Living in the south, especially along the coast, can be a dream come true. Coastal living is wonderful, with its beautiful scenery and sunny weather. The down side to coastal living is when tropical storms or hurricanes come to call. Becoming knowledgeable about the different types of roofing materials which work best in your area, will help you protect your home. Choosing the best type of roof for your southern home will save you time, money, and stress for years to come.

According to allseasonsroofinginc.com, these are questions which need to be answered when choosing the best roofing material:

1. How heavy is this material and will it require special framing?
2. Is the material available in a variety of colors and styles that complement your home?
3. Does the material meet the fire codes in your local area?
4. Are there special installation and maintenance issues to consider?
5. Does this material offer good performance in extreme weather conditions that are common in your area?
6. Are the materials eco-friendly and recyclable?
7. What is the cost, life span, and warranty for this product?

These are the most popular roofing material choices:

• Asphalt shingles

Eighty percent of residential roofing uses asphalt shingles because they hold up in most weather conditions, easily installed, and less expensive than other materials. However, they may have a shorter lifespan in hot, dry climates.

• Slate roofs

These roofs have the longest lifespan of any roof material. They stand up to moisture, snow, and heat. They are, however, expensive to install and repair.

• Metal Roofs

These roofs come in steel, aluminum, copper and alloy strips and have a long lifespan, however, they can be noisy, especially in hard rain. This material adequately reflects the sun's rays, keeping your home cooler in summer.

Special Considerations for Beach Homes
Homes located on the coast need to consider the wind, salt, and humidity.
Wind-driven rain can be horizontal which can get under overlapping roofing material, causing additional damage. Constant sunlight and heat are also factors which impact the life of a roof.
Clay tiles work well for coastal living because they don't break down in the salt spray and stand up to high winds. Clay tiles usually carry a 30 year warranty, but it is not uncommon for them to last much longer, 50 to 100 years. Also, clay tiles allow a better air flow to the water barrier/underlayment.
Natural slate can be another long-lasting option. Fifty year warranties are typical. Natural slate is significantly heavier than other roofing materials which may mean your roof framing may need to be reinforced.
Both clay tiles and natural slate cost more than other roofing materials, however, based on their longevity, may prove to be a bargain. Another consideration is their structural integrity when hit by falling objects such as hail or tree branches, which may cause them to crack.
Wood shake roofs have a natural beauty which can hold up near salt water and can withstand winds up to 245 mph. Even though the installation cost is moderate, wood shake roofs have a lifespan of an average 30 years and take lots of routine maintenance. Wood must be treated to be repel insects, and installation is fairly labor intensive.

Inland Southern Homes
Inland, southern homes need to withstand a wide range of temperatures. If you decide on asphalt shingles, a wise choice would be algae-resistant shingles used in high-humidity climates. Metal roofs are popular in hot climates due to its ability to reflect heat and long lifespan. Terra-cotta, slate, and concrete tiles are all good choices in warm climates due to their heat resistance and longevity.

Southern living comes with all sorts of advantages. Lots of warm, sunny weather with beautiful scenery make southern living highly appealing. Choosing the right roof will keep your home safe in all the various weather conditions in your area.

Harper Roofing has been a trusted name in the Charleston area since 2009. Harper uses quality Owen Corning materials to build or replace your roof. Check out our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and our 5 star rating on Houzz.
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We are happy for you to re-publish this article on your website or in your company newsletter with credit to Harper Roofing as the author and a link to our website http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/. The URL for this article is http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/harper-roofing-charleston-blog/best-types-of-roofs-for-southern-homes. Email us with any questions.

​Sources cited: 
allseasonsroofinginc.com
bakerroofing.com
consumerreports.com
southrstarroofing.com
homes.com
roofingcalc.com

Many homeowners don't think about or know the importance of having a system of gutters and downspouts on their homes. Installing a system of gutters, maintaining them and replacing them as needed is a major duty of responsible home ownership. Not having gutters can cause a great many problems for homeowners.

The Jobs of Gutters and Downspouts:
1. Removing Water From Your Roof
Gutters are responsible for removing water from your roof. When it rains or snow melts, water can get underneath the shingles on the roof causing damage to its structure. Gutters and downspouts also keep water away from the sides of the home. This will prevent water from getting behind siding or causing a "rusting" effect on brick. Constant water drainage can cause staining to the exterior of your home fascia, soffit, wood framing and outside walls as well as decks, patios, driveways and walkways.

2. Prevent Erosion of The Soil Around Home
Another important job of gutters and downspouts is that they prevent erosion of the soil around the home. Large amounts of water running down a foundation for long periods of time can cause cracks. Gutter systems may prevent cracks in the foundation and water in the basement. These systems facilitate the removal of water on and around your home, preventing damage to your home's roof and foundation.

The Negatives of Not Having Gutters and Downspouts:
1. Infestations
Not having a gutter and downspout system on your home can cause infestations. Mosquitoes and other insects breed in standing water.
2. Mold
Also, mold is caused by overflowing gutters which can create an environment for mold to grow in crawlspaces and basements. This constant moisture can cause fungi to damage to your landscaping.
3. Structure Damage
As you can see, having gutters and downspouts installed on your home is important in terms of preventing major damage to your home and its structure. Maintaining your gutter and downspouts is as important because in order for them to work properly, they need to be kept clean and repaired.

