Have you taken a good look at your roof lately? I mean really taken a good up close look. Would you know how to tell when it is time have a roofing professional take a look at your roof? Or have you been purposely ignoring the obvious warning signs that you may need to have your roof examined simply because you fear the thought of what it will cost to repair or replace your roof, if indeed a problem is found? Whichever the case, you're not alone. In fact you are like so many other home owners who just don't have the time or money or patience for another home repair project, another expense, basically another headache to have to budget for. You may have been saving for a family trip, a new car, or even renovating one of the rooms in your home and think that you just can't afford right now. So you ignore the signs and you put it off in favor of the new car, the family trip, or the master bathroom renovation. But unfortunately roof repair is not something you want to put on the back burner, as it can end up costing you substantially more money down the road, if it's not already costing you more money now!

So you may be asking yourself "how do I know if I indeed need to have my roof repaired or replaced, or if I just need to have it cleaned?" Well you could always call a roofing contractor and request an inspection. Most roofing contractors offer free inspections and can even assist you with getting your homeowner's insurance to cover most if not all of the cost if it is a result of some kind of hail or storm damage. If you are still not convinced you should call a roofing specialist here are nine warning signs that will let you know that you surely need to have your roof repaired or even replaced. Most of these signs can be seen from the ground and by looking in your attic if accessible. If you choose to get on the roof itself and inspect please use caution as the granules of the roofing shingles could be loose and cause you to slip and possibly fall. So BE CAREFUL!

If this connection is weak then it makes your roof even more vulnerable to loss during potentially high winds during storms can eventually compromise the integrity of your roof. If your roof appears to be sagging in areas it could be a sign of a much larger problem called roof rot which could lead to the possible collapse of your roof. By having a roofing professional inspect your roof you could be avoiding additional repair costs to not only your roof but to the interior of your home.

This excess heat can not only cook or in essence bake the roofing shingles but it also cause bubbling, blistering and peeling of the exterior paint around the gables and eaves and even the siding. Having properly working attic fans as well as bathroom exhausts are vital to avoiding this issue in your home and as it pertains to your roof.

Water marks on the ceilings and/or interior mildew growth. Not all of the signs of the need for possible roof repair or replacement can be seen from outside your home. Some signs are closer than you may realize until it is nearly too late. Yes we're talking about roof leaks. Leaks are usually difficult to detect until it is nearly too late, and just as hard to pinpoint their origin. Roofing leaks may be a result of insufficient underlayment or deteriorating flashing which can repaired inexpensively.

On the other hand they may possibly be the result of a much larger and widespread problem that could end up costing you your next vacation or year end bonus if you don't watch out! Unfortunately the origin of a leak is usually hard to detect as the water may run down the rafters or a chimney, or even into the drywall of your ceiling where it can collect and build up. This build up and trapping of water and moisture can lead to not only mold problems but also eventual cracks and leaks in your ceiling as the water deteriorates the sheet rock. Now you have an even bigger problem. If you start to see signs of water marks on the ceiling you should immediately call a roofing professional to inspect the problem before gets any worse. Having regular home inspections once a year is a smart way avoid undetected repair issues with your roof and the rest of your home. Its always better to address any repair issues before they are compounded by the passing of time.

Excessive energy costs.. More and more homes today are being designed and built with energy efficiency in mind. From the building materials contractors use down to the appliances we choose for our homes, the green initiative is catching on with homeowners and builders alike. For those who live in homes older homes there are an abundance of light repair projects that can turn that older drafty home into a more modern model of efficiency. One important area of the house to look to for at first is your roof as it can provide you with good indicator if you are experiencing an increase in the cost heat and cool your home. If not properly ventilated warm air can build up in your attic causing your utility bills to rise excessively in the hot summer months when you are trying to keep the house cool, as well as in the winter when you and your family are trying to stay warm. A properly installed roof provides for ample ventilation and not having proper ventilation can lead to not only excessive energy costs but also premature roof failure. Often times what might be considered a small repair job can extend the life of your roof. Having a roofing specialist inspect the ventilation in your attic and roof can end up saving you lots of money down the road.

