Roofing

4 Reasons You May Need a New Roof or Roof Repair in Grand Rapids Michigan

Just when you may least expect it, your roof starts to leak. You run around trying to mop up the sudden excess of moisture, and look for a bucket to catch the drip. This is not what you need right now! How does this happen? you wonder. There are many reasons why a roof can leak however it usually breaks down to a few common problems that can be detected ahead of time in many situations. We’ll take a look at some of the common reasons why you may need a new roof or roof repairs in Grand Rapids Michigan in this article.

4 Reasons You May Need a New Roof or Roof Repair in Grand Rapids Michigan

While a leaking roof is not a fun surprise (or a cheap one!), it may not be as bad as you think. The good news is, if it just started and you’ve caught it early, it likely does not need a full roof replacement in Grand Rapids Michigan, and you won’t have to pay near as much. In order to really determine if you need a new roof installed or just a small roof repair however you’ll need to call a roofing professional such as Grand Rapids Home Pros to make a roof inspection on the home.

So how does this happen? And what to do about it?

Obviously, a leak is an indication that something is wrong with your roof, but it could be the result of a few different culprits. The best way to determine what your roof may need is to get a roof inspection on the roof. A roof inspection by a qualified professional can help you determine your next steps and whether you need a new roof or not. Here are some of the common reasons you may need roof repairs:

4 Reasons You May Need a New Roof or Roof Repair in Grand Rapids Michigan

Debris on the roof: You may have noticed a small pile of wet leaves stuck in a crevice on your roof and thought it wasn’t a big deal. Unfortunately, debris like wet leaves trap moisture and just sit on the roof, leading to decomposition and a greater likelihood of weeds and even trees to put down roots in your shingles. These then break down your roof’s protection and let in all that moisture.

Clogged gutters: Not only do those leaves get stuck on the roof, they also gather in the gutters, blocking rainwater from properly draining. When this happens, the water has nowhere to go except to run over the sides of the gutters; this can cause damage to the roofing as well as to your home’s foundation and landscaping. (In the winter this is even more dangerous: ice can back up under the shingles, and can also build up on the ground below, leading to slippery walkways.)

Roofing material: Unfortunately many people don’t realize that there is a right and wrong type of material for roofing their homes, based on the slope of the roof, the climate in which they live, and other related factors. (Homes in the Southwest, for example, do well with clay tiles for shingles, which help keep the home cool during hot summer months.)

The roof is just old: Sadly, it may just be time for your roof to be replaced. Roofing material may be tough, but it can’t withstand the effects of harsh elements forever. The life of your roof can be prolonged by having a contractor re-shingle when necessary and strengthen any weak spots, but when it’s time for a new roof, there’s not much else that can (or should) be done about it.

So when you’ve spotted a leak in your roof, make sure to call a qualified and licensed roofing contractor in Grand Rapids Michigan right away, because the sooner something is done to repair it, the less costly it will be to you. If you continue to let water seep into your house, the damage will get exponentially worse (greatly weakening the integrity of the roof; damaging walls, ceilings, floors, and your belongings below; leading to mold and mildew; etc.) and soon it won’t be just the roof that needs repaired! Be sure to contact Grand Rapids Home Pros today to schedule a roof inspection and possible roof repairs on your Grand Rapids Michigan home today.