A good roof should last for decades. However, as this vital part of your home ages, leaks can develop, or shingles get worn out, and experts recommend replacing it. Given the financial investment needed for a roof replacement, you shouldn’t take such a decision lightly. You need to have a good understanding of when your roof needs an upgrade. In addition, once you know you need a replacement, you need to find a suitable contractor and choose the time of year for your project.
Reasons You May Need to Replace Your Roof
The cost of repeated roof restoration adds up. In addition, each repair offers diminishing returns on your inventment as they may not address underlying issues. Moreover, some kinds of roof damage require a replacement to correct.
Aging Roof
As a homeowner, you should keep track of the date you had your roof installed. The age of your roof is the most important indicator that you may need to consider a replacement. In North Carolina, most homeowners have asphalt shingle roofs, which are expected to last about 15 to 20 years. Alternatively, if you have a wood shingle roof and maintain it well, it may last up to 30 years. Finally, a robust metal roof may pass the 50-year mark. No matter what material your roof is constructed from, you should have it inspected when it approaches the end of its expected lifetime. A professional can give you a timeline for when your roof definitely will need replacement, giving you time to plan ahead.
Recurrent Leaks
Although a single leak is repairable with the help of a roofing expert who can fix the problem, reoccurring issues often indicate that it is time to consider an upgrade. Ultimately, replacing a roof over constantly repairing it repair is more cost-effective. Experts suggest that if an upcoming repair is going to cost more than half of a new roof, it is time to consider a replacement. You may spend a lot at first, but you will save on repair costs and hassles in the long run.
Structural Problems
A sagging roof requires immediate action. Water damage is often the cause because it deteriorates the sheathing under your roof. If your roof does not correctly shed water, the excess moisture can rot or decay this sheathing and cause structural issues. Sagging can also be caused by excessive weight. This issue is common when homeowners opt to add another layer of shingles over their old roof rather than replace it. Over time, the extra burden can cause the roof to sag. Whatever the cause, if you have a sagging roof, you should have it replaced as soon as possible because it may become a safety issue for you and your family.
Storm Damage
Unfortunately, storm damage often requires a whole roof replacement. If you experience extensive damage inside your home, such as watermarks or peeling paint on your ceilings and walls, your roof is likely waterlogged. A waterlogged roof structure is unrepairable and must be torn out and replaced.
Which Season Is Optimal to Replace Your Roof?
Since each season has its advantages and its fair share of concerns, deciding when to replace your roof is more complicated than it sounds. Although many roofing contractors consider the spring and the fall the ideal time for replacing your roof, you must consider many other factors to get the best roofing experience.
Fall
The fall season is undoubtedly the most popular time for homeowners to replace their roofs because the temperature cools down after the summer and tends to be drier than spring. Fall temperatures are mild, and it is more comfortable for roofing professionals to work while replacing the roofing. In addition, with the temperature in Greensboro, NC, averaging between 60 and 80 degrees during the daytime, the weather gives the adhesive in the roofing materials time to set and seal perfectly before the extreme winter weather comes in.
The downside of the fall is that it is the busiest time for homeowners to schedule a roof replacement. Many have left the decision to the last minute and are hiring roofers to prepare for harsh winter weather. Roofing contractor schedules fill up fast, and you may not be able to find a time that works for your schedule.
Summer
Although fall is the most popular roof replacement season, summer isn’t the worst. However, you must choose your timing well for a summer roofing project. July and August are the hottest months of the year, and the weather may be too unbearable for the workers and too hot for the roofing materials. Extreme heat can even cause asphalt shingles to warp before being installed.
On the other hand, temperatures at the beginning and end of summer are ideal for roofing materials. In fact, because of the direct sunlight and heat, adhesives seal and set faster in the summer than they do in the fall. In addition, the long daylight hours give roofers more time to complete their roofing projects on time.
Winter
Contrary to the widespread belief that you cannot replace your roof in winter, it is possible in Greensboro. Since this area only receives an average snowfall of eight inches, contractors can work between storms. One advantage of winter roof installation is that it is a slow season for contractors, as fewer people install roofs due to harsh conditions like snow, ice, and sleet, so more contractors are available.
However, colder temperatures make roofing materials more vulnerable to damage during installation. For instance, asphalt shingles can crack during handling and become unusable, costing you more in material costs for the job. In addition, frigid weather affects not only the materials but also the workers. They may need more breaks, making the installation process slower and thus delaying the completion of the project.
Another concern is that most roofing materials require thermal heat to adhere correctly. If the temperatures are cold enough, roofers may have to rent special equipment to ensure proper sealing, which may increase the cost of roof installation.
Spring
If you plan your project ahead of time, you can get your roof replaced in the spring. Spring is not as prominent a time for roof replacement as fall because it takes time to prepare for a large house improvement project like this one, and most homeowners are simply not ready yet. While summer can be too hot, winter too cold, and fall too busy, spring can be your ideal time to consider a roof installation. Not only are the roof companies usually available during this season, but the weather is also favorable, helping workers perform optimally with comfort, and there’s the likelihood of completing the project on time.
Contract the Roofing Pros
At Aurora Pro Services Heating, Air, Plumbing, Electrical, & Roofing, we have served the residents of Greensboro, NC and the surrounding areas for years. We install, repair, and maintain roofs. In addition, we provide plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical services. Our goal is to become your one-stop solution for all your home needs. Contact us at Aurora Pro Services Heating, Air, Plumbing, Electrical, & Roofing today to make an appointment with one of our expert professionals.
