If you have a leaky roof, it’s essential to address the issue with prompt roof repair to prevent extensive water damage from occurring. Unfortunately, this can be fairly difficult to do during the winter. Shingles are known for being sensitive to temperature, so they can crack if it is too cold out.
The Advantages of Replacing Your Roof
Even if you don’t have any issues with your current roof, there are reasons why you might want to replace it. Depending on the roof’s quality, a typical roof can last for 25 to 50 years. If your roof is starting to get old, replacing it can boost your property value and improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Protect Against Moisture
In a sense, your roof is like the skin of your house. It serves as an outer barrier to protect everything you have inside of it. If your roof starts to leak, it can cause moisture to seep into the roof’s underlayment and your walls. Over time, moisture damage can add up to thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Boost Your Curb Appeal
Your roof is visually striking, and it is one of the first things people see when they come ‘your house. When you install a new roof, you can change the color and style. By picking a darker or lighter color, you can drastically change your home’s appearance.
Maintain Your Home’s Value
If you are trying to sell your home, a new roof can even increase your property value. Prospective buyers will love the fact that they won’t have to install a new roof for decades. A typical homeowner can recover 60% of the cost of a new roof when they sell their home.
Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Investing in a new roof can pay dividends when it comes to your home’s energy efficiency. Technology constantly changes, so modern roofs can significantly reduce your utility bills. Because heat is lost through your roof, a new roof can help you conserve heat during the wintertime.
Keep Your Insurance Coverage
Another important factor is your insurance coverage. Many insurance companies will not insure a roof that is 20 years old or older. If your roof is about to age into this category, you may want to replace it. You can also call your insurance company to see what repairs are currently covered if something goes wrong with your roof.
How Often Do You Need To Replace Your Roof?
Your roof should generally last for at least 20 years. In general, better materials and workmanship will last longer. Tile roofs last the longest. Meanwhile, asphalt roofs need to be replaced earlier.
Asphalt Shingles
While asphalt is the most popular roofing material in the country, it only lasts for around 15 to 25 years. Your local climate can play a role in how long these shingles last. In Plano, we don’t have to worry about constant rain, but severe storm damage can be an issue. Plus, granule loss, installation quality, high winds, and proper maintenance can impact how long an asphalt roof lasts.
Tile Roofs
Clay tiles are famous for being incredibly durable. When they are properly maintained, they can last for more than 100 years. The main reason people don’t use clay tiles all the time is because of the cost. In addition, they tend to be heavier, so you may need added structural support.
Metal Roofs
Metal is another popular option. Thanks to its durability, it can last between 40 and 70 years. It is also resistant to weather, insects, and fire.
Wood Shake
Wood shake is a traditional type of roofing material that you rarely see in Texas. While it offers rustic charm, it is susceptible to insects and moisture. It is also more likely to burn in a fire. If you get this type of roofing, your roof will most likely need to be replaced every 20 to 40 years.
When Should You Replace Your Roof?
At Riker, we work on local roofs throughout the year. However, some seasons are better for roof replacements than others. Summer and fall are generally the best seasons for getting a new roof installed.
During the winter, ice and water can damage your roof. Because of this, many homeowners need roof repairs in springtime. This time of year can be quite busy for roofing companies. Because weather in the springtime is unpredictable, repairs can take a little longer than they would in the summer or fall.
Summer and fall are ideal times for replacing roofs in Plano. During the summer, the weather is fairly consistent. This allows us to get your roof finished without any interruptions.
Fall has extremely stable weather, which makes it an ideal time for replacing and repairing roofs. The cool weather is still fairly warm, so you don’t have to worry about the shingles becoming brittle because of cold weather. Plus, it is a good idea to fix any roof problems before freezing rain and cold weather begin.
Should You Replace Your Roof in the Winter?
Because cold weather can cause shingles to become brittle, it is not an ideal time for roof replacements. While it doesn’t snow a lot in Plano, icy conditions and cold temperatures can make working on a roof difficult. New shingles also need thermal sealing, which can only occur in temperatures higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fortunately, southern winters generally don’t get too cold. While we may occasionally have to delay work because of the weather, our roofers can generally work 52 weeks a year. If you are dealing with a leaky roof or missing shingles, we can inspect your property and look at the best options for your situation.
What Are the Most Common Signs You Roof News To Be Replaced?
You can often tell if you need a roof replacement by looking up the age of your roof. Asphalt shingles generally need to be replaced before they are 25 years old. Meanwhile, metal roofs can last for much longer. As noted earlier, the same is true of tile.
There are also more obvious signs of a problem. You may notice leaks, water damage, or mold if the flashing and shingles are damaged. Likewise, badly sealed valleys can end up leaking water.
If your roof needs to be replaced, you may have cracked or missing shingles. Asphalt granules in your gutters are a sign that the roofing shingles are starting to wear away. Often, these granules will start to wear away once you reach the end of your roof’s life span.
Prepare Your Roof for Winter
Before winter weather arrives, it is important to get your home ready. If you end up needing a roof replacement during the winter, our team at Riker Home Services can help. We can also assist you with storm damage and gutter cleaning. For more information on roof repairs and replacements, talk to one of our team members today.
