Roof Replacement in Greensboro
You work hard to keep yourself and your family safe and comfortable in your home year-round with home security systems, a high-quality heating and cooling system, and proper structural insulation. However, you may be overlooking one of the most crucial steps to take when ensuring your home’s fortification, especially during bad weather: the roof.
Greensboro receives some kind of precipitation, whether it’s rain, snow, hail, or sleet, 111 days per year on average. If your roof is weakened or has even already been breached somehow, that’s at least 111 chances for the elements to damage your home, potentially destroy precious belongings, and rack up tremendous costs for roof repair or even an entire roof replacement.
Roof Replacement Should Be Proactive, Not Reactive
You definitely don’t want to wait until your roof has been essentially destroyed to have it replaced. Not only will that be the more expensive route, you run the risk of having other unrelated expenses to worry about based on the damage that your improperly functioning roof has caused by letting in leaks and debris.
Your roof may be in perfectly good condition and ready to take on any challenge that the elements throw its way. However, if you don’t know what state your roof is in and whether it’ll hold during the next big storm, wouldn’t you rather be sure? Getting your roof replaced before it’s been completely compromised is one of the best steps you can take for the longevity of your home and the comfort and safety of your family.
Evaluating your roof’s safety will always be worth the time it takes. Here are the 5 top signs that you are most likely due for a roof replacement.
1. Your roof is over 20 years old.
Though roofs are built to last for different lengths of time depending on their material, upkeep and weather conditions play a huge part in their longevity. A majority of homes in Greensboro and the U.S. at large are built with asphalt shingles, which generally have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years.
Check your records to find out when your roof last received a repair or replacement. If you’re unsure when your roof received its most recent maintenance or you think it may have taken place before you even moved into your home, this is a huge sign that you’re overdue for at least a roof evaluation if not a repair or replacement.
Even if a roof has surpassed 20 or 25 years of use without any level of breach or leak, the shingles will start to degrade over time. The most common sign of shingles that are entering the final stages of the natural aging process is the presence of small, dark-colored granules about the size of sand building up on or near your roof. Most homeowners with aging shingles will notice these granules in the eaves or gutters or even on the ground near their downspouts.
Whether you’re noticing the loosening granules of asphalt shingles that are approaching the end of their lifespan or your roof is simply reaching an advanced age, a professional roofing specialist can determine exactly which steps need to be taken to keep your home safe from potential damage in the future. Roof replacement is an excellent preventative measure when it comes to ensuring the security of your home and belongings.
2. Your roof has missing or broken shingles.
When it comes to roof functionality, missing or broken shingles are a prime example of a warning sign that a roof replacement is most likely in order. Shingles that have partially broken off or come off completely point to a weakness within the roof’s structure, and this weakness can be caused by old age as well as extreme environmental factors and lack of upkeep.
Being aware of the state of your roof at all times is extremely important, especially so that you can notice marked changes. For example, someone who knew exactly what their roof looked like before a big storm can easily pinpoint just how many shingles were damaged or removed by the storm. Homeowners can then relay this information to a roofing expert, who will mostly likely recommend a roof replacement to prevent further shingle loss and leakage.
3. Your roof is sagging.
Sagging is what happens when a roof’s sturdiness has become compromised in some way, allowing it to become engorged with water over time and slowly lose its structural integrity. Some of the common causes of roof sagging include excessive weight from snow and ice or a malfunctioning gutter system, causing water that is unable to properly drain to remain on the roof.
Take a look at different parts of your roof from multiple angles. Do you notice a dip or curve in the shape of your roof? If so, your roof is sagging and needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Sagging roofs can lead to water leakage into your home and walls, causing both internal and external water damage. They also have the potential to cause mold and mildew growth on your roof and within your walls, which can make the air in your home unsafe for you and your family to breathe when left to fester for too long.
In extreme cases, a sagging roof left untreated could cave in completely during the next bout of bad weather, costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in property damage and repair costs. Roof sagging shouldn’t be ignored whether it’s still in the early stages or extremely advanced. Call a roofing specialist today to check your roof for sagging and water damage as well as schedule your roof replacement if need be.
4. Your shingles are curling or buckling.
When shingles on a roof begin to buckle or curl, it’s a surefire sign that your roof is due for a replacement. In many cases, homeowners will notice these types of changes in the appearance of their roof before the shingles start to splinter or break off altogether.
There are multiple factors that can cause shingles to curl or buckle. In some cases, shingles will lose their shape due to age alone. However, in most situations, curling or buckling is caused by either excessive moisture or excessive heat. Usually, when a roof experiences loss of structural integrity in Greensboro, too many years of rain, snow, and ice are the culprit; however, an unusually hot summer could also cause similar problems. Additionally, poor workmanship or improper installation could be a factor in your shingles’ abilities to retain their shape when faced with extreme weather over the years.
If any of your shingles have started to buckle or curl, it’s only a matter of time before the issue spreads and worsens. Shingles that have lost their shape are unable to function as they should, which can lead to leaks, mold, and other water damage symptoms.
5. Your energy bills are unusually high.
Are you finding yourself constantly adjusting the thermostat to maintain a comfortable or even livable temperature within your home? An unexpected spike in your energy costs can cause stress for any homeowner. However, many people are unaware of the possible reasons behind increased energy costs and how to bring them back down to a normal range.
A roof that has become compromised due to age or ongoing structural damage can cause more issues than just leaks, mold, mildew, and destruction of property. When your roof is no longer structurally sound, your home is no longer properly insulated. This means that a good amount of the hard work that your HVAC system is performing year-round, along with a chunk of your monthly budget, is escaping through your roof.
Your roof may not be the sole reason that your energy bills have skyrocketed. Air conditioners and furnaces that are in need of repair or replacement will have to work harder than normal to achieve the temperature on the thermostat, causing heating and cooling bills to increase seemingly out of nowhere. Additionally, your issue may simply be caused by windows or doors left open when they shouldn’t be, causing expensive heating and cooling to leak out. Schedule an appointment with a roofing expert to find out if a roof replacement could be the answer to lowering your astronomical energy bills.
Greensboro Roof Replacement: Trust the Experts
Roof replacement is a very big job whether the roof in question is being replaced as a precaution or a major leak or breach has necessitated the need for an emergency replacement. That’s why being picky with your roof repair specialists is a must. Luckily, the Greensboro area is served by Carolina Home Specialists.
Carolina Home Specialists has over 15 years of experience delivering high-quality service and long-lasting roofing materials to homeowners. Big or small, we can handle your roof replacement thoroughly and efficiently on your ideal timeline. Facing the prospect of a roof replacement can be intimidating and stressful, especially if you’ve never undergone a roof repair before. However, you can trust that you’re in capable hands with Carolina Home Specialists.