The roof is one of the most important parts of your house. When it is functioning as intended, it protects your home from exposure to the elements and water damage. Over time, however, it will inevitably start showing signs of wear and tear. It is easy to take your roof for granted until it has a major issue, such as rot or water intrusion.
If you suspect that you need a new roof since your old one isn’t functioning properly, a roofing company such as Midlands Roofing in West Columbia, SC can assess your current situation. We can do a thorough inspection to determine the condition of your roof. We can then offer the best possible solution that suits your needs. Call us today at 803-414-6801 for a free estimate on residential roofing in West Columbia.
When Does My Roof Need to be Replaced?
It is always better to be proactive and start looking for early signs that you need to replace your roof to minimize costs as well as risks of both injury and property damage. Proper upkeep of your residential property ensures that it stays in good condition to protect you and your family and maximize the future resale value.
Here are the top warning signs that it’s time for a roof replacement:
Decay or Rot
Decay or rot is never a good sign and it’s definitely something that no homeowner ever wants to stumble upon, especially during an inspection. If you notice several mold spots, damp areas throughout the roof, or even the darkening of specific beams, you may have a rotting roof or a dampness problem.
If your roof has sections that are either dripping with moisture or sagging, chances are your roof is actually rotting. In some instances, you can repair and replace specific beams and sections of the roof affected by the water damage. In most other instances, however, replacing the entire roof is highly advisable after discovering that your roof is soaked with water or rotting.
Missing, Cracked, and Broken Tiles or Materials
You can easily tell whether or not you should consider repairing or replacing your roof by performing a brief visual inspection of the roof. The first step is to take a quick look from the exterior, which is something that you should be able to do from the curb right in front of your home with or without the use of binoculars.
Do you see any missing, broken, cracked, or badly damaged roofing materials such as tiles? If so, you are likely facing a serious weakness in the roof that’s jeopardizing the materials underneath. If this damage is several spots, you likely need to replace the entire roof, especially if they have been exposed for several months and have come into contact with rain.
Aging Roofs
One important question you need to ask yourself to determine whether or not you should replace your roof is how old it actually is. If the roof is still within its normal average service life, you may probably get away with repairing it, particularly if the issues it faces are not seriously jeopardizing the roof’s integrity.
The average service life of a roof generally depends on the type of material that it is constructed from. For instance, clay or concrete tiles can typically last anywhere from 20 to 30+ years, and possibly even longer especially if they are properly maintained and small issues are not allowed to grow and worsen.
Roofing Inspections
Roofing inspections are at the heart of proper roofing maintenance if you want it to have a long lifespan. Still, some damage is beyond a minor fix. If a roofing inspection reveals systemic problems, your roofing contractor can make recommendations for replacement. Annual roof inspections are important when it comes to maximizing the lifespan of your roof, regardless of what it’s made of.
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.
You can always count on us here at Midlands Roofing in West Columbia, SC, to perform regular inspections and recommend either repair or replacement depending on the condition of your roof.
Call us today at 803-414-6801 to schedule your inspection.
Types of Roofing Materials
The most common types of roofing materials are:
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the classic roofing materials found in most modern homes. They are affordable, easy to install, and easy to repair and replace as needed. You can even choose from different options ranging from basic asphalt shingle to architectural or 3-tab shingle.
Unfortunately, due to their design, asphalt shingles aren’t the most durable option. Still, they can last up to 30 years, depending on what they are exposed to, like sun and wind. Once the granules of asphalt shingle roofing are gone, the entire roof needs to be replaced.
Metal
Metal roofing comes in various forms, like metal shakes and shingles, stone-coated steel, and standing seam metal roofing. All are popular options because of their ability to provide superior UV protection, keep moisture away, and take a beating.
Costs can vary when it comes to metal roofing depending on your chosen style. Furthermore, while metal roofs can withstand the impact of hail and things such as fire and water, the damage will inevitably start showing and can take away from the look of your property.
Terracotta and Clay
Clay and terracotta roof tiles are extremely popular and have been used for millennia in areas where slate has not been available. They are excellent in high-salt areas, which is often a problem for many other types of roof materials, especially metals such as steel or copper.
Terracotta and clay are commonly used since they not only look good but also provide superior protection from the elements. A variety of colors are available as well as an increasing array of patterns and shapes to choose from. A clay roof suits just about every home.
Slate and Stone
Slate and stone are some of the most durable types of roofing materials and are similar in cost to clay tiles. The material can last anywhere from 50 to 200 years. Besides being resistant to extreme temperatures and high winds and fireproof, they are also resistant to impact from hail.
You can choose from various options, including natural, quarried slate, or synthetic alternatives such as bituminous or fiber cement slate. However, synthetic slate tends to be more affordable and offers many of the same benefits as natural.
Why Choose Midlands Roofing in West Columbia, SC?
To ensure that your roof is always functioning properly, you need to partner with the right roofing company to ensure quality installation, repair, and maintenance.
Midlands Roofing in West Columbia, SC is your go-to roofing company for the following reasons:
We Are Proven and Tested
The team at Midlands Roofing has years of experience in the construction and roofing business. Our knowledge and expertise mean that we are able to confidently state that major mistakes won’t occur when we install a roof on your property.
We Prioritize Safety
We prioritize the safety of our customers and employees over making money, and work to make sure that our customers and employees are protected from dangerous situations. We aren’t willing to compromise safety just to secure a profit or increase profits.
We Offer a Professional and Honest Service
We are committed to providing you with the quality service you deserve. To achieve this, we will be with you each step of the way. We will help you understand the various aspects of your project to help you make a sound decision.
Ready to Hire Reputable Contractors for Residential Roofing in West Columbia, SC?
Your home deserves a quality roof and that’s exactly what you will get if you decide to work with us at Midlands Roofing. We are committed to giving you excellent roofing service, on time, and within budget.
Call us today at 803-414-6801 to learn more about the roofing products and services we offer.