we often neglect them and only when some serious problem arises, we realize it, and then go for repairing it.

It is very important to determine when you need a new roof. The most important factor to consider is the age of the roof. Every roofing type has a life span so if your roof has nearly completed those many years, examine your roof carefully.

There are various types of roofing material available in the market and each one has a different life span. For example, the most popular type,asphalt shingled roof is likely to last an average of just 13 years, even if the shingles themselves are backed by 25-30 or sometimes a 40-year warranty.

Signs like roof leaks, discoloration, curled edges are some of the early signs of roof wilting and it is always advisable to consult a professional roofing contractor in such cases. Any delays in such a situation can lead to big problems later on.

A roofing contractor can help you assess whether you need a new roof. If you do, first make sure the old roof will be torn off completely before the new one goes on. Although there might be savings in simply slapping a new layer of shingles over the old ones, there is a great risk involved in it. Ripping the shingles off is the only way to inspect the wooden sheathing that forms the structure of your roof before making any repairs. Installing new shingles over old ones just hides problems.

Protecting the roofs from water is very important. There is a water proof rubber membrane that should be laid across the edges before the shingles are laid down. This membrane is specially very important in areas with low temperatures as leaks can occur due to ice dams. These membranes are about 30 inches wide and are laid above the gutter. Membranes of double width(60 inches) are also available for a better protection.

By spending a little extra thought and money at the start of a re-roofing job, you’ll get a roof that lasts years longer than it otherwise would. This is one area where spending a few extra dollars will repay you big time.