Curb appeal can tell you a lot about your home. Driving up, you might notice the paint chipping or a dying bush. It can also alert you to a roof that’s failing when it’s time to invest in new roofing materials. Sometimes, however, it can be hard to read the signs. Your roof has done its job for years. You’ve never noticed a problem before. How do you know it’s time to reroof your home? And when is the best season to do it?
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we tend to think of two seasons rather than four: rainy and sunny. We may be used to months of rain with very few days of sunshine peeking through. But instinctively, we know summer is a good time for home maintenance projects.
What about the roof?
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter – When Is the Best Time to Replace a Roof?
If you’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest for any length of time, you’re used to the rainy season. On average, we can expect five to six inches of rain in the cold, dark winter months, while it lets up to less than an inch in the heat of the summer. Less rain means we spend more time outside. Less rain also gives us a chance to do things that are more difficult with non-stop moisture.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that anytime is a good time to invest in new roofing materials if you’re having a problem. If you wake up to a drip, drip, drip on a December morning, fixing it should be your number one priority.
But maybe you haven’t noticed a drip coming through yet you know your roof is getting old. That’s the perfect time to start contemplating roof replacement. At this point in time, you have choices. This is when you can research, evaluate your alternatives, and make the best decisions for your home and your wallet.
Water wins every time. Let’s say there’s a slight problem with your roofing material, enough to allow rainwater through and into your attic. It slowly follows a cross beam and down into wallboards and accumulates in your ceiling. It slowly builds without your knowledge. This can cause extensive water damage, and mold and mildew can quickly build, all before your awareness sets in. And that can put you at risk of expensive repair bills and damaging health issues.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. By paying attention year-round, you can start to notice weaknesses early. Talk with one of our roofing technicians. And make plans for reroofing your house when it’s beneficial for everyone, including the weather.
How Do You Know If You Have a Roofing Problem?
Is your roof trying to tell you it’s having problems? It may be time for new roofing materials if you notice:
Curling Shingles
This common problem is quite noticeable when the edges of the singles start turning upwards. It can be caused by a variety of issues, including improper installation, poor ventilation, or wear and tear due to aging.
Missing Granules
The mineral granule that protects each shingle also gives asphalt shingles their strength. A “bald” spot is a good indicator of damage, wear and tear, or a defective shingle. These granules protect the shingle from harsh UV light from the sun and provide weather protection against rain, snow, and other elements. If it’s missing, it can allow water to seep in.
Cracked Shingles
Roofing materials aren’t designed to last forever. Summer temperatures can cause extensive sun damage. Hail, ice, and snow can wear down shingles, causing them to crack and splinter. Eventually, it creates vulnerabilities in the shingle material.
Age
Asphalt shingles are commonplace throughout the Pacific Northwest. Wood, metal, or slate roofs are attractive alternatives. No matter which roofing material you choose, it eventually reaches end-of-life. If your roofing materials are over 20 years old, it might be time to replace them to avoid potential problems that aren’t far away.
Dark Streaks
You might see black streaks creeping across your rooftop. While it may look like fungi or mold, these black streaks often indicate roof algae known as Gloeocapsa magma. It’s prevalent in north- and west-facing shingles or tree-dense neighborhoods. As it continues to creep across the shingles, it can work underneath, causing decay throughout the roof.
Moss
Moss isn’t unusual in our rainy environment. And in many cases, moss growth is merely a cosmetic issue. But if it remains on your roof, it can hold moisture against the surface and freeze, allowing damage to build across the shingles and reach underneath.
Plan for Reroofing – Select These Months
You’ve been seeing little signs for months, possibly years. You know you’ll need a new roof soon. Why not make it this year?
Spring is extremely popular for roof replacements. As the days grow longer and the temperatures improve, why not get a head start on your home maintenance chores and book your reroofing project early?
Likewise, fall is an equally popular time, with warm days and cooler nights opening up the window of opportunity for completing your summertime chores.
Yet the rains can fall steadily in May and June and start up again in September and October. While it’s possible to complete a roofing project efficiently, you may need a little flexibility while you wait for the weather to turn around.
Summer months are prime for installing new roofing materials. That’s because it’s the best time of year for anything outside. Long days and warm temperatures mean we’ll have more hours to finish the project. Keep in mind that you may not be able to use the pool, backyard, or patio while the roof is being replaced. That’s why planning your project wisely around your busy schedule is best.
If you’re ready to talk logistics, we can help. As experts in roofing, Interstate Roofing is here to answer your questions, help you finalize your decisions, and replace your current roof with materials you’ll love for years.
How can we help you with your reroofing project?