Homeowner’s Guide to Roofing

When searching for a new home, or just moving into one, there are plenty of things to keep an eye out for. A new home means new systems to learn. From your new dishwasher to yet another washer and dryer, to a new HVAC system that you may not even know the history of. However, when looking at homes, or just continuing regular maintenance, your roof is one of the most important to keep an eye on. It’s something that’s sometimes forgotten about. That’s why we’ve compiled a few things for this homeowner’s guide to roofing to keep you confident.

The Importance Of Your Roof

Our homeowner’s guide to roofing is not only here to teach you about the ins and outs, but also basic knowledge every homeowner should know. Depending on the materials and installation quality, the average roof should last your home between 20 and 30 years. Because of this, if you plan on staying in a home for more than 15 years, you’re bound to come across complications or even an entirely new roof installation within your future in the home.

Once that time comes, the price tag might be a bit of a shock. The average roof replacement can range from $10,000 to over $30,000. This price depends on where you live and what kind of materials you’d prefer for your roof. If you’re buying a new home, it’s important to budget for either immediately or eventually covering the expenses of home insurance coverage or roof repair.

Roof Functions

Protection

So, what does your roof really do? A roof’s main job is to protect your home from water and channel it away safely. It is the main barrier between your precious belongings and the outside elements. When it rains or snow melts, the shingles guide the water down to the gutters and away from your house. If your roof is in bad shape, it might let water in. This can cause problems like mold, mildew, and damage to your home. So it’s important to keep your roof in good condition to keep your home happy and dry!

Energy Efficiency

Did you know that having a strong and well-maintained roof can help you save money on energy bills? By having proper insulation and ventilation in the attic, your roof can help regulate the temperature in your home by minimizing air leaks. This often translates into a more energy-efficient home, resulting in lower heating and cooling costs. So, investing in a sound roof not only keeps your home protected, but it also keeps your wallet happy.

Curb Appeal

If you’re planning on putting your home up for sale, or even looking to impress your neighbors, curb appeal is an important aspect of your home. A beautiful home can even raise the overall value of your home once it’s on the market! However, a roof covered in moss, bent shingles, or damages can do the exact opposite, scaring away potential buyers and plummeting your home value. A clean roof makes a great first impression, which is why it’s so important to pay attention to regular maintenance.

Roof Inspection

To get a clear answer on your roof’s condition, a roof inspection is a great way to cover all your bases. This homeowner’s guide to roofing breaks down what happens during those inspections. During a roof inspection, professional roofers will inspect every asset of your roof and exterior accessories of your home. They will also provide any findings, allowing you to fix things as needed.

What Happens During A Roof Inspection:

The inspector will carefully walk on the roof to check its condition and identify any issues. If the roof is too unsafe to walk on, cameras or drones may be used to get a better look at any hard-to-reach spaces.
Your shingles will be inspected to ensure none are sagging, damaged, or showing signs of decay. This is usually the first sign of a major issue with your roof.
All the flashing and seals will be looked at as well to verify they are doing their job of stopping water from leaking into the home.
The inspector will look for signs of any previous repairs done to the roof. If you know of repairs in the past, it is good to mention them to the inspector so they can look closely at those areas.
On top of checking flashings, inspectors will also look for signs of any active leaks or water damage that may have occurred.

Homeowner Roof Maintenance

Every homeowner should know and understand the basic maintenance it takes to keep your roof healthy. Inspections are most effective when done about twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall to ensure no damages happen during storm seasons. Using the knowledge of what inspectors look for, here’s what you can keep an eye out for yourself:

Take a look inside your attic. Inspect for any signs of leaks, water stains, musty smells, or light shining in. These could all be signs of water leaks or broken shingles on your roof.
Carefully get up onto your roof, looking for shingles that may be damaged, broken, or otherwise out of place. If there are any, be sure to call Carolina Custom Contractors and have them repaired immediately.
If your area experiences a major storm, you may want to take a look around once it has passed to ensure it hasn’t left any damage to your roof.
Inspect and ensure proper sealing of flashing around major areas of your roof. These include your chimney, vents, and any skylights. Consider upgrading to metal flashing for increased durability.
Clean of any moss or debris that may be growing on your shingles.
Trim any nearby trees where branches touch your roof. This can encourage pests to hitch a ride into your home, as well as become a cause for damage concerns during storms.
Know the age of your roof, and keep track of repairs as they happen. This is great information not only to keep up to date on issues but also relevant for a buyer if you are selling your home.

Homeowner’s Guide to Roofing with Carolina Custom Contractors

If your roof is younger than 15 years, a simple repair like replacing a few shingles may be all that’s needed. However, if the roof is older, it might be time for a replacement. That’s where we can help!

Carolina Custom Contractors is here to help as your local Pawley’s Island/Georgetown contractors! Whether you need an inspection or are looking to replace your entire roof, our team of professional contractors is ready to help you! Click here for a free consultation so our team can get a better idea of your project!