Home repairs are essential, but it’s straightforward to skip the roof. That is until it becomes an issue. New roofing is just as vital as having a safe and secure home. When a roof fails, it can cause severe devastation to the inside and outside of your property. That’s why it’s so vital that you check your South Carolina home and ensure no problems that will cause you severe inconvenience and repair costs in the future.
Here’s everything you need to know for roof replacements and repairs in Charleston, SC.
The Basics of Roofing in Charleston
One of the first things you’ll have to decide on when choosing suitable materials for roof replacement or repairs is the material.
Discuss your options with your preferred roofing companies in Charleston, SC. If you’re trying DIY roof repairs or replacements, you’ll need to know the many factors that will help you decide on the material.
That’s not all. Everything from the angle of your roof to the weight will affect your roofing needs. However, most commonly for roof repair in Charleston, SC, you can expect to see the following as your choice of roofing material:
- Asphalt composition shingles are low-cost and usually very easy to obtain, making them one of the most popular material options for roof replacement and repairs in Charleston, SC.
- Wood shakes/shingles: Although these are not popular in regions with a high chance of fire, they can be desirable in Charleston. They look fantastic but can be relatively pricey compared to your other options. However, they are also highly durable and worth discussing with your roofing contractor.
- Metal roofing has become much more popular in recent years. This is partly due to its high level of durability and fireproofness. Metal roofing in Charleston, SC, is popular because it is cost-effective and long-lasting. One of the best things about metal roofing is that it is available in various designs and styles, with some even resembling composite shingles.
- Slate roofing: Slates make for a beautiful roof that is ideal for improving curb appeal, but they can be prohibitively expensive. Not only that, but they are also cumbersome, so you’ll need to know what you’re doing if you’re attempting to install slates alone. It’s also worth noting that they can be very slippery, so if you’re replacing slates, you must be careful.
- Composition slate: Growing in popularity, a composition slate roof is one of the greener options available today. Made from 95% recycled material, it is lightweight, looks like a more expensive material, and is much more durable than standard slate.
- Clay/Ceramic tile is not the most popular option in Charleston; these tiles are more commonly seen in much sunnier climates like Florida or South California.
Second Layer or Roof Replacement?
It was considered standard that a new roof would usually just be placed over the existing one. However, this has been made illegal in many states for good reasons. These include:
- Weight: Having a roof over another can cause severe structural issues.
- Adding to errors: Just placing a new roof on top of an older one can easily mean ignoring flaws in the original. Lumps, bumps, and gaps can all cause issues for your newer roof.
- Time: It can take time to remove a roof by yourself, which is why layering a second roof on the existing one used to be so common. If you’re using one of the roofing companies in Charleston, SC, then you won’t have much of a problem with time. Professionals can strip a roof to its base within a day, so time is rarely an issue.
The Components of a Roof
Have a look at your home. Ensure you know all the factors about your roof before making big plans for replacement or repairs. Essentially, a roof has five fundamental elements, and you must ensure you know what they all mean. These are:
1: The roof covering is the most visible material, protecting the sheathing from local weather elements.
2: Sheathing—This is one of the most essential parts of your roof. Sheathing protects the wooden or metal underlay fastened to the roof rafters.
3: Structure—These trusses and rafters support the sheathing and ultimately protect the integrity of your roof.
4: Flashing – This is often made of metal, although alternative materials exist. Your flashing will be installed in the joints and valleys of your roof’s systems to prevent water seepage.
5: Drainage is easy to overlook, but it is a vital part of your roof design. Your drainage will need to be fully optimized for maximum water shedding, and factors like the shape of your roof, the angle of the slope, and even the layout will all affect the installation of the best drainage.
Consider The Threats
Here in Charleston, our roofers have some great sub-tropical weather. However, that doesn’t mean you can get complacent about what your roof might have to withstand. The biggest enemies of your roof will be:
- Sunlight: The heat and the UV rays can speed up roof deterioration.
- Rain: Water gets everywhere, and if rainwater can get beneath your roof’s top layer, then that can lead to structural rotting, molding, and damage to your home’s electrical systems.
- Wind: During the colder months, Charleston can get windy. That means your roof can be at risk, especially at the edges. If high winds lift your edges, that will allow water in.
- Snow/Ice: Winter is often the harshest challenge to a roof, so professional roofing companies will be able to ensure that you aren’t at risk from ice, melting snow, or broken drainage systems.
Although most people don’t think about it, your roof is one of your home’s most essential parts. No matter what look you’re aiming for, ensure you know as much as possible about your roofing needs and talk to the best roofing company in Charleston, SC.