3 Ways Weather Impacts Your Roof

1. Wisconsin weather

Wisconsin experiences freezing temperatures in the winter and hot weather in the summer. These temperature shifts happen every year, but improper roof installation can increase the impact on your roofing materials.

Poorly ventilated roofing systems or attics can trap hot air, burning up your roof, and can, for example, cause asphalt shingles to crack or curl. Alternatively, in the winter, cold air can reach the warm air from heating your house, causing condensation. This can lead to swelling or rotting. Temperature changes will cause some natural damage to your roof over time, but proper installation can help extend the lifespan of your roof. Culbertson Construction can help make sure you have both proper ventilation and insulation to help protect your roof from Wisconsin’s weather shifts.

2. Extreme weather conditions

Roof replacement

Extreme weather is the least preventable way your roof may get damaged. This includes any regional weather conditions, and in Wisconsin, that means hail, tornadoes, or extreme wind.

Smaller hail can shorten the lifespan of your roof, while larger hail can even cause visible damage. Wind can rip off aged or improperly installed shingles, while tornadoes can cause all kinds of damage to your roof. Though in the cases of visible damage by hail or tornadoes, homeowner’s insurance will usually cover the cost of repairs.

3. Wear and tear

All roofs will experience the wear and tear of being constantly exposed to the elements throughout the years. This is normal, but the quality of the installation and the roofing material can help extend the life of your roof. To learn more about the different materials and the difference in cost, call Culbertson Construction or contact us below.

What can you do?

Proper roof maintenance can help prevent potential damage. Here are a few simple tasks you can handle on your own:

  • Clean your gutters. This can help prevent water flooding in your gutters and damaging the edges of your roof.
  • Check your ventilation and insulation. Good airflow in your attic can help prevent some of the damage caused by Wisconsin’s shifting weather.
  • Inspect for damages. Check your roof for missing shingles or any other damage, especially after the winter months. Repairing smaller issues can help extend the life of your roof.

4 Things to Consider Before You Replace Your Roof

1. Decide on a budget

Roof replacement is always an expensive investment. However, the material you choose plays a large role in the overall cost of the project. Roofing practices have improved greatly in recent years, meaning there are more options than ever before.

Some popular options are traditional asphalt or slate shingles, but there has also been a recent turn towards metal roofing. They can now manufacture metal roofs that resemble other materials, and they tend to last long and be more energy-efficient than traditional shingles.

When replacing your roof, it’s important to know what you want, but setting your budget will help determine what your options are. Culbertson Construction can help you decide what options would work best for you. Call us to get an estimate.

2. You should talk to multiple contractors

As with any construction project, you should talk to multiple contractors to compare your options. This can also help you determine whether you need a roof repair or a complete replacement.

You can also talk to friends and family members in the area who have gotten their roofs replaced for recommendations. You should get estimates from each contractor. This is a great way to compare prices, but also keep in mind that the cheapest option isn’t always the best. You should always make sure that your contractor is licensed and insured to prevent further issues.

3. Ask about material disposal

Getting a new roof typically means removing all of your old roofing materials first. Culbertson Construction cleans up after themselves, but not all contractors take care of disposing of those materials, so make sure to ask your contractors when getting an estimate if this is something they handle, or if you will need to dispose of the materials yourself.

Culbertson Construction installing a roof

If they do dispose of materials themselves, they will usually bring some kind of large container. It may also be helpful to ask where they plan on placing it while they are working, as on properties with limited yard space, the driveway may be the only option. This may be helpful to know ahead of time, in case you need to leave during working hours, you may need to plan to move your car ahead of time.

4. Roof replacement is a loud process

Keep in mind that the process of replacing your roof will be noisy. If this is a home project, you might want to consider scheduling it for a day that you can be out of the house, or at least on days you aren’t working from home as the sound can be distracting.

If your replacement is for an office building, you will want to give your employees a heads-up or offer the option to work from home if possible.

Need an estimate?

Call Culbertson Construction today at (920) 362-4204 or request a quote through our contact page!