A home is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make in your life: it protects your family from the elements, and it also serves as the backdrop for so many happy memories with your loved one. As such, it’s essential to keep your home in good repair, and that includes its roof. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of roofing, how to know when it’s time to replace your roof, and what to look for in a great roofing company.
Roofs are the unsung heroes of any house
Far from just being the cover to your home, the roof is a vital component that protects the structural integrity of a house. By preventing moisture incursions into the interior of the home, the roof prevents mold and rot from taking hold, which can not only sicken your family but also cause thousands of dollars in damage. It also provides insulation, as almost 25% of a house’s heat is lost through an uninsulated roof. That can save you thousands of dollars in heating and cooling costs over the life of your home – money that you can reinvest in your house by repairing and replacing its essential elements, like the roof.
Like every other component of a house, roofs have a lifespan
Roofs need to be replaced once their materials start to break down, and this length varies depending on the material. Asphalt shingle roofs need to be replaced every 15-30 years, while wood shingles must be replaced every 20-25 years. Rubber and metal roofs have a slightly longer lifespan, but they too will eventually need to be fixed, every 30-50 years for rubber roofs and every 50-75 years for metal roofs.
Signs of wear vary by the type of materia. For asphalt shingle roofs, the most common type of roofing for residential homes, some signs include asphalt grains in the gutters, missing shingles, and light shining through in the attic space. Wood shingles may begin to curl at the edges, show cracks in individual shingles, or fall from the home entirely.
It’s important that you have your roof inspected on a regular basis, as this can catch damage before it becomes a serious problem. A worn roof can cause damage to the interior of your home as well as the structure, so it’s vital that you schedule regular inspections to ensure that your home is still in good repair.
If an inspection shows damage to your home, it’s time to call in a qualified Pennsylvania roofer who can take a look at exactly what your home needs and provide a professionally installed, carefully constructed roof that will last you for years to come.
Let the professionals handle roofing repair, as it has to be done right
Given that roofs are one of the major forms of protection your home has, this is something that should always be handled by professionals. A professional roofing company has the equipment and knowledge necessary to replace a roof efficiently and safely, and they will know what type of materials will work best for your particular home.
While it’s tempting to try to do it yourself, roofing can be extremely dangerous, especially if your home has a very steep angle as is often common in Pennsylvania. Furthermore, you may not have the knowledge of how to hammer in shingles without breaking them, or what types of nails must be used to ensure a tight fit. This is why it’s crucial that you hire a great roofing company to complete this for you.
A good roofing company is courteous, transparent, and experienced
There are many roofing companies out there, but how do you know which is the best one? As with many other professions, it can sometimes be hard to gauge a company’s reputation by reviews alone, but there are some easy ways to identify a good roofing company that will do right by you.’
Firstly, look for a company who is transparent about their process. They should say on their website exactly what you can expect from your roofing project so that you know what the steps will be before you even pick up the phone. They should be open and honest about what work they do, and should demonstrate experience in their subject by sharing knowledge with you throughout the process.
Furthermore, they should be highly communicative, letting you know what to expect from every step of the way. Their estimates should be clear and easy to understand, and you should always feel you know exactly what’s going on around your home. Their staff should be courteous, treating you and your home with respect, including scheduling their visits around your needs whenever possible. Finally, they should encourage you to discuss any concerns you may have, and should listen to your needs.
By working with a great roofing company, you can protect your most important investment: your family home. Your house works hard to take care of you, and you can return the favor by using the best roofers available to replace an aging roof.
