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.

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Most homeowners know they need their roof replaced when they see a leak in their ceiling or experience a weather event which damages their roof. However, there are many other signs to look for when deciding whether or not to replace your existing roof. Keep in mind that by delaying too long, more extensive damage may have occurred to your roof's structure and attic, costing more than just a roof replacement.

Roofing contractors agree that regular inspection and repairs, as needed, can prevent the need for more costly repairs in the future.

So how do you know when it's time?

Roofing material is a major factor in determining if it is time for a new roof.
As a rule:
Cedar: Cedar roofs will split and fall apart in dry climates. They can become mossy in moist climates. Their lifespan is about 20 years. 
Tile: Tile roofs can last up to 100 years, but individual times can break and need to be replaced by a specialist.
Concrete: Concrete roofs should never need replacing. 
Wooden Shakes: Watch out for damage from termites, carpenter ants and other wood-boring insects.

Here are some signs to look for with asphalt shingle roofs:

• Roof age

The typical roof will last, according to experts, between 20 and 25 years. Factors such as, whether or not you have several layers of shingles, the age of these layers, and whether or not your roof has been properly ventilated, all determine whether or not a roof replacement is needed.

• The Condition of the Shingles Curling or buckling shingles are aging signs that you may need a new roof.

These can also indicate excessive heat or defective shingles. Curling or buckling shingles may become rigid, break easily, or be damaged by the wind uplift or ice buildup. Roof age or poorly installed underlayment are common causes for curling or buckling shingles.
Check your gutters for shingle granules. Aging shingles tend to lose their granules, indicated by inconsistent or darker color on parts of the roof. In addition, poor water drainage on a second story can cause granules to be washed away over time. Loss of these protective granules can cause the shingle to harden from heat and sun.

• Broken or Missing Shingles

Check your roof for broken or missing shingles. These can weaken a roof's ability to shed water. High winds and physical trauma to the roof are the most common causes of missing or broken shingles.

• Algae or Moss Growth

Dark streaks can indicate airborne algae. Homeowners often will use a high pressure water hose to remove this algae, causing loss of granules. Moss may grow on roof surfaces where there is less sunlight. This moss can hold moisture against the roof surface causing damage to the shingle granules.

• Roof Valleys

These are important areas of your roof because snow and rain flow through valleys into your gutters. If shingles are damaged or missing in these areas, the chances are high you need a roof replacement.

• Flashings

Flashings are located around skylights, valleys, eaves, rakes, wall details, stacks and chimneys. Water can enter when these flashings lift or separate, causing fasteners to loosen.

• Attics

Check your attic for daylight through the roof boards, signs of water damage or leaking, or dark spots and trails. A spongy feel or bounce when walking on the roof may mean the underlying decking is weakened from moisture.

• Gutters and Downspouts

Examine gutters and downspouts to make sure they are attached securely and are free of debris. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends a roof inspection at least twice a year, spring and fall. Waiting until water is falling down from a leak can cost you more than just a roof replacement.

Harper Roofing offers a free professional roof inspection at your convenience, and will give you an honest assessment of your roof's condition. Check out our 5-star rating on Houzz and our A+ rating with The Better Business Bureau.

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 www.HarperRoofingCharleston.com/. The URL for this article is http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/blog/signs-my-roof-needs-replaced. Email us with any questions.