Thinking of a new roof? Signs its time and things to consider

Have you ever walked into your kitchen and found a bubble on your wall? Or maybe suddenly your living room had a forecast of rain? Well, put down those umbrellas and take a look at the real culprit, your roof. Many people overlook the importance of keeping up with roof maintenance until it's too late. Always remember that your roof is what is protecting you and your loved ones from the elements attacking the outdoors. Why wait for a storm to damage your roof when you can inspect it before and start off strong with getting it fixed? Everything from your shingles to your interior decking is important to inspect before any big storm. Let’s dive in!

Things to look for

There are a few important things to look at when inspecting your roof, other than just getting frequent leaks in your home. First it's important to look into the age of your roof. Typically roofs have a timeline of about 20-25 years before its time to replace them. Old roofs normally aren’t able to do their job as well and should be inspected and fixed immediately, especially if you live in an area with a high amount of storms or are expecting a storm soon. After considering age, look at your shingles, are they cracked, lifted, or curling? That can be a sign of wear and tear, something that can allow water to leak into your home causing water damage. Do you have algae or moss growing on your roof? While it can be pretty to look at, it is a sign that something has gotten into your roof and compromised its ability to do its job. On to your attic, even if your roof is looking good, you may be able to spot the problem in the attic. If the boards supporting your roof are darkening this can mean that moisture is leaking into your home causing the growth of mold. You can also look to see if you notice any sagging in roof, another sign that water is starting to damage your roof. 

Things to consider

If you’ve made the decision to replace your roof, or if a storm causing damage has done it for you, below are some things to consider that can save you money or just improve the overall look and health of your home! 

• Roof Ventilation 

Ever wonder why it is that your attic is so hot in the summer? Well, it’s due to poor ventilation of your roof. In order to keep your attic cool and prevent any mold growth vents are placed in your roof such as gable vents, soffit vents, or a ridge vent. These allow for any cool air to enter while allowing the hot air to escape. This can also help lower your cooling bill in the summer and give you another useful room for storage or your very own attic get away

• Low- Maintenance Gutter 

The worst part of the changing seasons is getting up on that creaky old latter and having to clean leaves out of your gutters. Sure, you could hire someone to do it for you but who knows how long that’s going to take and let alone the cost of it! Well, consider getting a low-maintenance gutter, these gutters have leaf guards installed across the top to ensure any leaves are able to safely pass without you having to worry about gutter cleaning or even a clog. Creating better drainage and a piece of mind. 

• Energy Efficient Shingles 

Your Shingles play an important role in keeping your house cool in the summer. While dark shingles may look better they can also cause your house to heat up and make your cooling bill much higher. Having light-colored shingles will decrease the overall temperature of your roof allowing for a long shingle life. If light-colored shingles aren't your thing, then look into reflective shingles, allowing that harsh sunlight to be reflected away keeping your house cool and lowering your heating bill. 

• Rainwater collection 

With a new roof often comes new gutters, consider collecting your rainwater. If you love your garden but hate the water bill in the summer, then rainwater collection may be perfect for you! You can use this water to take care of your plants. You could install a rain chain allowing for the comforting sounds of a waterfall with each rainfall! 

To summarize, it's important to inspect your roof before any storm to protect from water damage and to keep your gutters free of any leaves. If you need a new roof, make sure it's the right one for you, as they are quite the investment. Storms can severely damage your roof, but so can neglecting it. Repairing your roof before it's too late can help you save money and help your homeowners insurance stay at the rate it is at. Call Esarey Construction today for all of your roofing contractor needs!