How Often Do You Need to Re-Shingle Your Home’s Roof?

There are several ways to tell when the shingles on your roof need repair or replacement. Proper routine maintenance can help to extend the life of the roof on your home before more extensive damage occurs.

Five Signs That Your Shingles Need Attention

- The edges of the roof shingles are curling

- There is moss or algae on the roof

- The tabs on your shingles are cupped

- Your asphalt roofing shingles are beginning to crack

- Other signs of visible roof aging

How Often Should My Shingles Be Replaced?

One of the main factors to consider when answering that question is the weather conditions in your region. According to homeadvisor.com, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind. The answer will vary depending on what type of shingles you have as well. Typically, asphalt shingles should be replaced approximately every 15 to 30 years. For component shingles, the estimate is approximately 12 to 20 years. Wood shingles should last about 20 to 25 years. A roofing contractor will perform a thorough inspection of your shingles for possible breaks, cracks and other issues. They will give you an analysis on the condition of your roof to determine if it is time for a roof replacement.

When Should I Replace the Roof of My House?

The obvious signals that would indicate that a roof replacement is necessary would be visible issues inside your home, such as leaking and water damage. There are also other things you should look for, and you should also take into consideration the age of your roof. The life expectancy of a roof can range from between 20 to 30 years.

Here are some other issues to look for:

- Blistering on the exterior paint

- Paint peeling

- Stains on the interior ceilings and walls

- The roof deck is sagging

If you have noticed that the ceiling in your attic is leaking or water stained, especially after a rainstorm, the problem is likely to be associated with an aging and faulty roof. The situation can also be causing an increase in your heating bill because the heat in your home is escaping out from the roof. Your roof is what protects your home, and it takes a lot of wear and tear. A new roof enhances the beauty of your home and property and does wonders for its curb appeal. Your beautiful new roof will also be much more energy-efficient.

Ways To Make Home Buying Less Stressful

Moving to a new home is both thrilling and hectic. On one hand, you’re probably excited about finding an ideal property or living in a new location. But at the same time, you must deal with a whole host of concerns. Take note of these ways to make home buying less stressful if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Figure Out What You Want

Looking through dozens of listings can become frustrating, especially when you don’t see anything that you like. Narrow your focus by figuring out what you want in a house before you start your search. Think about major features, such as the number of bathrooms and bedrooms, the overall square footage, and the neighborhood. When you have a clearer picture of your desires, finding a home becomes less daunting.

Be Open To Some Compromise

While you need to know what you want, it’s also important to be open to some compromise. If you become too staunch about every small feature, you’ll have a hard time throughout your home buying process. Instead, you should make a list of some core qualities that you prioritize the most. The more items a particular house meets on your list, the more you can consider purchasing it and vice versa.

Use a Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent is your guide to navigating the real estate world. They’ll have extensive knowledge about the local market in their area and the laws on home transactions. You can get help with confusing paperwork by hiring a real estate agent. They can also show you certain listings that aren’t available to the general public. Since home prices are often negotiable, they can intercede for you to obtain lower prices than you could on your own. All these benefits can work together to make a real estate agent helpful for making home buying less stressful.

How to Pick the Best Material for Your Home's Roof Repairs

Whether you are looking for new or roof repair materials, the choice of roof material can affect your roof's lifespan, aesthetic value, durability, and performance. Currently, there are many types of roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, wood shakes, concrete tiles, and synthetic materials. These materials have different qualities that need to be carefully considered. Thus, deciding the material to use for your roof replacement can be a daunting task. However, the following tips will help you in choosing the right materials for your roof.

Architectural Style

Having an idea of your house's style and age will help you choose a suitable repair material for your roof. For instance, if your house has historical characteristics, you may want to consider opting for materials that complement the time. Conversely, if your house is of a modern architectural style, any types of repair materials can complement your roof. In some cases, neighborhood associations may restrict to a type of material used.

Energy Efficiency

Different roofing materials have varying thermal properties. Also, it is worth noting that the type of material used determines your energy bills. For instance, metal roofs and asphalt shingles reflect away sunlight, keeping your house cool. As a result, your cooling systems won't have to work harder to regulate thermal temperatures, hence, reducing your energy bills. Also, certain roofing materials are better suited for particular climatic conditions.

Cost

It is crucial to contact a roof repair company to estimate the cost of various types of roof repair materials. The cost of roofing materials varies greatly, depending on the material, energy efficiency, and lifespan. For instance, shingles that have a lifespan of less than 20 years are inexpensive compared to those expected to last for close to 50 years. Also, it is crucial to assess the durability and the cost of maintenance for different roof materials.

During replacement, it is essential that you calculate the total cost of owning a roof throughout its entire lifecycle. Evaluate the cost of installation, repairs, maintenance, and disposal.

Climate Conditions

When selecting roofing materials, it is essential to consider the local climate. For instance, if you live in the highlands, choose materials that withstand heavy rains or a sloping roof that allows snow and water to drain easily. To limit roof damages and save on maintenance costs, choose materials that can withstand multiple kinds of harsh conditions.

Roofs play a fundamental role in protecting households from harsh conditions and providing security. Thus, selecting the right material for your roof is extremely important and cannot be overlooked. The highlighted factors will help you make informed decisions when choosing a roof.

4 Ways to Increase the Curb Appeal of Your Home This Spring

Whether you're on a budget or have some extra money to spend, you can easily enhance your home's curb appeal. For example, you can keep the yard clean, paint the house, or place a small chair on your porch. Here are a few more effective ways to increase the curb appeal of your home this spring.

Add a Doormat for Positivity

Doormats can be useful for showing visitors they're welcome at your house. Besides this, doormats are often inexpensive and attractive in appearance. In fact, they come in unique designs, colors, and shapes. To inspire positivity in your visitors, you can choose a doormat with a message such as "Hello", "Home Sweet Home" or "Yay! You're Here!", among many others. 

Upgrade Roofing

A residential roofing contractor can help you improve your curb appeal by installing a new roof. If you live in an older home, this will especially make a big difference. Notice if you have any missing shingles that need to be replaced as well. Using new roofing materials can add value and completely change the look of your home. 

Hang Up a Seasonal Wreath

Decorating your front door can create a pleasant environment, especially if you hang up a seasonal wreath. You can either learn to do it yourself by using an online tutorial, or purchase one locally or online. There are wreaths created with beautiful flowers, nature-inspired leaves, pretty bows, and more.

Utilize Plants to Your Advantage

Trees and shrubs can add some greenery to your yard, while flowers tend to brighten up the home in the best way. Another idea is to plant a native garden. Native gardens are healthy for the environment and give insects and animals a home and food. If you plant shrubs, be sure to keep them trimmed properly for neatness.

Paint the Front Door a Bright Color

Since the front door is one of the first things people will see when they visit your home, it only makes sense to give it an upgrade. Consider painting it a color that reminds you of spring such as a bright blue, yellow, pink, or green hue. Adding color can create charm and beauty in a stand-out way. Further, using paint is an inexpensive way to make stylish home improvements.

Other ideas include adding porch curtains, a front door mailbox, new house numbers, and others. Instead of overwhelming yourself with everything you have to do to improve your home's curb appeal, try pacing yourself by changing things once a week or a few times a month. By doing this, you'll still see the changes you want without putting excessive pressure on yourself. You can also get your family involved by asking them for their valuable input.