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Category: Roofing

How Long Do Roofs Last?

Posted on by socius

Are you wondering if it’s time for a roof replacement project at your home? While your roof is designed to provide lasting protection for your home, this doesn’t mean you can expect your roof to last forever. Here’s what you need to know about how long roofs last and what to look for to determine if it’s time for a roof replacement project for your home.

The Average Lifespan of Different Roofing Systems

How long you can expect your roofing system to last will depend on a variety of factors. This includes the type of roofing system, the general weather conditions it experiences, how well it’s maintained, and how well it’s installed. In general, a standard asphalt shingle roof may last between 15 to 25 years, while more advanced asphalt shingle roofing solutions can last well beyond 25 years. For flat roofing systems, such as rubberized roofing, the average lifespan may be up to 50 years. Again, these average lifespans can vary drastically based on a variety of conditions. Additionally, a harsh storm can significantly damage even the newest roofing system, resulting in a much shorter lifespan.

Signs It’s Time for a Roof Replacement Project

While the age of your roof can give you a general idea of when it needs to be replaced, this is still a broad generalization. In addition to understanding the average lifespan of your roof, it’s also important to be aware of the signs that your roof is starting to fail. Regularly inspecting your roofing system and knowing what to look for can give you a better idea of when to start considering a roof replacement project. For asphalt shingle roofing, some signs of a failing roof include:

  • Missing shingles or bare spots
  • Curled or torn shingles
  • Asphalt granules in your gutters
  • Brittle or loose shingles
  • Black streaks on the roof

Additionally, any signs of roof leaks or water damage on your ceiling may be an indicator that your roof is deteriorating. For flat roofing systems, signs of deteriorating may include blistering or cracking, pooling water, damaged or separating flashing, and leaks.

Professional Roof Inspection & Replacement Services

Whether you’re concerned that your roof needs to be replaced or simply want a professional opinion about the condition of your roof, it’s always helpful to turn to your local roofing company to evaluate your roofing system. Professional roofing contractors will have the expertise to identify roofing issues that may be less obvious and can provide a professional opinion on whether the roof needs to be replaced or how many years it may have left before it needs to be replaced.

Learn More with TopLine Home Improvement

At TopLine Home Improvement, we proudly offer roof replacement services for residents throughout Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, New York. If you need a roof replacement or want more information on the signs of a failing roof, you can find the services and solutions you need with our experienced roofing professionals. Contact us today for more information.

Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement

Posted on by socius

The roof over your head is responsible for keeping you and your entire home protected from inclement weather. As the first line of defense for your home, your roof can take a lot of wear and tear over the years. Eventually, as with any part of your home, it will need to be repaired or replaced. Many homeowners wonder if a roof repair or a roof replacement is the better option for their home. If you’re not sure which roofing solution will better suit your needs, here’s what you should consider.

Benefits of a Roof Repair Service

A roof repair is used to address certain parts of your roof that are no longer looking or functioning the way they should. If you have a roof leak or your roof is missing shingles following a wind storm, these are instances when a roof repair may be the more appropriate solution. By investing in a roof repair service, you’re ensuring your roof will be able to perform at its best once more, preventing further damage and deterioration to your roof and the rest of your home. If your roof is damaged and you don’t address these issues with a roof repair, it will result in your roof deteriorating much sooner and may end up leaving you with no choice but to opt for a roof replacement. Roof repairs can help extend the lifespan of your roof, and as a less invasive option, it will typically cost less than a roof replacement as well.

Benefits of a Roof Replacement Service

A roof replacement involves removing your existing roofing system and installing a brand-new one in its place. No roof is designed to last forever, so you can expect a roof replacement to eventually be needed for your property. While asphalt shingle roofing may last for 15 to 30 years or more, flat roofing may last for 10 to 25 years. The lifespan of your particular roof will depend on the quality of materials used, how well it was installed, how much wear and tear it took over the years, and how well any damage was addressed with proper maintenance over the years. The benefits of a roof replacement include being able to choose a higher quality material, customizing the look and style to suit your preferences, and ensuring you have the best-performing roofing system over your head. A new roof will likely be covered by extensive product and labor warranties as well to keep your investment protected. While a roof replacement naturally costs more, it is a long-term investment that will provide benefits for a much longer period of time.

