How old is your home and roof?  Most asphalt shingle roofs last 20-25 years.  If your roof is over 20 years old you may need to have it inspected by a professional roofing company.  January-February in the South is a great time to re-roof your home.  Mild southern winters make for the perfect time to undergo roof repairs and replacement.  You will not only get ahead of the rainy spring and storms, but you will find a professional roofing company that can accommodate your needs.

If your shingles are coming loose, or falling it’s time to have your roof inspected by a professional.   They will inspect your roof and attic checking for leaks, faulty shingles, nail pulls, facia gaps, cracked valley’s, aging vent pipe flashing and much more.

A professional roofing company can also verify if your roof has experienced hail, wind, or storm damage potentially saving you money through insurance claims.  

If you have spotted multiple missing or loose shingles it could be a sign of an aging roof that requires immediate attention.  Cracked valley’s and warped facia are signs of potential water damage and an aging roof.

If your garage door is the biggest entryway to your home think of the roof as that on steroids.  Your roof protects you from sun, heat, storms and the cold.  If it is aging it may not be providing the protection you need.  Most homeowners don’t think about their roof until there is a leak, or problem.  Regular roof inspections can prevent potential serious damage and provide you with the peace of mind you deserve as a homeowner.  

When you are ready to contact a roofing contractor pay close attention to their Better Business Bureau rating, Google Reviews, their liability and workman’s compensation coverage as well as referrals from previous customers.  Due diligence and research will save you a lot of money and worry in the long run.  

A new roof quote will also take into consideration your current roof ventilation system.  If you have an aging roof or home, chances are that you are not getting the ventilation of modern roofing which is vital to your heating and cooling utility bills.  For example, your roof may not include soffit ventilation, roof ridge ventilation or gable ventilation.  A professional roofing company can assess your current roofing system and make recommendations that can save you a lot of money on energy bills.  

Make sure you contact a licensed, insured/bonded and reputable professional roofer.  Ask for references and check online reviews as well as the BBB.

At Gilstrap Roofing we have been serving the Upstate longer than any other roofing contractor accredited by the Better Business Bureau, spanning four generations.  We live, work and play here so we have a lot at stake when it comes to providing quality roofing with certified crews.  We regularly perform roof inspections for these and other kinds of issues.  Contact us today.  

Brian Gilstrap, President  

Gilstrap Roofing

Greenville, SC 29611

864.269.1232

office@gilstraproofing.com

Humidity and heat are as hard on your roof as cold winter weather.  Over its average life, a residential roof is subjected to extreme swings in temperatures, humidity, and weather.  Over time it can take its toll on the top of the roof and below the shingles.  It can have an effect on your utility bills, respiratory health, rodents, and especially destructive insects like termites.

In Southern states, the exposure to humid days is longer and higher than in other regions of the country.  Moisture is not kind to roofing materials over time.   For those living in the South with longer stretches of warm air and humidity, it can cause premature damage to your roof.  

In hot weather, the rafters, joists and plywood decking can expand.  The expansion can also cause the sealant around flashing to crack, stretch, and form gaps allowing moisture to further penetrate under shingles trapping the intruding water form and preventing the shingle to perform properly.  The shingle’s primary job is to protect the roof deck underneath, but water intrusion and trap humidity sources causing mold, mildew, and wood rot.  

Once the integrity of the roof deck is compromised it is only a matter of time before water intrudes to the attic and finished ceilings are damaged.  This can cause respiratory issues and increase the symptoms of those who battle preexisting allergies, asthma, and other conditions.  Roofing and attics with moisture, mold, mildew, and wood rot are like a food buffet for termites and carpenter ants.  The destruction they cause can far exceed a roof repair or replacement.  

Shingle technology and development has seen so many improvements over the years.  However, even with newer shingle manufacturing techniques it still cannot overcome these factors beyond its average lifecycle.  Similar to the heat that forces wood rafters and decking to expand,  solar heat can force shingles to contract to the point that roofing nails pop through the shingle compromising its integrity and ability to keep moisture elements away from the wood decking.  The shingles become raised and begin to deteriorate faster than normal.  Unrepaired shingles can continue to pull and wear allowing more humidity to reach the roofing surface.

Proper roof ventilation is one of the best ways to help reduce the damage of humidity and moisture.  Ventilation allows the air to circulate and remove moisture and humidity.  The airflow prevents heat from getting trapped on the attic side of the roof and causing damage.  Your air conditioning unit will appreciate less stress as the hot air is removed from the house and proper ventilation will help cut energy bills.  

Most homes are properly ventilated, but soffit, ridge and gable vents can become clogged/obstructed over time and even experience rodent damage.  Intake and exhaust ventilation are critical to the proper rate of air exchange to extend the life of a roof, mitigate moisture and help with utility expenses.  

A roofing professional can advise whether or not your home is adequately ventilated.  If you are noticing condensation, mold, or mildew on your beams, joists, or roof deck from inside these could be signs of improper ventilation or roof damage.  A professionally trained roofer can assess the condition of the roof, ventilation status, and provide a recommendation in writing.  

Gilstrap Roofing has been covering the roofing needs of the Upstate since 1935.  We are a family-owned, local business.  Proud of our BBB and Angie’s List ratings.  Contact us today for all your roofing questions and needs.

Brian Gilstrap, President  

Gilstrap Roofing

Greenville, SC 29611

864.269.1232

office@gilstraproofing.com