The roof is often the most ignored part of a house. For many homeowners, the roof is out of sight out of mind until it begins to spring leaks. However, regular inspection can help you identify problems and take the necessary action before leaks develop or larger areas of your roof fail. Working with a reputable, local roofer can help you make an informed decision on replacing your roof.
When to Replace a Roof
The underlying structure of your roof should last the lifespan of your home. However, depending on the roofing materials, a full replacement may be necessary after a certain number of years. Many factors can determine if you need a full roof replacement or not. How often you replace your roof will depend on the quality of roofing materials, workmanship, and what weather your roof faces.
If you recently replaced your roof, chances are you won’t need to replace it anytime soon. If you aren’t the one who replaced the roof, it may be difficult to know its age. Talking with your roofer will help you discover the age of your roof and whether a replacement is necessary. In general, most shingles will last from 15-30 years. This time frame varies depending on the climate your roof is exposed to. Severe humidity and winters may wear out the roofing materials more quickly. After severe storms or high winds, it is wise to have your roof inspected by a professional roofer for any damage.
Replacing Roofs in the Rain
When preparing for a roof replacement, you have control over several factors, including your preferred roofing material and contractor selection. However, one element which remains beyond your control is the weather. Rain can impact any home improvement project, including roof repair or replacement.
While some roof projects can be done in a day or less, a full roof replacement may take a few days. It’s best to wait until the weather is clear and your roof is dry before commencing any roof repair or replacement project. A wet, slippery roof can put roofers at risk and increase the likelihood of damage to your home or injuries to workers. Here are a few reasons why it’s not advisable to replace roofs in the rain:
Shingles Don’t Properly Adhere to Wet Surfaces
Installing a roof in wet conditions can cause it to fail since shingles won’t adhere properly to slick surfaces. If the wood or sheathing is wet during the installation, they can trap moisture inside the roof, triggering mold growth, rot, or other severe problems.
Other interior components of the roof, such as OSB boards, felt, and barrier, are also susceptible to water damage when exposed to moisture. In high humidity conditions, roofing materials may also wrinkle or bulge, causing bumps or ripples on the exterior surface of the roof.
Installing Your Roof in the Rain May Void Warranty
Roofing manufacturers often guarantee their roofing materials, but not the installation. They usually set specific guidelines on how shingles and other roofing materials should be installed. So, the manufacturer will not be liable for damages resulting from faulty workmanship. If your roofing contractor decides to work under unfavorable weather conditions, your manufacturer can void the warranty, resulting in costly repair or replacement down the line.
Always Hire a Reputable Roofing Contractor
Although there are a few instances where a temporary fix on a rainy day is unavoidable, a reputable roofer won’t install a roof in the rain. An emergency roofing repair, such as fixing a leak, may need to be addressed as soon as possible. However, a detailed repair or full replacement should be scheduled on a dry day.
It is always critical to research widely and choose a reputable, local roofer who can assist you with roof installation, repair, or replacement whenever you need one. Many times, when a violent storm tears through a region, it attracts many unreliable storm chasers who seek to scam unsuspecting homeowners. Such contractors can convince you it’s okay to install a roof under less than ideal conditions. Their motivation is often to haphazardly get the job done and move on to the next home. Keep off such scams by working closely with a reputable, local contractor.
If you own a home in Jacksonville, FL, consider working with StormForce of Jacksonville. We place your peace of mind above everything else! Our number one goal is to ensure trust and comfort throughout the roof replacement process. Contact us today for free consultation or estimate!