Do I Need A New Roof?

You may be asking yourself, "Do I need a new roof?" If you are also asking yourself the following questions, then you want to seriously consider a roof replacement:

• Upon inspection of my roof, I noticed algae growth. Do I need a new roof?
• I noticed curling and blistering on my roof. Do I need a new roof?
• I see that some of my shingles are missing or broken. Do I need a new roof?
• I noticed some rotting. Do I need a new roof?
• I saw several dark patches and they appear dirty. Do I need a new roof?
• I observed some sagging and buckling in my roof's structure. Do I need a new roof?

If the answers to any of these questions are "yes," consider a simple formula of economics.
If you have a roof that is knowingly in need of repair, and may need a lot more maintenance in the future, would it be better to continue repairing your current roof or should you have it completely replaced? It may be less expensive in the long run, to spend money now on a new roof rather than continuously repairing one that is already damaged. In addition, a new roof may lessen the chance of extensive damage and insurance claims during a future storm or other inclement weather.
Before deciding whether to repair or replace your roof, inspect it carefully for any signs of damage or deterioration. It's important to remember that, during inspection, avoid walking on your roof if at all possible as this may cause further damage to the structure. It is advisable to use binoculars or a ladder to get the best view possible. There are two ways to inspect your roof, which includes both an outside and inside inspection.
The outside inspection is, perhaps, the easiest and should be done first. Most outward signs of damage can be seen immediately. There are specific signs to indicate that your roof may need to be replaced, including algae growth, curling, blistering, missing or broken shingles, missing granules, rotting, damaged flashing, buckling, loose or exposed nails, dark patches that appear "dirty," sagging in the center of the roof or the presence of rust.
The inside inspection may take more time and effort, but is essential in determining the best outcome for your home. There are a number of indoor signs to indicate that your roof may be in need of replacing, including ceiling spots, sagging between the rafters or an outside light that is visible through the roof. The most obvious of the signs, which are ceiling spots, are easily visible and would be a clear indication of leakage. If a roof is found to be leaking, and appropriate repairs are not made, the water damage may cause additional damage to your insulation and increase energy costs. If you locate dark spots in the wood, test them to decide if the problem is one of immediate concern. If the spot feels soft to the touch or is damp, the indication would be that the problem is a current one. On the other hand, if the spot is dry, it's possible that this is a previous problem that has been corrected or is no longer an issue.
If you find any of these signs to be present, contact a roofing contractor for a professional evaluation. Before deciding for yourself, ask for their opinion and request an estimate. In some cases, a simple repair may be all that is needed to correct a problem. However, if the problem is going to be recurring, consider the possibility of replacing the roof entirely. For instance, if your roof shows signs of rotting, this could be a larger problem in the future if it has spread throughout the structure. If, on the other hand, a few shingles are in need of repair, you wouldn't necessarily want to replace the roof entirely. When making any major home improvement, consider each option carefully before making a final decision.
Call Griffin Roofing for a FREE Roof Analysis today!  (678) GET ROOF  www.griffinroof.com

GUTTERS

Gutters are an important part of your home’s weatherproofing system. For many homeowners, their gutter system is a secondary concern and often gets neglected. Don’t make that mistake! It is important that you maintain a free-flowing gutter system as your gutters prevent rain from running from your roof and falling too close to your house. Flowing water away from your house properly will protect your foundation, keep stains from developing on your siding, and keep walkways ice-free in the wintertime. There are four basic types of gutters available – aluminum, galvanized steel, vinyl and sometimes you will find wood gutters. Galvanized steel gutters, although the least expensive, also require the most attention and maintenance. Both aluminum and vinyl gutters offer the most maintenance-free solution as they are durable and resistant to corrosion.

Let GRIFFIN ROOFING help you with your gutter needs. Call today for a free quote (678) GET ROOF

H i n t s & T i p s for A l g a e D i s c o l o r a t i o n

The following pictures represent a worldwide problem that is common throughout most of the United States and is very prevalent in the southeastern and northwestern parts of the country. This particular problem was encountered approximately 35 miles outside of Kansas City, Kansas. The discoloration that you see is the result of algae. The build-up of algae will expedite deterioration of the roofing materials and can also raise energy costs. If the roof on a building is white it will help reflect the sun's rays and keep the interior of the building cooler. Roofs whose color is darkened by algae will absorb the sun's rays which can heat the interior and raise energy costs.

There are several ways to alleviate this problem. One is to hose down the roof with diluted bleach or chlorine. Bleach and chlorine are very effective but they also kill all the surrounding vegetation, cause a discomforting odor and upset the environmentalists. Another way is to install some algae-resistant shingles. But sometimes roofs that look bad aren't ready for replacement.There are two good ways to solve the problem. Take a look at the following picture. Notice below each penetration the roof is white like it’s supposed to be. This is because when rain runs off of zinc, it cleans the algae off of the shingles. Zinc strips installed along both sides of the ridge will eventually clean the algae from the roof.

Another good way is to apply environmentally friendly chemical compounds for immediate results.