How to Know When Your Porch Needs a New Roof

Just like the rest of your roof, the roof over your porch can become damaged due to age, water, debris, or wind. Unlike the rest of your roof, however, many Oklahoma homeowners do not notice this damage until it is too late and there is a leak. Keeping an eye out for damage will save you money on repairs. So, how can you know when your porch needs a new roof?

One big thing to key an eye out for is concave spots in the roof of your porch. This is a sign that there has been a leak that has caused dry rot and your roof may collapse. You should have this repaired immediately.

Just like with your roof, keep an eye out for missing or damaged shingles. Your porch relies on healthy shingles for protection and poor protection can lead to leaks and a whole host of other problems.

Black streaks under your porch roof indicate water damage that has led to mold growth. If you spot this, contact a professional to have it removed. Mold can damage, not only your roof and home, but your health as well.

How to Find a Home with a Quality Roof

Buying a new home is no easy task. As you examine every detail of the home you may purchase, you may not be sure what to look for in the roof. Here are a few things for you to keep an eye on:

First, you should make sure to find out the age of the roof before buying the home. The most common types of roofing last 20 to 30 years, and many homes have never had a roof replacement. This means an old home could still be sporting its original roof, which could mean a roof replacement is in store in the near future.

Look out for broken or missing shingles and mold or mildew growth. These can all indicate more serious problems lying underneath the roof. Additionally, a roof is more prone to leaks when there are problems with the shingles, so check the attic space for leaks before deciding to purchase a home.

Every buyer about to purchase a new home should have the roof professionally inspected before buying the home. While you can spot the obvious damage on a roof, a professional can spot underlying damage that you may not notice. A professional roof inspection can save you from buying a home with a roof that is set to fail in a couple years.

How to Prepare for a Roofing Estimate


From time to time, just about every homeowner will encounter the need for a roof repair or will need a new roof installed. The cost of each job will vary and will require a roofing estimate to get an idea of how much you will be spending. Unfortunately, not all roofing contractors look out for their customers, so it is wise to have a plan heading into the job. Here’s how to prepare for a roofing estimate so you can know you are getting a good deal and are working with a quality roofer.

First off, it is completely normal to ask a potential roofer as many questions as possible. Ask specifics about the job (length of time, if they will tear off the old roof, etc.) and make sure they are properly insured so you don’t get stuck with costs if a worker gets injured. You can also ask about the payment structures they offer. Choosing a contractor should boil down to costs, proper licensing, reviews, warranty options, and insurance.

Be ready for questions from the contractor about the material, color, and patterns you want installed on your roof.

Have the contractor come out and take a look at your roof to prepare your estimate. Many times, a roofer can examine the roof thoroughly from the ground, but sometimes they will get on your roof to take a closer look.

Should You Replace Your Roof Shingles?

Whether it be due to neglect or to time and the elements, eventually your shingles will begin to wear and should be repaired. Even just a few unrepaired damaged shingles can end up costing thousands of dollars in repairs. However, not all signs of wear warrant immediate action. So, how can you know when to replace your shingles?

If your shingles are cracked or are curling, they should be replaced. Cracking and curling opens up areas for water to leak through your roof, which can lead to dry rot and other water damage.

If the granules are missing from your shingles, you should have them replaced. Missing granules means your shingles are exposed directly to the sun and the elements, and your shingles can quickly deteriorate, leading to leaks.

If your roof is missing shingles, you should install new shingles in the areas the shingles are missing. Shingles serve the purpose of protecting your home and your roof. Without shingles, you lack protection from the elements.

What to Look for in a Roofing Company

When you are setting out to have your roof repaired or a new roof installed, you want to know you are in good hands. The time and money spent on your roof merits a job well-done. However, it can be difficult to know which roofer you should hire and what you should look for in a roofing company.

Check the BBB website. Make sure you find a roofer who is on the BBB website and is a registered roofing contractor. Additionally, you will be able to see ratings of companies and whether or not they have done a good job in the past.

Look for a roofer who is properly insured. Unfortunately, injuries can occur when workers are working on a roof. If your roofer is not insured, those costs could be passed along to you.

Make sure a roofing company uses materials that are appealing to you and that they are quality materials. GAF certified roofing contractors will have a wide variety of quality materials, so check to see if a roofer is GAF certified.

Finally, make sure roofing companies offer warranties, which certifies they are confident in their products and in their work. This is a key sign that they will do a good job when repairing or installing a roof.

If you have any further questions regarding roof coatings, you can contact us at 918-404-5996.

Outdoor Creations Roofing is located at 1924 W Albany Street in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.