Let’s face it. No one wakes up wanting to get a new roof. A roof replacement isn’t as exciting as new siding or a composite deck, but it is important. In fact, it’s arguably one of the best home improvement upgrades you can make. It will not only protect your home, it will increase its value and cut back on your energy usage as well.
Regardless of whether a customer needs a complete roof replacement, we often get asked, “When is the best time to replace a roof?” There are pros and cons to each season, as well as a number of other factors that can affect when you should schedule your roof replacement.
What is the best season to replace a roof?
Winter Roof Replacement
In general, winter is typically seen as the worst season for roofing needs due to snow, ice, sleet, and frigid temperatures. Not only do these create dangerous working conditions for roofing contractors, but they can also affect the sealants on shingles and other roofing materials. Fortunately for homeowners in North and South Carolina, our winters are typically not prone to extreme weather conditions like the northern states experience. That said, days are still shorter, meaning projects can take slightly longer to complete.
Summer Roof Replacement
Summer, especially in late July and August, is a popular time to replace your roof. Many homeowners want to replace their roofs before the weather begins to change. Because our coastal areas don’t get the harsh winters like Raleigh, we can install year-round, however, fall and spring are historically busier times for us. Temperatures and humidity levels can soar in late summer, especially in the Carolinas. This could significantly limit the amount of time workers can spend each day on the job, adding additional time to the project. At Contract Exteriors, we suggest to our customers that they get their roof replaced before the summer season.
Fall and Spring Roof Replacement
Fall and spring are the “Goldilocks” seasons: The weather isn’t too hot or too cold, it’s just right. Early fall days are both long and dry, providing the perfect weather to get a new roof installed. While not as dry as fall, spring is still a great time of the year to replace your roof. As we’ve noted, extreme heat, humidity, and freezing temperatures can affect the adhesiveness and sealants of shingles and other roofing materials. Because of the ideal weather, fall and spring are typically the busiest times of the year to replace your roof. In addition, many homeowners will have to wait several weeks before their roofing project can be started.
Signs You May Need a New Roof
Planning your roof replacement ahead of time can help you avoid stressful situations down the road. In order to do this, however, you need to be aware of the warning signs of potential roof damage. There are numerous indicators that can determine whether you need a new roof, but we have narrowed down the most important ones for your convenience.
How long does a roof last?
According to the National Association of Home Builders, most roofs have a life expectancy of 20 years. We recommend having a professional evaluate your roof before that, though. If your roof is 10 years or older, it might be time for a replacement.
Bald spots on your roof from missing granules
Granules make shingles sturdier, provide additional protection for your home, and make them fire-resistant. If you begin to notice bald spots on your roof from missing granules or notice granules in your gutters or elsewhere, it may indicate that your roof is on its last leg.
Water stains on your ceilings
If you notice water stains or spots on the interior of your home, your roof’s waterproofing may be compromised. Because water doesn’t necessarily drip down from the exact spot in the roof, it can be difficult to determine where your roof is damaged. In this situation, it’s best to call a professional to come out and assess the damage.
Drooping or sagging roof
If it looks as though your roof is drooping or sagging, this could be a sign that your roof isn’t structurally sound. You should immediately call a professional as this is a serious issue.
While these are not the only indicators, they will give you a good idea that it’s time for your roof to be replaced.
Why Choose Contract Exteriors
Whether you’re looking to improve the aesthetics of your home, increase your property value, or save money in energy costs, Contract Exteriors is here to guide you every step of the way. By combining the best products in the industry with an unmatched installation process, we will make sure you have the perfect roof for your home. Contact us today to get started!