How to Choose Between a Roof Repair & Replacement

Sometimes choosing between a roof repair and a roof replacement project is easy; other times it may be more difficult. If your roof is towards the end of its lifespan and was recently damaged in a storm, a roof replacement may be the obvious choice. If you have a newer roof that suddenly sprung a leak, a small roof repair may be sufficient to restore the functionality of your entire roofing system. If you’re still unsure of these factors, you can always turn to a local roofing company to get a professional opinion that will help you weigh your options.

Offering the Roofing Services You Need

At TopLine Home Improvement, we proudly offer both roof repair and roof replacement services for homeowners throughout Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. Whether you know exactly which roofing services you’re looking for or you’d like a professional assessment to determine which roofing option will better suit your needs, you can rely on TopLine Home Improvement for the comprehensive roofing solutions that are right for you. To learn more about any of our roofing services, contact TopLine Home Improvement today.

Is Your Roof Leaking? 5 Reasons for a Leaking Roof

Posted on by Maureen

There are multiple potential causes for why a roof may become compromised by leaks. Below you’ll find a few common reasons:

Damaged or Broken Shingles

Broken shingles should be easy to spot. Since the shingles used for a roof are of the same color, spotting missing or impaired shingles shouldn’t be too difficult. Be on the lookout for pieces of broken shingles and or parts of a roof which are exposed.

Cracked or Weakened Flashing

When shingles become impaired, water can seep behind flashing. Flashing is a piece of metal installed underneath shingles and joints to prevent water from entering vulnerable areas of a roof such as low points or the edges of vents and skylights. Flashing can become defective over time, with the tar substance used to secure it splitting or decaying due to icy winters and sweltering summers. In this case, flashing material can be penetrated by rainwater and or melted ice which will cause mold growth and or leaks.

Ice Dam Formation

Ice dams are formed when the buildup of heat inside a home melts snow on a roof. Changes in temperature and air pressure cause melted snow to refreeze once it gets to the edge of a roof. This can compromise the structural integrity of a home if the accrued ice dams are heavy enough. Additionally, water that pools in the ice dam can gradually seep behind shingles and potentially into a home.

Unsealed valleys

Water can also pool where two parts of a roof merge at a low point, otherwise known as a “valley.” If this valley isn’t sealed correctly, rainwater and melted ice can enter into a home. Also, as mentioned, different sealants can wear out and crack, leaving a home vulnerable to leakage.

Structurally Compromised Skylights

When noticing moisture around a skylight, it may mean that the skylight itself is compromised, or it can indicate issues with the flashing surrounding the skylight. This is a warning sign that the skylight itself may be impaired and or that a leak can come about around the skylight.

These issues are routinely identified and corrected by our team of experienced roofing professionals at TopLine Home Improvement. For the most reputable name in home improvement in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens, look no further than TopLine. We offer free roof inspections and estimates and can provide anything from minor repairs to a whole new roof. Call today at (718) 769-4555.

How to Increase Your Roof’s Lifespan

Posted on by toplinehomedev

While some homeowners may not think about having their roof inspected, regular observance and maintenance is essential. You can extend the lifespan of a roof and obtain some peace of mind by taking some precautionary measures. Continue reading to learn more about maintaining your roof.

What is roof maintenance?

Roof maintenance entails thoroughly examining all parts of a roof. It may be done annually, biannually or quarterly, depending on the type of roof and its general condition.

  • Remove any debris from the roof, valleys, and gutters
  • Inspect the roof for animal intrusion or damage
  • Inspect ventilation, fans or turbines, and obstructions in vents
  • Inspect loose or missing caulking and all flashings
  • Have your chimney inspected

Why is roof maintenance important?

Inspecting and maintaining a roof will go a long way toward preventing any unforeseen future damage while ensuring its good condition. Even if a roof was properly installed and shows no obvious signs of wear, an annual inspection assures a homeowner their roof and gutters are kept in great condition.

Roof maintenance prevents future problems — The most essential reason for a regular roof inspection and maintenance is to prevent any future issues. A smaller problem that is not addressed immediately may lead to a much more serious situation in just a short time.

