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Your roof is your home's first line of defense against all assailants - wind, rain, ice, debris, and more. This is why it is so important to maintain it well, repair it when necessary, and replace it once it's neared the end of its lifespan. Deciding to replace your roof is no easy task as it is an expensive and, at times, time-consuming project. Luckily, you don't have to tackle this project alone. Keep reading for more information on when you should replace your roof and which roofing options you should consider throughout the process.
Signs You Need a New Roof
Most roofs will last a minimum of 25 years, so assuming you bought your house brand new, replacing it won't be something you need to worry about for a while. But when that time comes, you'll want to make sure you're prepared to spot the signs of old age and decay before any damage is really done to your home.
Here are some of the main things you should look out for when determining whether you need a new roof:
Old age - Age is the number one factor when considering a roof replacement. Make sure you keep all records to know exactly how old your roof is, along with maintenance records, so you know how well it's been treated throughout the years. Once your roof passes the 20-year mark, you should consult one of our roof replacement experts.
Repeat repairs - While we're always happy to help you repair your damaged or aging roof, there comes a time when it is more cost-effective to replace the roof than continuing to pay for repairs.
Expensive repairs - Along the same lines, if your roof has experienced significant damage and the repair cost comes close to half the cost of replacement, we recommend opting for replacement. A repair that large will only hold for so long.
Visible wear and tear - If your roof is visibly rotting on the outside, then it's safe to assume that rot has spread to the interior as well. This can put the entire foundation of your roofing system at risk and could warrant a roof replacement.
Mold growth - If there is visible mold growth, your roof isn't draining properly. For mold to grow, standing water needs to be present. This could lead to significant water damage not only to your roof but to the interior of your home as well.
Your Roofing Options
Cedar Shake
One of the most eye-catching draws of cedar shake roofs is their unique beauty. But they also have the added benefit of having longer lifespans than traditional asphalt roofs. They hold up well against elements such as strong winds, heavy rains, hailstorms, snowstorms, and more.
Unfortunately, there are some downsides to cedar shake roofing, including:
High cost of installation.
Require more regular maintenance to prevent mold growth, wood rot, and insect infestation.
The material is unrated by fire safety codes.
In our over 12 years of service, many of our customers find cedar shakes as a worthwhile investment, with the advantages far outweighing the disadvantage.
Composition
In contrast to most roofing options made up of a single material, composition roofs are made up of multiple materials, including slate, wood, laminate, fiberglass, and more. They are an incredibly common option, making up nearly 85% of home roofs.
People typically choose composition roofing because of the following benefits:
Affordability
Durability
Warranty options
Environmentally friendly
Low maintenance
Metal
Metal roofing is by far the most expensive material, especially compared to the relatively inexpensive asphalt option. So how do you justify spending so much on your roof? Well, ideally, you would never need to replace it again. Metal roofs are incredibly durable, especially against the elements. They also have the added benefit of decreasing your energy bills in the sweltering summer months.
When you're ready to tackle your roof replacement, don't hesitate to contact our team of experts! You can reach us online or by calling (888) 599-8591!