Shelter from the Storm
A house cannot feel like home without a good roof. The roof protects your home and everything in it. Roof replacement can feel like a daunting task, but the alternative is worse. Everything in life becomes more stressful when you’re worried about the roof over your head.
Aging Roofs
The lifespan of a roof is around 20 years. EC Roofing has installed new roofs on a few Catonsville homes that last up to over 30 years before needing to be replaced, but this is rare. If you are interested in potentially getting a roof replacement, it’s important to find a company with experience and an excellent reputation. The life of your roof can vary depending on the weather, past maintenance, and other factors. There are many signs that a roof needs to be replaced. Most warning signs are visible to the naked eye if you know what to look for. These are a few of the signs that a roof needs to be replaced:
- The warranty for your shingles has expired.
- Curled or worn shingles
- You find pieces of shingles in your gutters
- Shingles are breaking apart or missing
It is especially important to pay attention to valleys in your roof. Valleys are architectural dips in the roof where water tends to collect. Leaks often start in these valleys and wreak havoc on the interior of your home.
Insurance
Old, damaged roofs are considered a hazard in the insurance industry. If the underwriter of your home insurance policy determines that the condition of your roof puts your house at risk, they will cancel your insurance policy (or force you to resort to an outrageously expensive plan). If your roof has sustained damage over the years, replacing it is usually your best option. Choosing a new roof is costly, but these types of home improvement projects typically end up saving you money in the long run.
Replacing the Roof Is a Power Move
The best way to improve the look and value of your home is to replace the roof. A gnarly-looking roof overshadows any exterior renovations you make to your house. Even if you plan to sell your home in the next few years, choosing a new roof can help you get the maximum amount of money for your home; the best way to put a Catonsville buyer at ease is to replace the roof.
Types of Roofs
Asphalt Shingles
In recent years, asphalt shingles (also known as fiberglass) has become the most commonly used residential roofing material. Asphalt shingles have become extremely popular in Maryland during the past few decades due to their longevity, affordability, and fire-resistance. Asphalt shingles are made of three layers: base, asphalt, and ceramic granules. Their color and texture can be texturized for a unique look. Asphalt tends to be lighter than other roofing materials which makes them easier (and faster) to deliver. The best asphalt shingles will not change shape, and they won’t dry out in the sun. Properly installing a fiberglass roof offers many benefits to your home:
- Energy efficiency (for a comfortable indoor temperature)
- Faster installation
- Weather-resistant
Cedar Shakes
Cedar shakes are wooden shingles made from split logs. In the U.S., shakes are commonly made from California Redwoods, Western Cedars (brown in color), or Atlantic White Cedars. Many Howard County residents prefer cedar shake roofing because of its rustic and timeless colonial appeal. Shake roofing is typically more expensive than fiberglass roofing, but it dramatically changes the appearance of your home. When cedar shakes are installed correctly, they provide lasting weather protection. Only the highest-grade shakes should be used for roofing. If you are new to roofing, it is important to find someone who knows the difference between low- and high-quality shakes. In some circumstances, it is appropriate for low quality shakes to be used as siding, but they should never be used for roofing. Cedar shake roofing typically requires some repairs during its lifetime, but these repairs tend to be quick and easy.
Contact EC Roofing
EC Roofing provides quality, professional home improvement services in Howard County, MD. Some of our products available when choosing a new roof include:
- CertainTeed
- GAF
- Tamko
- Owens Corning
Contact us online or give us a call at 410-455-9880 and we’ll help you set up a free consultation with one of our roofing experts.
