You’ve heard the saying: “You should be lucky to have a roof over your head!” And that tells you what role a roof plays in homeownership. Roofing is more function than form. But roofing doesn’t get enough credit for the most important part: Keeping your family and valuables safe and protected from the weather.
The Lifespan of Your Roof
Right now, you may not think about your roof often, but you will be forced to when it reaches the end of its lifespan.
The lifespan of your roof is dependent on the type of material from which it’s made. Asphalt 3-tab shingles can last 20 to 50 years. Wooden shingles, commonly used for residential roofs, last approximately 30 years, but with care, upkeep, and routine maintenance, they may last even longer. Metal roofing has a much longer lifespan — sometimes up to 80 years.
Of course, the lifespan can be shortened by environmental factors and your home’s location. For instance, the hot, sunny weather in Greensboro is not a friend to residential roofs. UV rays can cause expansion and contraction, which can lead to premature degradation of your shingles. Extreme weather, including heavy rainfall or snow, can also damage your roof, causing leaking and weakening over time.
What Can Go Wrong?
As your roof ages, you may start to see more minor indications that it’s not living up to its former glory. Shingles that are leaking and falling off are apparent signs, but here are more subtle hints that a roof replacement will be necessary.
Some common problems include:
- Leaking inside your home
- Missing shingles
- Broken gutters
- Animal or pest damage or infestation
- Blistering
- Curling or cracking shingles
Any of these can be a problem, but when combined with a roof that’s reached its maximum life, it should be cause for concern — and a visit from your trusted roofing specialist at Carolina Home Specialists!
How Do I Know When I Need a Roof Replacement?
The age-old question in-home services is: “Should I repair or should I replace?” A total roof replacement is a substantial financial investment and one that should not be made lightly.
Chances are pretty good that you don’t spend a lot of time on your roof and might not see the physical signs of damage to individual shingles. While you may be able to repair some of the things that can go wrong, a roof replacement is a wise decision if you notice these signs:
- Difficulty keeping your home cool, especially upstairs
- Light shining into your attic
- Hard-to-remove moss covering your roof
- Sagging or stained ceilings
These warning signs can help you decide whether it’s time to replace your aging roof — without climbing on top of your house!
Benefits of a Roof Replacement for Your Aging Roof
Eventually, every home needs a new roof. If you’re unfortunate enough to inherit an aging roof and need a roof replacement, don’t worry — it’s not all bad news. A roof replacement can be a great benefit to your home and your wallet.
It’s a Good Investment for Resale Value
One of the top questions realtors get when showing a home is “What is the roof’s age?” When you’re selling your home, a new roof can help you command top dollar.
You Can Save Money on Utility Bills
An aging roof has likely lost the ability to insulate properly, which means you can have trouble keeping your temperature comfortable and consistent. With a new roof, you’ll enjoy a climate-controlled space and lower utility bills.
It Can Improve Curb Appeal
A roof may be just a roof to some but can be a statement of style for others. A roof replacement can update your curb appeal with a fresh look by replacing old, outdated shingles. Plus, you may want to change up the look of your home entirely with a different color of shingles!
You Can Protect Your Family
When your roof is reaching its peak lifespan, anything can happen, including a sudden leak, falling shingles, or the roof caving in. A new roof can give you peace of mind that your family is safe and secure.
Your Insurance Premium May Decrease
Because a new roof is far less of a risk than an aging one, your home insurance provider may be able to provide you with a credit or discount. You may be more likely to receive a discount if your new roof is fire- and water-resistant too.
How Do I Choose a Company for Roof Replacement Near Me?
There are various roofing companies in the Greensboro and Durham/Chapel Hill areas, and it may be overwhelming to find the right one. We recommend that you look for the following things when choosing a roofing company:
- Flexible financing
- Trained, experienced roofing professionals
- Dependable support after the project is completed
- Low-pressure purchase process
- No-stress installation
Selecting a roofing company with these attributes will make the entire process much more straightforward, affordable, and stress-free.
But how do you find the right roofing company? We recommend starting with recommendations from your neighbors, friends, and families in the Greensboro area. They’re most likely to know roofing companies with a history of excellent service and a well-respected reputation. Chances are pretty good we’ll be on their list!
Don’t wait until you have a roofing emergency! Call Carolina Home Specialists today for a free quote on your roof repair or replacement project.