Having a structurally sound and well-functioning roof is essential for the safety, comfort, and habitability of any residential building. A good roof not only protects you and your home against natural elements but is also crucial in maintaining the stability and aesthetic appeal of the building.
But regardless of the type of roofing system you have in your home, it requires regular inspection and maintenance to ensure it continues functioning properly. The roof is prone to damage, primarily caused by exposure to natural elements like snow, strong winds, and rain, as well as the effects of aging.
Midlands Roofing is a leading company for residential roofing in Lexington, SC. We are committed to providing the highest quality roofing systems along with an unmatched level of workmanship. Whether you are in need of a roof inspection, a new roof installation, roof repair, or roof replacement, we are the go-to company for all your roofing needs in Lexington.
Give us a call today at 803-414-6801 to get a free estimate.
When Does My Roof Need to Be Replaced?
While regular repair and maintenance is crucial and will help prolong the life of your roof, all types of roofing systems have a finite lifespan. Also, depending on the type and severity of the damage, the only solution might be a full roof replacement.
If you are wondering whether you need a roof replacement, we have put together some key signs to look out for:
Decay or Rot
This is particularly common in asphalt and wood shingle roofs. Rotting is often associated with rotten tiles, missing/broken tiles, or mold buildup covering multiple tiles. This is usually caused by water seeping into the roofing materials causing mold and rotting. If your roof is showing signs of decay or rotting, it needs to be replaced as soon as you can to avoid causing further damage to your home.
Missing, Cracked, And Broken Tiles or Materials
Even if your roof is not old, some types of damage will necessitate a complete roof replacement. Doing a simple visual inspection can help you identify serious damage.
If you have a wooden or asphalt shingle roof and notice that you have more than a few missing shingles, or shingles that are curling or appear warped, then it is time to have the roof replaced.
For slate, metal, clay, concrete, or rubber tile roofs, look out for cracked or missing pieces or areas that appear worn or dented.
These are all signs that the roof is failing and damaged beyond repair.
Aging Roofs
Depending on the quality and type of material used, every roof will have a specific expected lifespan.
Asphalt shingles can last anywhere from 20-50 years, wood shingles have an expected lifespan of 25-30 years but can last up to 50 years. Metal roofs have an expected lifespan of 40-80 years (copper can last for more than 70 years while zinc can reach up to 100 years). Concrete and clay-tiled roofs can last anywhere from 50-100 years, while slate roofing can last from 60 to an astounding 175 years.
The age of your roof is one of the most important things that roof contractors check when determining whether your roof needs a replacement.
If your type of roof is approaching its life expectancy range, you need to get in touch with a professional roofing company to get an estimate for a replacement. While overlaying (installing a new layer of shingles over the old) is a cheaper option, in most cases, it is always better to do a full roof replacement.
Roof Inspections
Maintaining your roof in good condition not only ensures that it reaches its expected lifespan but also ensures that you fully enjoy your home and also get the most value out of your roofing investment. A roof replacement is an expensive and disruptive undertaking. Annual roof inspections are important when it comes to maximizing the lifespan of your roof, regardless of what it’s made of.
To avoid the need to prematurely replace your roofing system, it is important that schedule regular roof inspections. During these inspections, a professional will be able to catch and fix small issues early before they develop into bigger more expensive problems.
Wondering why you should pay a specialist for a roof inspection when you can easily find a roof maintenance checklist online? Well, we understand where you’re coming from and would like you to understand why you should always work with a roofing specialist.
A professional and thorough roof inspection will help you determine the state of your roof and how much longer it is expected to last. The contractor will be able to advise you on whether you need a roof repair or replacement.
Types of Roofing Materials
If you are looking to have a new roof installation or roof replacement done, there is a wide variety of options available to choose from. Various kinds of roofing systems will have different prices, expected lifespans, advantages, and disadvantages. You will need to seriously consider all these factors before making a final decision.
Here is a brief guide on the different types of roofing materials.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt roofing is by far the most popular roofing option among homeowners in the US. To begin with, they come in a very wide range of styles and colors, are easy to install, require little maintenance, and are among the most affordable roofing options. Asphalt shingles are also known to withstand a wide range of weather conditions.
Another great thing about asphalt roofing is that it is quite resistant to hail damage and algae growth. Some asphalt roofs implement color technologies that reflect light and reduce energy costs.
But on the downside asphalt shingles have one of the shortest lifespans (10-20 years) and tend to crack over time when exposed to fluctuating temperatures.
Metal
Metal roofing is quickly replacing asphalt shingles as the preferred roofing material. Metal roofing systems offer a wide range of unique benefits that are worth considering. Compared to asphalt, metal roofs have an exceedingly long lifespan ranging from 40-80 years and up to 100 years for zinc. Additionally, metal roofs can better withstand extreme weather conditions including wind gusts exceeding 140 mph and heavy snow.
Since metal roofs are made of non-combustible materials, they have a Class A fire rating (asphalt shingles have a Class C fire rating). What’s more, metal roofs are completely recyclable, making them more environmentally friendly.
On the downside, metal roofing systems are significantly more expensive than some other common materials. In addition, they are susceptible to denting.
Terracotta and Clay
Terracotta is a type of ceramic tile made from oven-fired clay. It comes in three grades (Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3) with Grade 1 being the most durable and least porous. Grade 3 is the least durable and most porous option – it has a tendency to break down after repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Slate and Stone
Slate is a type of natural stone tile made from shale sediments consisting of volcanic ash and clay. Shale is made from the compaction of silt and clay-size mineral particles over a long period of time. This compaction helps to give the slate its durability. This natural product is usually sliced into thin parallel layers.
Why Choose Midlands Roofing for Residential Roofing in Lexington?
Roofing is an expensive and impactful investment, and it is therefore critical to ensure that you leave the job to the most qualified people. Midlands Roofing is a local family-owned residential roofing company serving the community in and around Lexington, SC.
We have years of experience in the roofing industry and are renowned for our high-quality products and service. In fact, we were named the Best Roofers in Columbia 2022 by Expertise.com. We are also a BBB accredited business.
Call a Professional Roofing Company in Lexington Today!
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home and it is your duty as a responsible homeowner to ensure that you have a quality roof that is properly installed and in great functioning condition. Whether you are in need of a roof inspection, roof repair, or roof replacement, we can help.
We have the most qualified roofing team in the region at Midlands Roofing. We deal with only high-quality and long-lasting roofing products and we are committed to providing the best level of service. Give us a call today to get a free quote!
