Is Your Roof Prepared to Survive the Summer Heat?

We go to the doctor when we start to feel ill, and we take our car to the shop when it makes an unfamiliar, disconcerting noise, but what do we do when a shingle falls off the roof?

Roof maintenance is often ignored, even though the smallest of problems can lead to extremely costly repairs. Here in Spokane, the ever-present rain can expose leaks that would otherwise go unnoticed until long after the major damage is done.

While a small, drippy leak or a few missing or loose shingles might not seem like a big deal, any issue with your roof could be indicative of a much bigger problem.

Homeowners should have their roofs professionally inspected at least once a year to ensure there are no major issues. This is the best way to catch potential problems early on, saving your hard-earned money in the long run.

     · Water spots on your ceiling after rain

 · Aging, cracking or missing shingles

 · Granules filling the gutters

While these common issues may not seem too alarming, there are several different factors that could be affecting the integrity of your roof. Water spots on the ceiling point to a leak, but if it’s a slow leak, it could be extremely hard to find unless you are a professional whose eyes are trained to identify these issues and trace them to their source.

Replacing a few shingles may seem like a small and simple DIY job, but not having the correct training or materials could result in a mistake with a big price tag attached.

Rain, snow and hail are all common weather events in the Pacific Northwest that can damage your roof, but they aren’t the only things to watch out for. While our summers here in Washington aren’t as brutally hot as in other parts of the country, the sun can still weaken your shingles.

These common side effects of the brutal summer heat could cause serious issues down the road if they go unnoticed:

 · Decaying – Decaying shingles are more commonly found in older homes. They often take on a deformed, rotted look and could be missing chunks. Shingles decay with constant exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Newer shingles usually hold up fine to this kind of weather, but if you have an older home, you may want to get your shingles inspected.

 · Warping – Like decaying shingles, warped shingles appear most often on older roofs, but instead of disintegrating, they curl or bend upwards. Unfortunately, they don’t get better on their own, so it’s best to have a professional inspect them.

 · Cracking – Cracks are caused by heat, which creates tension in the shingle, causing it to strain. Homeowners should repair cracks as soon as possible because they let water seep into the underlayment, and eventually, your attic and home. 1

Not having your roof professionally inspected could prove to be an extremely costly mistake. Repair pricing does depend on your region and roofing material, but no matter the cost, it’s sure to put a dent in your summer vacation budget.

In 2016, Angie’s List found that shingle roof replacement ranges in price from $4,500 to $10,000 and gave cost estimates for the most common types of shingles.

 · Asphalt: $120-$400 per 100 sq. ft.

 · Slate: $800 - $4,000 per 100 sq. ft.

 · Tile: $600-$4,000 per 100 sq. ft.

 · Metal: $500-$1,800 per 100 sq. ft. 2

Looking for an affordable roof inspection from a local Spokane roofing company?

For more than 30 years, we at Alpine Construction & Roofing have made providing exceptional service and results to residents in the Spokane area our priority. Our detail-oriented professionals will identify your roof’s problem areas and give you a FREE repair quote. Call Alpine Construction & Roofing at 509-448-8099 or send us a message today.