Get matched with top roofers in Ruthven, IA

The most obvious and severe sign of a roof leak is the presence of wet spots on your ceilings, specifically on the top floor of your home. You can also identify a roof leak from your attic if you see sagging insulation or if you notice mold growth or water stains on the rafters or the underside of the roof deck. From the street, look for cracked or missing shingles, moss growth, and shingles that are curling upward, all of which can suggest a leak.

Rubber shingles last for around 30 years, on average, and some can last for and include warranties for up to 50 years. Rubber roof shingles are more expensive than asphalt shingles, but they can last up to twice as long, meaning they provide more value in the long run. Just keep in mind that rubber roofs often require more maintenance than asphalt shingle roofs, including routine cleaning to avoid mold growth. Ask the roofer who installed your roof for an estimate for routine cleaning, if necessary.

Some people prefer to use connectors consisting of galvanized metal to replace the birdsmouth cuts on the rafter board. Common names for these metal pieces include hurricane ties and variable-pitch connectors. Making birdsmouth cuts is more cost-effective than purchasing these connectors for each rafter. However, because making large birdsmouth cuts to accommodate extra-wide exterior walls can weaken the rafter, a connector may be the better option in some cases.

Sometimes. Professionals may be able to remove the old roof and re-attach it when completed, depending on your blueprints. That can help you save money. But this method is not without its risks. Larger roofs may crack during the transportation process. And if the roof is old or has problems, it may be better to replace it entirely. Keeping the old roof isn’t always possible if you are making significant alterations to the roofline.