“How do I know when it’s time to replace my roof?”
That’s probably the most common question we get asked as a roofing contractor in Virginia Beach. And it makes sense why. Roofing is expensive, so we want to put it off as long as possible. Luckily, there are effective ways to maintain our roofs, which we will explore.
1. Storm Damage and Hurricanes (33%)
Living in coastal Virginia has its perks! But it also puts us on the front lines of some intense weather. Hurricanes, hail, tropical storms, high winds, summer storms, and more.
According to a nationwide survey, 33% of homeowners replace their roofs due to storm damage. However, that is most likely higher for our region because storm damage is more common for us.
So, how do you protect against storm damage? With sturdier materials.
Most homeowners choose to replace their roof with the same material as their old roof. “My old roof had 3-tab shingles for 15 years, so let’s just use them again.” Not a bad idea. However, there’s a reason we offer architectural, designer (premium), and modified IR shingles.
These shingles are stronger, sturdier, and more resistant than 3-tab shingles. They will help your roof last longer, require less maintenance, and protect you better. Next time you’re up for a roof replacement, ask your local Virginia Beach roofing company about stronger shingles.
2. Leaks and Water Damage (33%)
You can see how storms and water damage go hand-in-hand. However, water damage can sneak up on you. Your roof might look fine after a tropical storm. But minor damages can leave you vulnerable to leaks.
If you notice a ceiling stain, then it’s probably too late. A ceiling stain means water is already in your attic, damaging the underlying structure of your roof. To make matters worse, Virginia’s humid climate increases the likelihood that leaks will lead to mold, mildew, and rot.
So, how do you protect against water damage?
Check your roof for leaks often, especially after storms. And act fast to fix them. Either schedule a Virginia Beach roof repair as quickly as possible or jump on that DIY project. We also have a whole blog on how to find and fix leaks.
3. Old Age/Wear and tear (25%)
All materials naturally degrade. Unfortunately, Virginia’s seasonal extremes accelerate our roof’s degradation. We get intense summers and freezing winters. Winters can lead to leaks and damage with their freeze-thaw cycles. However, summer is just as damaging. Intense heat can weaken and crack shingles.
Does the concept of thermal expansion ring any bells? Perhaps a classroom experiment from high school science? Materials generally expand under heat and contract when cold. In the spring, we get hot afternoons and cool nights. These fluctuations cause stress in your roofing materials, even damaging your roof decking.
How do you protect against wear, tear, and old age?
Our best recommendation is to get a professional roof inspection done at least annually. In southern Virginia, scheduling two roof inspections per year is ideal. One in the Spring and one in the Fall. Roof inspections catch minor issues before they can snowball into huge, expensive problems.
To learn more about roof inspections and what they can teach you about your roofing contractor, check out these blogs:
- Can You Judge the Quality of Roofing Contractors Based on Their Roof Inspections?
- How can homeowners in Virginia tell it’s time to schedule a roof inspection?
4. Home Improvement (3%)
Replacing your roof is one of the few exterior projects with a 100% cost recovery. That means you will most likely recover the entire cost of your roof replacement when you sell your house.
A new roof can even increase your home’s resale value. Research shows that a new roof can increase your home’s resale value by 1-6%. Or an average of $17,807 to the asking price.
But that only adds up to 94%, what about the other 6%?
The remaining 6% are due to miscellaneous reasons, such as energy efficiency, material upgrades, poor installation, and construction issues. If a new home is constructed with speed over quality, then you’ll probably have to replace that roof sooner. Similarly, we have a lot of historic homes in southern Virginia. If you want to live comfortably in them, without an insane energy bill, then a roof replacement is a wise investment.
Key Takeaway: If you want to change your roof, do it when it needs to be replaced.
If you don’t like how your shingles look…
Or you want stronger protection…
Or you want something more energy efficient…
Make the change when you’re changing your roof. Condensing these projects will save you time and money in the long run. If you need guidance on how to do that, give us a call. Let’s get the most out of your roof!