Your home is most likely the biggest purchase you will ever make. In fact, it’s more than just a purchase; it is an investment for your future, allowing you to set down roots and really make the space what you want it to be. In order to keep your investment in the best condition, it’s essential to be maintaining the property – your home – and making necessary repairs and replacements no matter how large the project may be.
If you are considering replacing your roof, it’s important to choose a reputable contractor with experience and a solid track record. Cox Roofing offers professional roofing services with a focus on quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Whether you need a full replacement or just expert advice, they can help you make the right decision for your home.
Replacing the roof is thankfully one of those projects that doesn’t happen on a regular basis, rather you can expect to get 20-25 years out of a roof as long as it has been done properly. Of course, if you live in an area that is prone to extreme weather, that lifespan may be shortened dramatically. And while your roof may not currently be on your radar of “things to do”, it may be time to give it a little attention. Are you wondering if you need to replace your roof any time soon? Here are the top things you’ll want to consider and be aware of.
What Is the Age of the Roof?
One of the first questions to ask regarding your existing roof is its age. While this isn’t the sole determining factor of when it’s time to replace it, it can act as an excellent indicator. For example, if your roof is only 12 years old, but you’ve got a couple of areas of concern, then a patch job may be all that is required. If you’re talking about a roof that is 20+ years old, a patch job likely won’t make much sense as it will be like putting a bandage on a much larger problem in the hope that it will fix it.
If you are considering any work to your roof, your first stop should be to look for a way of getting rid of your waste which can mount up for jobs like this. This is important as it will be a part of the overall cost. When looking for an estimate for the cost of dumpster hire for example, it can be worth searching online for “dumpster hire in Alabama” (tailoring this search to your local area), to find a local company and get an idea of the cost.
As stated above, in general, provided the roof has been laid properly and high quality materials were used, you can expect your standard shingled roof to last 20-25 years.
Take the Time to Schedule Regular Inspections
Another tip is to start scheduling regular inspections of your roof. This is a good idea around the 10-year mark, as an expert can go up on the roof, take a good look, and identify any potential problem areas before they become a massive issue. A once-a-year inspection is usually more than enough – of course, if you have any concerns or questions before it’s time to schedule the next inspection, you can always give a professional a call.
The main tip to remember with a roof inspection is to have it done by a qualified roofing professional. Climbing up there yourself without any training or safety equipment, is never advised. This is a job for the professionals.
Look for Warning Signs
If you haven’t exactly stayed on top of the regular inspections, or even if you have, it’s always good to also keep an eye out for warning signs that there could be issues. Some of the most common red flags to watch for include:
- Shingles that are starting to curl and buckle, lifting up from the roof.
- Areas where the roof is bare and shingles are missing.
- You are finding pieces of the asphalt coating (called shingle granules) on the ground after rain storms, wind, and snow. It means the shingles are starting to degrade.
- Roof valleys are in poor shape and missing shingles, as these valleys are what directs the rain and snow into the roof’s gutters. If the moisture isn’t redirected, it will start to pool on the roof with nowhere to go, which can then lead to damage and even leaks.
- Leaks inside the home coming from the roof. This obviously signals a very big red flag, and ideally you want to spot issues before you get to this point. If you have a leak, then you are no longer dealing with just roof repairs.
- You can see daylight peeking through the roof boards. This is another massive red flag that you really don’t want to see. If you can see the sunlight peeking through the roof boards in your attic, then you may even be dealing with moisture damage in the insulation as well.
These warning signs are all things that would be spotted during those regular roof inspections, which is why they are so important to do.
Looking into Different Types of Roofing Materials
Before you automatically go ahead with the standard shingles on your roof if you plan on replacing it entirely, you may want to first consider the other options. While asphalt shingles are the most common material used, they certainly aren’t the only option. Depending on where you live and the climate in that area, your budget, and how long you want the roof to last, other materials may make more sense.
Take for example architectural shingles, which are considered a premium type of an asphalt shingle. These are more expensive but they are much thicker, by up to three times, which means they are stronger. On average these last about 30 years.
Wood shingles can also be an option, as they offer plenty of strength, are insect-resistant, rot-resistant, and really stand out in terms of looks. These also last on average 30 years, but they require annual maintenance.
One of the most expensive options by far is clay roof tiles, which come in a wide array of colors. These tend to be the most popular in the Southwestern United States, and require little to no maintenance, and last a whopping 50 years on average.
Consider Adding Solar Panels to Your New Roof
Once you’ve made your decision to go ahead with replacing your roof, this could be the ideal time to consider solar panel installation. By affixing solar panels to your roof, you’ll be able create electricity from the sunlight that these panels absorb. That electricity can be converted to power which is then used in your house. Obviously, this is a green energy measure, and you’ll be able to realize significant savings on your electric bill moving forward.
These types of solar panels need to be installed by professionals, such as Semper Solaris, a solar companyservicing the state of California. They can take a look at your home, assess what you need, and then provide you with the best options. Just like your roof, these panels can last on average 25 years – of course, that will also depend on the humidity levels, dampness, thermal cycle, UV exposure, and freezing temperatures they endure.
Keep in mind that many companies now allow for leasing of solar panels, which means you don’t have to worry about a massive out-of-pocket initial deposit or investment. There may also be rebate and incentive programs in place in your state. These too will help to bring down the cost.
Always Worth Keeping an Eye On
When it comes to your roof, it performs a very big and essential duty for the home. Keeping things safe and sound, dry, and insulated, the roof isn’t something you want to take for granted or turn a blind eye to issues. Scheduling regular roof inspections, and going ahead with repairs before they get out of hand, will help to extend the lifespan of your roof.
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