Roofs are important. They protect everything in the house. Yet somehow, perhaps it’s the old “out of sight, out of mind” adage, they tend to be the most neglected part of the house. Roofs can be particularly vulnerable in North Carolina, where they are subject to incredibly hot summers, cold, snowy winters, and the occasional dump of hurricane rain. Here are the warning signs that your roof is through.
Curling and Cracking
If you have shingles that no longer lay flat to the roof, that’s a strong indication that it’s time for a new roof. You may see cupping, when the edges of the shingles curl upward, or clawing, when the edges are flat but the middle buckles. Either way, you should find companies performing roof installations Salisbury NC. You may have only 1-5 years before the roof fails completely.
Cracking is usually an indicator of wind damage. You only have to live through one hurricane that has come inland and plowed through the piedmont to know the problems North Carolina has with wind damage. If the cracking is just a few shingles, you can replace those. However, if it’s more widespread, an entirely new roof is in order.
Age
How old is your roof, and what is it made of? If it is made of asphalt shingles and has been in place for more than 20 years, you should make plans to replace it soon. It may not look bad yet, but asphalt shingles rarely make it past the 25-year mark. Other life expectancies include: slate and tile roofs for 50 years, wood shakes for 30 years, and fiber cement shingles 25 years.
As weather conditions can cut that life span precipitously, it’s good to inspect the roof regularly. When curling and cracking show up, get a professional opinion.