Roof maintenance maximizes the life of your roof — A roof’s lifespan can be increased by conducting routine inspections and maintenance. With the correct materials and proper installation, a new asphalt roof is expected to last up to 20 years. However, a roof’s life span can certainly increase with regular upkeep.

Roof maintenance will give you peace of mind — A good roofer will help either find any particular issues with a roof or give it a clean bill of health. This way, even if a roof needs repairs, they can be handled before they become more serious and expensive.

TopLine Home Improvement can provide an honest, thorough roof inspection at no cost to you. We can always address any issue with your roof, big or small, without any worry. Get in touch with us for a free estimate!

What Do Roofing Eaves Actually Do?

Posted on by toplinehomedev

Roof eaves perform a variety of important tasks, such as stopping and diverting rainwater away from a home’s exterior walls and foundation. Here are some things to consider:

What Are Eaves?

The outer edges of a roof are known as “the eaves.” Eaves extend past the facade of a home. These extensions, which also support gutter systems, protect against water and mold damage by preventing water from getting to the top of, and running down an exterior wall, while gutters catch and channel away water. Eaves can be styled differently and accordingly may be used to define the architecture of a structure while sourcing critical protection.

Are Soffits and Eaves the Same?

Soffits and eaves are sometimes confused. The edges of a roof that extend over the side of a building or home are known as eaves and consist of wood capped with aluminum trim coil, or fascia, where gutters are hung from on an asphalt roof. When this wood, or fascia board, becomes rotted, gutters become misaligned and compromised. The underside of this overhang is covered with soffit, which is a perforated vinyl material that allows for the ventilation of an attic, ensuring the good condition of a roof.

Categories Of Eaves

There are four categories of eaves:

  • Soffited
  • Exposed
  • Boxed in
  • Abbreviated

Each design has its own aesthetic. Consult with your local roofer to see which style will best complement the appearance of your home.

A home becomes vulnerable to the elements when the eaves of its roof have any impairment like rotting or exposure of wood. Homeowners can see high costs in time if the eaves or gutters on their roof have any damage. At TopLine Home Improvement, we can either repair or rebuild the eaves on a home for a structurally sound roof that gives lasting, total home protection. Contact us today for a free estimate and let us help you find the best roofing options for your home.

Metal Roofs vs. Asphalt Shingles: What’s the Difference?

Posted on by toplinehomedev

Which is a better choice for your home: an asphalt or metal roof? In this blog, you’ll learn the differences between asphalt and metal roofs so you can make an informed selection.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs with exposed fasteners are manufactured using the most common metal roofing materials, such as sheet steel and aluminum. Commercial applications frequently utilize concealed fastenings known as standing seam. Standing seam is superior in terms of appearance and durability and as such, costlier than the other style.

A metal roof comprises a fortified water barrier substrate and then a layer of metal strips, which are fastened with small clips. These clips, or fasteners, can allow the metal components of the roof to shift more freely, ensuring the metal can expand and contract with long exposure to sunlight while preventing any damage to the fasteners or the roof itself.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles have a fiberglass core which is then layered with asphalt and finally ceramic granules. These shingles deliver a more affordable roofing option for homeowners, while securing a home robust protection against the elements from anywhere between 15 to 30 years. There are two primary kinds of asphalt shingles: three-tab which are less expensive, single layer shingles, as well as architectural shingles. Three-tab shingles are manufactured in single pieces that appear as three individual shingles and are thinner making them less durable. Architectural shingles have an additional layer of asphalt on them, helping to provide a 3D effect and increasing their lifespan.

Asphalt shingles of any kind are a fantastic option if installed properly. They come in a variety of colors and are supported by underlayment protections for a durable, cost effective and rejuvenated total roofing system.

One crucial aspect of installing asphalt shingles is that the nailing, which fastens the shingles, is done appropriately. Nails are installed in the shingle nailing region, which is where the shingle is widest. Each row of shingles overlaps the row below it, helping to stop wind-driven rain from penetrating under the shingles and through nailing holes.

TopLine Home Improvement offers free, no-obligation quotes on roofing with an always honest and thorough inspection. Our clean and seamless install process will give you the strong and beautiful new roof you’ve always wanted without any worry. Contact us today for a free estimate and let us work with you to ensure the best roofing solution for your home.

Contact us today and let's talk about your next home improvement project!