The best way to improve the look, feel, and value of your home is to replace the roof. While fixing parts of your roof will temporarily halt leaks, this is not a solution to the problem. An aging roof overshadows any other renovations you make to your house. Even if you plan to sell your home in the next few years, roof replacement can help you get the maximum amount of money for your home; the best way to put a buyer at ease is to replace the roof. Call EC Roofing today at 410-455-9880 to schedule a free consultation.
Maryland Roof Replacement
A house cannot feel like home without a good roof. The roof protects your home and everything in it. Roof replacement can feel like a daunting task, but the alternative is worse. Everything in life becomes more stressful when you’re worried about the roof.
Replacing and Aging Roof
There are many signs that a roof needs to be replaced. The lifespan of a typical roof is approximately 20 years. If you are interested in potentially getting a roof replacement, it’s important to find a company with experience and an excellent reputation. The life of the roof can vary depending on weather, past maintenance, and other factors. Most warning signs are visible to the naked eye if you know what to look for. These are a few of the signs that a roof needs to be replaced:
- Shingles are breaking apart or missing
- The warranty for your shingles has expired.
- Curled or worn shingles
- You find pieces of shingles in your gutters
Insurance
Aging and damaged roofs are considered a hazard in the insurance industry. If the underwriter of your Maryland home insurance policy decides that the condition of your roof puts your house at risk, they will cancel your insurance policy (or force you to resort to an extremely expensive plan). If your roof has sustained significant damage over the years, replacing it is usually the best option. Replacing the roof can be costly, but it ends up saving you money in the long run.
Types of Roofs
Fiberglass Shingles
In recent years, fiberglass shingles (also known as asphalt shingles) have become the most commonly used residential roofing material. Fiberglass shingles have become extremely popular in Maryland during the past few decades due to their longevity, affordability, and fire-resistance. Fiberglass shingles are made of three layers: base, asphalt, and ceramic granules. The color and texture of fiberglass can be texturized for a unique look. Fiberglass tends to be lighter than other roofing materials which makes them easier (and faster) to deliver. The best fiberglass shingles will not change shape, and they won’t dry out in the sun. Properly installed fiberglass shingles offer many benefits to your home:
- Energy efficiency (for a comfortable indoor temperature)
- Faster installation
- Weather-resistant
Metal Roofs
Metal roofing materials are recyclable, long-lasting, and popular for high-end homes in Maryland. Metal roofs are surprisingly lightweight compared to other roofing materials. Metal roofs are expensive, but they are able to withstand extreme weather conditions beautifully. The two types of metal roofing are metal roofing panels and metal roofing shingles. Installing a metal roof is a truly unique addition to your home. Materials include copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and zinc. If you are considering adding a metal roof to your home, contact EC roofing for the best installation, pricing, and maintenance.
Installing Cedar Shakes on Your Maryland Roof
Cedar shakes are wooden shingles made from split logs. In the U.S., shakes are commonly made from California Redwoods, Western Cedars (brown in color), or Atlantic White Cedars. Many Baltimore County residents prefer cedar shake roofing because of its rustic and timeless colonial appeal. Shake roofing is typically more expensive than fiberglass roofing, but it dramatically changes the appearance of your home. When cedar shakes are installed correctly, they provide lasting weather protection. Only the highest-grade shakes should be used for roofing. If you are new to roofing, it is important to find someone who knows the difference between low- and high-quality shakes. In some circumstances, it is appropriate for low quality shakes to be used as siding, but they should never be used for roofing. Cedar shake roofing typically requires some repairs during its lifetime, but these repairs tend to be quick and easy.
No matter what kind of roofing questions you have, EC Roofing provides the best service and warranties. Give us a call at 410-455-9880 and we’ll help you set up a free consultation with one of our roofing experts.