Is It Time for a New Roof?

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Is It Time for a New Roof?

March 5, 2024

A good roof is one of the most important structural elements of your home because it protects you from the elements. Unfortunately, even the best rooftops eventually require replacement by a local roofer. According to This Old House, a roof generally lasts between 25 and 50 years, depending on the roofing materials and how well you maintain it. Here are some signs that will tell you when it's time to install a new roof.

Leaking Water

Precipitation shouldn't make it through the roof and into your home. However, you might discover water dripping into your home through the ceiling, which means it's getting in through the roof. You can inspect the roof by going into the attic and looking for signs of water stains, missing insulation, or mold growth. If the leaks are bad enough and a few patches won't do the job, it's time to call your local roofer for a new installation!

A Sagging Roof

Your home's rooftop should have a straight roof and sharp corners and edges. As the roof ages, however, it can weaken and become less capable of supporting the weight of the roofing materials. That's when the roof starts to sag and it becomes apparent that a full replacement is needed. A local roofer could replace missing shingles, but the problem might be worse if the support structure has suffered from water intrusion and weather damage. A sagging roof can usually only be properly addressed by installing a new roof on your home.

Storm Damage

High winds are an absolute danger to your home and its roof, especially if you have tall trees nearby. A branch might break off and slam into the roof, causing costly damage. In worst-case scenarios, an entire tree might get blown into your home and cause the rooftop to rupture. High winds also might blow shingles off of your roof and expose it to the weather. Storm damage can make even the best rooftops suffer catastrophic damage that requires immediate replacement. Other times, the damage might take time to fully manifest, but a new roof still is needed to correct the problem.

Now that you know what to look for, you may be wondering about which local roofer you should turn to. You've come to the right place! Bakeris Roofing is a locally owned company with more than 30 years of experience in roofing. Give us a call today to get started with a free roof replacement estimate!

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Pests and Your Roof: What Homeowners Should Know

January 29, 2025

Your roof is a vital part of your home’s defense against the elements—but it can also attract unwanted guests like pests. These creatures not only cause structural damage but can also create health hazards if left unchecked. Here's how pests can impact your roof and what you can do to prevent them. Common Pests That Target Roofs • Birds How They Cause Damage: Birds may nest in gutters, vents, or under loose shingles, causing blockages or damaging roofing materials. Risks: Nesting debris can lead to water backups, while bird droppings can damage shingles over time. • Rodents (Squirrels, Rats, and Mice) How They Cause Damage: Rodents chew through shingles, fascia, or soffits to gain entry into your attic. Risks: Their gnawing can damage wiring, insulation, and wood framing. • Insects (Bees, Wasps, Termites, and Ants) How They Cause Damage: Bees and wasps build hives in eaves or attic spaces, while termites and carpenter ants weaken wood structures. Risks: Structural damage, increased repair costs, and potential stings from aggressive insect species. • Raccoons How They Cause Damage: Raccoons are strong and can tear through shingles or vents to enter attics. Risks: They can cause extensive structural damage and leave behind droppings that pose health risks. • Bats How They Cause Damage: Bats squeeze into small gaps in vents or soffits, establishing colonies in attics. Risks: Their droppings, or guano, can harbor harmful fungi and create unpleasant odors. Signs of Pest Problems on Your Roof Visible Damage: Missing shingles, gnaw marks, or holes in the fascia or soffit. Debris in Gutters: Leaves, twigs, or nesting materials can indicate bird or rodent activity. Unusual Sounds: Scratching, squeaking, or buzzing noises coming from the attic or roof. Droppings: Pest waste in or around the roofline. Chewed Wiring: Evidence of rodents accessing the attic. How to Protect Your Roof from Pests • Seal Entry Points Inspect for gaps or holes in the roof, soffits, or fascia and seal them with caulk or metal mesh. • Maintain Gutters Clean gutters regularly to remove nesting materials and prevent clogs that attract pests. • Trim Overhanging Branches Keep tree limbs trimmed away from your roof to limit access points for squirrels, raccoons, and insects. • Install Pest Barriers Use vent covers, chimney caps, and screens to block pests from entering key access points. • Inspect Regularly Conduct routine roof inspections to catch signs of pests early and address potential issues promptly. • Eliminate Attractants Avoid leaving food or trash outside that might lure pests toward your home. • Consult Professionals If pests are already causing damage, contact a pest control specialist and a roofing expert to address both the infestation and any structural issues. Why It Matters Ignoring pest issues can lead to: Structural Damage: Weakening of roof materials, insulation, and framing. Health Hazards: Contaminated air from droppings or potential bites/stings. Costly Repairs: Pest damage can escalate quickly, increasing repair expenses. Protecting your roof from pests is key to maintaining your home's integrity and safety. If you suspect pest-related roof damage, Bakeris Roofing can help inspect and repair your roof to ensure its secure and pest-free! Call us at (515) 207-7949.