So now that you know these important warning signs to spot you can avoid the pain and hassle of dealing with a potentially much larger and costly project than you may have the stomach for. You don't have to sacrifice that down payment on a new car or that family vacation you were planning to take, but only if you act now before it is too late. Remember, most roofing contractors offer a free inspection so it costs you nothing to at least have your roof looked at for potential problems that can usually be repaired for less than you may think. Just make sure you do your homework and get quotes from several different candidates as well as references. Also check to make sure any potential candidate is properly licensed and bonded, and that they offer a warranty or guarantee. By being proactive and finding the right contractor for the job you can avoid bigger problems down the road.

After the visit, they will send you a written contract. A contract from a roofing company should include a description of what is to be done, as well as when it is to be done and a schedule for payment. Having it all in writing can protect the homeowner later on. Be sure to shop around before settling on a specific contractor, as prices can vary considerably.

Once you've chosen your roofing materials and your contractor, it's time to set a date for the project. The actual work of replacing the roof can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the roof. You should plan to have someone at home while the work is being done. If they have any questions or discover any additional problems with your roof, it helps that you are home to discuss things with them.

Before the workers arrive, it's good to remove any items that may get in the way of their ladders. Climbing on roofs can be dangerous, even for professionals, so it's best to stay out of their way. First, the roofers rip out all the old roofing shingles and replace any rotted or damaged wood in the roof. Next they lay a base, and then they lay the shingles. Roof work is noisy. Expect to hear a lot of hammering as well as people running around all over your roof. It's not really an invasive home repair. You won't have workmen coming inside your house. As long as you don't mind the noise, it's not much of a hassle.

When the old shingles have been stripped, any un-shingled portions of the roof should be covered with a tarp overnight to protect your home in case of rain or overnight storms.

Once your new roof is completed, make sure the workers have cleaned up all the debris that has fallen. When a roof is replaced, the workers usually toss the pieces of the old roof onto the ground or into a dump truck as they're working. Once the bulk of the old material is disposed of, responsible companies will clean up after themselves to ensure customer satisfaction. They usually have a magnetic broom that picks up all the nails and other materials that can be hazardous as well as unsightly. You may find a shingle or two in your yard afterwards, which is perfectly normal.

When you have roof work done, you should never pay anything up front. You always pay after the job is completed. This is standard procedure. All reputable roofing companies operate this way.

Replacing your roof is an essential part of maintaining your home. A damaged or improperly maintained roof can cause thousands and dollars in damage to other parts of the home. Repairs only go so far, and eventually it will be time to replace your roof entirely. Replacing your roof can seem like a daunting task for the first time homeowner. Choosing between hundreds of professional roofing contractors can be confusing. Thankfully, the project of getting a new roof is not too complicated, and it helps to know what to expect.

The first step in any roof replacement project is obtaining estimates and choosing a contractor. It's a good idea to research several companies. Make sure they have good reputations and are licensed in your state. Be sure to obtain estimates from several contractors before signing a contract, as roofing estimates can have a wide range. There are many factors that can influence the cost of a roof replacement. It's good to know a little about them before you get too involved.

The size and slope of the roof, the materials being used, and the region of the country can all affect the final cost of the project. A roof that is particularly steep and slippery will cost more to replace than a roof that is more easily accessible. The height of the roof matters as well. Roofs on two-story homes are more expensive to replace than roofs on ramblers or ranchers. This is simply because it's easier for the workers to access a roof that is closer to the ground. Also, like almost anything, prices vary depending on where you live. Roof replacements cost more in places where the general cost of living is higher. The frequency of roof replacements differs depending on the region of the county as well. Roofs in the Midwest generally need to be replaced more often than roofs in other parts of the country due to extreme weather. Likewise, homeowners in Southern California replace their roofs less often since the weather is usually mild year-round.

Along with being inexpensive, asphalt shingles require little maintenance, making them the most popular roofing choice for American homeowners. While asphalt shingle roofs are often designed to last 25 or 30 years, the actual life span of your roof can vary depending on where you live. High speed winds, hurricanes, heavy storms, blizzards, and dramatic temperature fluctuations decrease the longevity of your roof. Estimates for replacing an asphalt shingled roof can range from $1,500 to $9,000 depending on the size of the roof as well as location.

The cost of a roof replacement project varies depending on where you live. A roof replacement costs less in the Midwest than it does in the Northeast. In places where the general cost of living is higher, roof replacements will cost more as well. If you live in the Midwest, you will need to replace your roof more often. High speed winds, tornadoes, blizzards, and ice storms will all wreck havoc on your roof. Temperature fluctuations can also damage roofs. In the desert the temperature can be over 100 degrees during the day and drop to 50 or 40 degrees at night. 20-year asphalt shingles in Arizona and New Mexico last on average only 15 years, due to sustained damage from temperature fluctuations. Homeowners in regions with mild weather can get away with more moderate roof repairs, putting off full replacements for longer periods of time.

