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P A R T 1

We cannot stress this enough so we’re saying it again: your roof is one of the most important parts of your home! As the home’s biggest protective barrier, your roof not only takes a beating from the elements but also shields your property against an assortment of other external threats. It is built to last but the constant abuse it receives day in and day out throughout the years will take its toll. If you don’t make the effort to keep your roof in shape, you run the risk of compromising not just your roof but the well-being of

your home.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A ROOF INSPECTION

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THE IMPORTANCE OF A ROOF INSPECTION

Here are some reasons why a roof inspection should definitely be in your schedule:

1. It helps you catch minor roofing problems before they get worse. Roof issues, particularly roof leaks, do not usually show signs until they are already extensive enough to affect not just your roof but parts of your home as well. A thorough professional inspection can help you spot leaks and other roofing problems as they are just beginning or on the verge of beginning, making them easier to manage and even prevent.

2. It helps detect problems in other parts of the home. When you have your roof inspected, other parts of the home, such as gutters, chimneys, and vents, also get inevitably checked. This lets you hit two birds with one stone, allowing you to address other issues that you would not have realized existed.

3. It is necessary for insurance claims. If a huge weather disturbance just hit your area, causing your home massive damage, you’re going to need a professional professional roof inspection to document the damage to help you settle insurance claims.

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4. It helps extend your roof’s lifespan. You cannot perform proper roof maintenance if you do not inspect your roof. Inspection and maintenance always go together, and these two are the keys to making the most out of your roof’s service life.

5. It saves you from more (expensive) headaches. Employing roof maintenance still means spending but related costs will still be less than what repairs or replacements will call for, still allowing you to save money on the overall. And should you need repairs, you’re likely to be dealing with a relatively small problem so costs should not be significant.

Now that we’ve covered the importance of roof inspections, we move on to discussing repairs and replacements. Head on over to

Part II to learn more!

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P A R T 2

So you’ve had your roof inspected and, unfortunately, your roofer has found some problems. Should repair or replace? The answer generally depends on the problem you’re looking at. Deciding whether to repair or replace roofing, however, may be overwhelming as you won’t want to re-roof too soon and find yourself wasting money, but you also don’t want to wait for roofing issues to worsen Figuring out what to do is what we will be helping you

out with in this part of our blog series.

ROOF REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT?

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WHEN REPAIRS WILL DO THE TRICKRoof repairs can prove to be a practical solution if you are dealing with minimal damage. If you only have a few missing or damaged shingles, for instance, you can opt to have your roof repaired. The same goes if you’re looking at damage isolated to just a portion of your roof. If your roof is relatively new as well, you’re also better off considering repairs first.

SIGNS YOU NEED A NEW ROOFAccepting that you’re in need of a roof replacement is not something that a lot of people are willing to do, but it must be done for the sake of your home. After all, your roof plays a big part in protecting it. Should your roof fail, your home will be affected as well. It may be time to consider a replacement if the following apply to your roof:

1. It is older than 20 years.2. It has a sagging roof deck.3. It is showing signs of leaks

and moisture damage, like discolorations and mold and mildew buildup.

4. It has holes big enough to let outside light in.

5. It has a lot of worn-out portions, with roofing material cracked, torn, or missing.

6. It has damaged or missing flashing around chimneys, pipes, and vents.

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P A R T 3It is natural for any homeowner to have some (or a lot of) questions about roofing, particularly where repairs and replacements are concerned. Receiving answers to these most frequently asked questions about roofing will hopefully aid you in making the right roofing-related decisions for

your home:

ROOFING FAQS

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R O O F I N G F A Q S

1. Can you have a new roof installed over your old one?`

Sometimes, yes. If you have shingle roof, for instance, with one layer of shingles, roofing over is an option available to you. If you have already roofed over before, giving you two layers of shingles, then you cannot do it again. Keep in mind, however, that shingles are best fastened directly to the roof deck. This means that whether you have one or two layers of shingles, a tear-off will be a practical move for you as it will help ensure the integrity of your new roof. Furthermore, removing your old roof will allow your roofer to inspect your roof deck or sheathing, helping you assess the overall condition of your roof.

2. What type of roof should you get?Choosing your new roof involves a lot of consideration, from material and roof pitch to your budget and your home’s current condition. You’ll be better equipped to answer this question after you have your roof inspected and evaluated by a professional, who will then be able to provide you with recommendations to narrow down your options.

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R O O F I N G F A Q S

3. How much will a new roof cost?This, too, is affected by a number of factors, like the roofing material you will be using, the size and pitch of your roof, and if any additional work has to be done first before your new roof is installed. Different homes have different needs so only your roofing contractor will be able to give you a definite price.

4. Does roof repair or replacement come with warranties?

Reputable contractors have no problem offering warranties for their work but keep in mind that not all roofers will offer the exact same coverage. Don’t hesitate to ask your roofing contractor about their warranties so you know what you’ll be entitled to.Stock: homeowner talking to a roofing contractor

5. How do you find the right roofing contractor?Always make sure that they have the necessary licenses and permits in place to ensure that you’re working with a legitimate business. Check for certifications and don’t forget to ask for referrals from old customers to help you assess their credibility and the quality of their work.

If you have more questions about roof repair and replacement, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local contractor. The sooner you get the clarifications you need, the sooner you’ll be able to make those all-important roofing decisions.

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PROFESSIONAL ROOFING CONTRACTORS

Shelbyville

(931) 685-4076 Huntsville

(256) 217-5417 Chattanooga

(423) 702-4100 Maurfreesboro/Nashville

(615) 800-4990 www.ProfessionalRoofingContractors.com