What To Do:
Gutter systems need to be cleaned twice a year, spring and late fall. Gutters can be blocked with leaves or other debris, which will cause them to not function as needed. Water needs to flow at least ten feet from the house. Many homeowners may want to clean their gutters themselves, however, there is always risk in getting on ladders. The cost of hiring a gutter expert to clean and maintain your gutters is minimal in relation to the amount of damage your gutter system prevents.

Gutter systems also need to be attached properly to your home. You may need to talk to the gutter professional about changing the spikes holding your system to your house to screws. Screws do a better job of holding gutters in place. Make sure you or the gutter professional check for rusted spots, dents and holes, broken gutter hangers, and disconnected joints and repair these as soon as possible.
If your gutters collect a great amount of debris, you may want to consider having screens installed over the gutter. A guard will not keep all the debris out, and up to 15 to 20 percent still gets in. A visual check should be done at least twice a year.

According to angieslist.com., the cost of gutter cleaning ranges from $75 to $225 for an average home, depending on the length of gutters, height of the home and scope of work. Most companies charge a flat fee per foot of gutter, but the cost can go up depending on the complexity of the work. Make sure that they carry liability insurance and worker's compensation for any employees they use for your job.

Having and maintaining gutters and downspouts is vital in the care of your home. Not only will they keep water from damaging your home, its roof and foundation, but they will prevent expensive damage to your home for years to come. Harper Roofing offers free roof inspections> and help for all your roofing needs. Call us for a free estimate or a list of all of our roofing services. Check out Harper Roofing's 5 star rating on Houzz>!

If you found this information helpful click "Like" or "Share" below and post this to your social media pages. Your "Likes" and "Shares" help others like you find the information they need.
We are happy for you to re-publish this article on your website or in your company newsletter with credit to Harper Roofing Charleston as the author and a link to our website http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/​. The URL for this article is http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/blog/the-importance-of-having-gutters-and-maintaining-them. Email us with any questions.

If you could choose a season to replace your roof, which season would you choose? Is there a season that is better than the other? Weather permitting, most roofing contractors work the year round so why would the season make a difference? Well, believe it or not, there are some common sense reasons why one season is better than the others, especially in terms of cost, labor, and material availability.

Slow Season vs. Busy Season
Many homeowners will wait until they must replace their roof. Roofing contractors often have a busy and a slow season. Many roofers adjust their labor fees based on their work load so keep in mind that during slow times you may be able to negotiate a better price. You also will not have to wait weeks to get your project started, and very often the quality of the installation is higher. This makes it important that homeowners plan ahead when choosing a time for roof replacement. Late summer and early fall are typically the busiest times for roofing contractors. It may get so busy that homeowners may have to wait up to a month to get their project started. This will also impact labor and material prices. Another factor to consider is the quality of installation. Poor workmanship can happen when a roofing contractor is too busy. Spring and summer are also busy times of year for roof replacement. During the spring, construction trades pick up and suppliers may increase their prices. If your area experiences more rain in the spring or summer, this may impact your roof replacement. High temperatures and humidity can make it unpleasant for roofers which can impact the quality of installation. It can also affect the materials by softening the asphalt in the shingles. Roofers may need to adjust the pressure in their nail guns to keep from damaging the shingles. Too much traffic on the roof during this time of year needs to be avoided in order to protect the shingles.

Geography
Geography does play an important role in choosing when to have your roof replaced. Manufacturer specifications need to be followed in terms of weather and temperature conditions in order to achieve optimal performance. Asphalt shingles should be installed when the temperature is 40 F degrees or higher. If not, shingles can crack during installation, sealants won't apply effectively and will take longer to adhere. The tools roofers use many not work efficiently in cold temperatures.

Southern Climates
In mild climates, such as the climate in Charleston, SC,  late fall or winter can be the perfect time to replace your roof. Many roofing companies are experiencing a slow time and need the work. Cooler temperatures can allow roofers to work longer hours with easier installation. The moderate weather allows shingles to seal effectively and manufacturers do not change their warranties due to temperature at time of installation. In fact, roofing material prices may be less expensive during this time of year.

So what season is best to replace your roof?
The bottom line is that in terms of cost of labor and materials and time availability, late fall and winter win the contest. In all circumstances, however, planning ahead is important. Get more than one quote from licensed and insured roofing professionals.

Harper Roofing offers a free roof inspection> which will keep you informed of your roof's condition and lifespan. We have a long history of satisfied customers, including a 5 star rating on Houzz>. We are a preferred contractor with The Better Business Bureau, carrying an A+ rating.

​If you found this information helpful click "Like" or "Share" below and post this to your social media pages. Your "Likes" and "Shares" help others like you find the information they need.
We are happy for you to re-publish this article on your website or in your company newsletter with credit to Harper Roofing Charleston as the author and a link to our website http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/. The URL for this article is http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/blog/what-season-is-best-for-replacing-my-roof. Email us with any questions.