Choosing the correct replacement for an aged roof - or identifying the best choice for a new building - is no easy task. The perfect roofing solution for one building may be the worst option for another just down the street. That's because no two buildings are precisely alike, even if they closely resemble each other. So how do you choose a new roof, given all the choices in the marketplace? You can start by asking a series of questions, before you choose the roof, the roofing contractor or the manufacturer.

What is this building's mission statement?

Before calls are made to roofing contractors or manufacturers, the first item to address is the company's mission statement as it relates to the building.

Whether you are building new facilities or managing existing properties, you want to be confident that the roofing systems you select deliver the performance you expect. More often than not, the building itself dictates the appropriate roofing system specification.

You need to know as much about the building and its future as possible. Does the company plan to keep this building as part of its real estate assets for the next 10 to 20 years? Are there any plans to expand it in the near future, or to change its use? What are its current and future occupancy, insulation requirements, aesthetic priorities and even the maintenance schedules for rooftop equipment?

These and other mission statement issues will help shape answers to types of roofing to consider and how much of the capital budget is really needed for the job.

Start your questions with what is the building going to be used for. If it's a spec building, maybe you only need a basic roof. But, if the facility has a special use, such as an airline reservation center with computers in it, then your considerations for roofing options are quite different.

For example, as more companies move toward operating 24 hours daily, seven days a week to satisfy global customers, the data center must never spring a rooftop leak. Water on computer systems generally spells disaster.

A special set of concerns arise for cooling-dominated climates. Does the roof contribute to air conditioning savings and address other key issues? Is it part of a total energy program? There is a growing concern about urban heat islands. Reflective, white roofs have become of interest in those areas for a few reasons. They keep the building cooler, reduce air conditioning costs and also minimize the heat-loading of the surrounding environment.

What physical and other elements influence the roofing system selection?

After identifying the goals and mission of a facility, it's time to evaluate the building itself. You need to begin by looking at the building's location and the attributes of its surrounding area. You need to examine building codes, weather trends, topography - even the direction the building faces.

The physical characteristics of the building are also crucial: size, shape, design, height and age.

You also need to look at the construction materials used to build the facility and the location of HVAC and fire protection equipment, particularly if either or both of these are partially or totally housed on the rooftop.

When it comes to roof replacement, you need to list the attributes of the roof area itself. It's best to detail the roof's size, shape, slope, deck construction, edge detailing, protrusions, rooftop access and existing roofing system. Along with this basic information, you need to find out why the original roof is no longer adequate.

What flexible-membrane roofing options are available?

SPRI, the association that represents sheet membrane and component suppliers to the commercial roofing industry, identifies three major categories of membranes: thermosets, thermoplastics and modified bitumens.

Thermoset membranes are made from rubber polymers. The most common is EPDM, often referred to as "rubber roofing." These membranes are well suited to withstand the potentially damaging effects of sunlight and the common chemicals found on roofs. They are easily identified on the rooftop. Just look at the seams. Thermoset membranes require liquid or tape adhesives to form a watertight seal at the overlaps.

Thermoplastic membranes are based on plastic polymers. The most common is PVC, which is made flexible by adding plasticizers. Thermoplastic membranes have seams that are most commonly formed using heat welding. Most thermoplastic membranes are manufactured with a reinforcement layer, usually polyester or fiberglass to provide increased strength and dimensional stability.

Hypalon thermoplastic begins as a thermoplastic, but cures over time to become a thermoset. Like other thermoplastics, Hypalon materials are heat sealed at the seams.

Another thermoplastic hybrid is thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), which combines the attributes of EPDM and PVC. TPO membranes do not cure after exposure to the elements and remain hot-air weldable throughout their service life. Most TPO membranes are reinforced with polyester, fiberglass or a combination of the two, but unreinforced TPO membranes are available.

Modified bitumen membranes incorporate the formulation and prefabrication advantages of flexible-membrane roofing with some of the traditional installation techniques used in built-up roofing. Modified bitumen sheets are factory-fabricated, composed of asphalt which is modified with a rubber or plastic polymer for increased flexibility, and combined with a reinforcement for added strength and stability.