From hot and humid summers to cold and snowy winters, Lancaster roofs are exposed to a variety of weather conditions. Is your roof properly protecting your home? It’s important to ensure that your roof is in good condition and protects your home. A vulnerable roof can lead to rising energy costs, leaks, and other expensive consequences.
A strong and structurally sound roof is integral to protecting your home, your family, your possessions— even your wallet. Let’s take a closer look.
The Importance of Roof Inspections
Did you know that you should have your roof inspected at least once a year? It’s generally recommended to do so in the spring or the fall, but you should also consider inspections after severe storms, snowfall, or hail. A professional Lancaster-based roofer can identify any potential issues and help you work with your insurance to fund repairs or a replacement. However, some signs that your roof needs help are obvious even to us amateurs:
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Leaks or water damage
- Condensation on your walls
- Sagging or uneven roof lines
- Excessive granules in your gutters
- Peeling paint or water stains on your ceiling
- High energy bills
With luck, you only need a patch or small repairs. However, you may need to replace your entire roof based on its age and the extent of the damage.
Choosing the Right Roofing Materials
Whether you’re building a new home or replacing your roof, you have a lot of choices waiting for you. There are so many different materials available in so many styles and colors that it can be hard to choose! You want to be sure your roof can withstand Lancaster’s weather and hold up against any pests. Your roofing contractor can help you sort through the different looks and styles, but let’s get a head start: the three best roofing materials for Lancaster’s weather (and your budget) are asphalt shingles, metal, and slate.
Asphalt is the more popular choice if you’re looking for a happy medium between durability and cost. They last around thirty years and are fairly low-maintenance. Metal roofs are also popular, and they’re more energy-efficient. As an added plus, they are often made from recycled materials. Metal roofs have an average lifespan of 50 years. If cost isn’t a factor, slate has the longest lifespan at 100 years.
Your Roof’s Purpose
Roofs don’t just sit atop our homes; they have a myriad of purposes. Let’s take a look at how a good roof benefits you.
Energy Efficiency
Roofs prevent air leaks and heat loss. This enhances your HVAC’s abilities to make your home comfortable, so it doesn’t have to work as hard and can use less energy. As a plus, this also makes your home less humid and far more comfortable.
Home Value and Curb Appeal
New or well-maintained roofs significantly increase the value of your home. If you decide to sell, your home will appraise at a higher value, leaving you with more money from the sale to invest in your next destination. Who doesn’t want a great looking home? You don’t need to be selling to appreciate a well-maintained, great-looking exterior. Your roof plays a major role in your home’s aesthetic.
Protection Against the Elements and Debris
Rain and snow and sun, oh my! Here in Lancester, we have a richly varied climate– warm summers, cold winters, and everything in between. Our homes protect us from a variety of weather, as well as anything getting blown about in heavy winds. Could you imagine if a tree branch landed on your home with no roof in place to take the brunt of the impact? Imagine all the bird feathers— and droppings.
Preparing for Your Roofing Project
A vulnerable roof isn’t something you can put off. The need for repair or replacement can come up at any time. If you have your roof regularly inspected, your contractor can warn you when your roof is starting to wear down. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Have an Emergency Repair Fund
It can be hard in today’s economy but try to funnel some of your income into an emergency house repair account. Siding, windows, roofs, and more can run in the thousands.
Have Good Homeowner’s Insurance
Insurance will help cover repair and replacements from weather and damage from outside forces. Some insurance companies will also help replace old roofs, as they know what kind of damage and costs can pile up with faulty ones.
Have a Plan
Many times, you can still live in your home during roofing repair or replacement. However, you’ll want to have a plan in place if you need to get away from the noise or stay somewhere else for a few days. Lay out a few places you can stay and add that to your emergency repair fund.
Conclusion
A solid, sturdy roof is essential to any home. Just as you depend on your roof for protection, your roof depends on you to care for it. The first step is the easiest: start scheduling those annual inspections so a roof repair emergency doesn’t catch you unaware or lead to more costly repairs.
