Your roof protects your home from some of the toughest conditions Alabama weather can deliver.
Heat, heavy rain, high winds, hail and severe thunderstorms can all take a toll on a roofing system over time. But how do you know when your roof needs a simple repair, and when it may be time to consider replacing it?
At Southern Exterior Construction (SEC), we help homeowners throughout North Alabama evaluate their roofs and understand their options. Here are some of the most common signs that it may be time to have your roof professionally inspected.
1. Your Roof Is Showing Its Age
Every roofing system eventually reaches the point where repairs become less practical.
The age of a roof alone doesn't automatically mean it needs to be replaced. The type of roofing material, installation, ventilation, maintenance and weather exposure can all affect its condition.
However, if you have an older asphalt-shingle roof and are beginning to notice other signs of deterioration, it's a good time to schedule an inspection. Knowing the approximate age of your roof can also help a roofing contractor determine whether repairing a specific problem or considering replacement makes more sense.
2. You're Finding Missing or Damaged Shingles
North Alabama storms can bring strong winds capable of damaging roofing materials. After severe weather, look for visible problems such as:
- Missing shingles
- Lifted or loose shingles
- Cracked or damaged shingles
- Exposed areas of the roof
- Shingle debris around your property
- Damage around ridges or roof edges
A few damaged shingles don't necessarily mean you need an entirely new roof. However, widespread damage or recurring problems can indicate that the overall roofing system needs closer evaluation.
3. You Notice Granule Loss
Asphalt shingles have protective granules on their surface. Some granule loss is normal, particularly with a newer roof or as shingles age. Excessive or widespread granule loss, however, can be a sign of deterioration or damage.
You may notice granules collecting in gutters or near downspouts. Rather than trying to diagnose the roof from the ground, have a roofing professional inspect it if you're seeing significant changes.
4. You Have a Roof Leak
A water stain on the ceiling is one of the most obvious signs that something may be wrong. But the location of an interior water stain doesn't always tell you exactly where water is entering the roofing system.
Roof leaks can be associated with shingles, flashing, penetrations, valleys or other areas of the roof. A professional inspection can help determine where the problem is coming from and whether a repair is appropriate.
5. Your Roof Has Been Through a Severe North Alabama Storm
You don't have to wait for water to start dripping from the ceiling before having your roof checked. Hail and high winds can cause roofing damage that may not be obvious from the ground.
If a significant storm has recently moved through Huntsville, Guntersville, Albertville, Boaz, Arab, Crossville or another North Alabama community, consider having the roof inspected for visible signs of damage. Southern Exterior Construction provides roof inspections and storm-damage inspections throughout North Alabama.
6. You're Constantly Repairing the Roof
An occasional roof repair doesn't necessarily mean the entire roof needs replacing. But if you're repeatedly paying to address leaks, missing shingles or other roofing problems, it may be worth comparing the cost of continued repairs with the cost of a roof replacement.
SEC can inspect the roof and explain what we find so you can make an informed decision.
Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement
Not every roofing problem requires a new roof. A localized issue on an otherwise serviceable roofing system may be repairable.
A roof replacement may become more appropriate when there is widespread deterioration, extensive damage, recurring leaks or other conditions affecting larger portions of the roofing system. That's why SEC starts with an inspection. We'll evaluate the visible condition of your roof and discuss the available repair or replacement options.
Choosing Roofing Shingles for a North Alabama Home
If your roof does need replacement, you'll also have an opportunity to consider what you want from your next roofing system. Southern Exterior Construction offers GAF and Malarkey roofing options for North Alabama homeowners.
Depending on the products available for your project, you can compare different shingle styles, colors, impact-resistance ratings, roofing-system components, manufacturer warranty options and price points. North Alabama homeowners may also want to ask about Class 3 and Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, particularly when hail and severe weather are concerns.
Learn more about SEC's GAF roofing options in Alabama and Malarkey roofing options in Alabama.
What Are Class 3 and Class 4 Roofing Shingles?
Class 3 and Class 4 are impact-resistance classifications. They should not be confused with a shingle's wind rating. Class 4 represents the higher impact classification under the applicable UL impact-resistance testing.
Both GAF and Malarkey offer impact-resistant roofing options, depending on product availability. For North Alabama homeowners concerned about hail and severe weather, SEC can explain the available options and help you compare roofing products for your home and budget.
Some insurance companies may offer discounts or other benefits for qualifying impact-resistant roofing systems. Eligibility and potential savings depend on your insurance carrier and policy, so check with your insurance agent before selecting a roof based on a potential insurance discount.
Should You Inspect Your Own Roof?
You can look for some warning signs from the ground, but we don't recommend climbing onto your roof to inspect it yourself. Roof surfaces can be steep, slippery or damaged, and problems aren't always obvious without knowing what to look for.
Instead, look from a safe location for obvious changes such as missing shingles, debris or visible damage and contact a roofing professional if you're concerned. SEC offers free roof inspections to homeowners in our North Alabama service area.
Roofing Contractor Serving North Alabama
Southern Exterior Construction provides residential roofing services throughout North Alabama, including Huntsville, Guntersville, Albertville, Boaz, Arab, Scottsboro, Fort Payne, Rainsville, Crossville, Gadsden, Madison, Athens, Decatur and surrounding communities.
Our roofing services include roof replacement, roof repair, storm-damage inspections, roof inspections, GAF roofing options and Malarkey roofing options. If you're looking for a roofing contractor in Huntsville, learn more about our Huntsville roofing services.
Think Your Roof May Need to Be Replaced?
You don't have to guess. Southern Exterior Construction can inspect your roof, explain what we find and discuss the available repair or replacement options.
Whether you're dealing with an aging roof, missing shingles, a leak or possible storm damage, we're ready to help. Call 855-256-BAMA or get a free instant estimate.