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Mar 01, 2024
You might like to mention the weather when you make small talk with friends and acquaintances, but you may not like what the weather does to your house, especially if you live in Wisconsin.
“The extreme weather conditions experienced in the area directly impacts your roofing system, as it is your home’s first and most important defense against the elements,” said Wendy Cline, co-owner of J & B Construction. While your roof may be out of sight and out of mind, its upkeep is important.
Knowing the age of your roof is vital in determining when it might be time to replace your roof entirely. “Roofs can last anywhere from 15-80 years, depending on the material used,” said Wendy. “Asphalt roofing lasts 15-20 years; cedar shake roofing lasts 30-50 years; and metal roofing lasts 40-80 years.”
If you’re not sure how old your roof is, you should do your best to find out. If you know the previous owners, you could contact them to ask. Also look around your neighborhood. If families in your area are replacing their roofs, it might be a sign it’s time for you to do the same.
Aside from the age of your roof, it’s important to pay attention to two areas of your home when deciding to replace your roof.
Your Ceilings
If you’ve ever had water damage in your home, you know it can be quite a nightmare. “Water damage to your ceilings or upper walls is the number one sign of a leaking roof,” said Wendy. “The best way to determine the extent of the damage, and the source of the water, is to head to your attic.”
If you’re noticing brown, black, yellow, or gray spots among your ceiling paint, that might also be a reg flag. “When the walls become damp, the paint on the surface can bubble and change,” said Wendy. “In addition to discoloration, watch out for cracks in the paint and paint flakes.”
If you’re noticing significant water damage that may be coming from your roof, it’s important to act quickly and consider a replacement.
The Roof’s Shingles
The roof’s shingles can tell you a lot about the health of your roof. If shingles are cracked, completely missing, or are curled on their sides, roof replacement might be a necessity. “Heating and cooling of a house can cause shingles to expand and contract,” said Wendy. “Your shingles have to be strong enough to handle it.”
Heating and cooling are common occurrences in Wisconsin, and it can also make the shingles of a roof disintegrate over time. “Shingle particles may end up in your gutters or around your home,” Wendy said. “That’s a typical sign they are declining, and a new roof might be in order.”
Another sign your roof might be failing is if your energy bills are going through the roof. (See what we did there?) When shingles are at the end of their life, the cold finds it easier to penetrate them, and the heat is absorbed by them.
A new roof is no problem for J & B Construction. “There’s no limit to the style of your roof when you partner with us,” said Wendy.
From asphalt and metal roofing to cedar shake roofing and attic insulation, J & B Construction, the most trusted roofing company in southeastern Wisconsin, has you covered. If you’re ready for a replacement roof, contact us today.
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