Author: Packerland Team

The weather during different seasons presents unique challenges for homeowners, and summer is no exception. Learning the factors that impact your roof during the summer helps you understand what preparations to make and what to look out for.

Humidity

Wisconsin has humid summers, and moisture can get trapped both on the surface of your roof and underneath your shingles. This can lead to the development of moss and sometimes even mold. If excess moisture builds up, it can lead to rot and eventually leaks.

Sunlight

Your roof takes direct sunlight all summer, and when we hit high temperatures, your roof will get even hotter, especially if you have dark-colored shingles. This extreme heat can cause your shingles to crack and shrink, exposing the structure underneath to the elements.

Storms

Summer weather typically comes with some rain storms, high winds, and sometimes tornadoes. Each of these can cause damage to your roof or the structural integrity of your home. Heavy rain can lead to leaks, high winds can loosen or tear shingles off, and tornadoes can come with a variety of problems. Storms can also cause trees to fall and land on your roof.

How Can You Prepare?

Regular roof maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent severe damage to your roof, no matter the season. You’ll want to make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean so that the water can properly drain from your roof during storms. While you’re up there, you will also want to check for any damaged or lifting shingles and get them replaced.

You’ll also want to check your attic and make sure that it’s getting proper ventilation. Trapped heat in your attic during summer weather can lead to moisture build-up, which will contribute to the development of mold during summer months.

If you’re in the process of replacing your roof, consider a light-colored material so that your roof attracts less heat overall. If you’re looking to repair or replace your roof, contact Culbertson Construction for a quote. We offer our services in Northeast Wisconsin: Oconto, Kewaunee, Door, Outagamie, Shawano, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Brown counties.

Your roof is one of the most important structures of your home, as it protects you from the elements and helps keep your home insulated. The quality of your roof and its maintenance impact the value of your home, and a new roof is a quick way to add curb appeal. There are many different types of roofing materials to choose from. Here’s a comparison of some of the most popular choices.

Asphalt Shingles

In the United States, asphalt shingles are one of the most popular materials for roofing. There are a few reasons for this; they are affordable and durable. There is also more of a color variety with asphalt shingles than with other roofing materials. Installation of asphalt shingles is also quicker than other shingle types, as they typically just have to be rolled out and nailed down.

Asphalt shingles are durable, with a typical lifespan of 25 to 50 years, depending on the manufacturer. However, they are still less durable than other roofing materials. This is because they are more susceptible to weather damage from severe temperature changes or storms. If you currently have asphalt shingles, you can tell it needs to be replaced when it loses all of its granules.

Culbertson Construction has our trusted brands listed on our roof replacement page. One of the brands we trust is Atlas. Take a look at their catalog if you want to see some of the color varieties offered.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing used to be used only on farm structures and commercial buildings, but it has become more popular for residential use in recent years. They are one of the best materials for UV protection and blocking out moisture. Metal roofs can last 50+ years as long as they’re well maintained, because when they take damage, it typically doesn’t impact the structural integrity of your roof.

Metal roof materials withstand elements like fire, water, and hail better than most other roofing materials. However, due to the lack of texture on metal roofing, the damage is much more obvious and can be noticed from a further distance than with other roofing types. All of these benefits lead to metal roofing being a bit more expensive than some of your other options.

Slate

Slate is a natural roofing material that is low maintenance, durable, and has one of the longest lifespans of roofing materials. Because slate roofing is stone, it is heavy. This means that it’s not suitable for all homes, as the structure may not be strong enough to support the weight.

Repairs tend to be more difficult on this roof type, and they are more specialized, so not all contractors will be able to install them. Slate is shaped after being harvested from natural quarries, so this means it will be one of the more expensive roofing materials to choose.

Clay and Concrete Tiles

Both of these roofing materials are also heavy, meaning that they aren’t suitable for all homes. They are more fragile and particular than other materials, which means there is a lot of maintenance required. They are both susceptible to water absorption, which means they would need to be resealed every few years.

Clay and concrete tiles are not recommended for Wisconsin homes, as the extreme cold temperatures in the winter make them more brittle and likely to become damaged. They are better utilized in regions where temperatures are hot year-round.

Contact Culbertson Construction

We offer our services in Northeast Wisconsin: Oconto, Kewaunee, Door, Outagamie, Shawano, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Brown counties.

If you have any questions or would like to request a quote, contact Culbertson Construction today!

Getting roof repairs for smaller issues can improve the lifespan of your roof. However, with more severe problems, getting a full replacement will help keep the structural integrity of your home and prevent further overall repair costs. Here are some early indicators of roof damage you should catch before it leads to further problems:

1. Damaged or missing shingles

Cracked, curling, and discolored shingles can indicate the need for a roof repair or replacement. These issues seem to be small, but they can make your shingles more likely to lift, which would mean your home is more exposed to damage from external elements. Similarly, moss growth on shingles retain moisture, which can deteriorate shingles even quicker. Missing shingles may also mean that your home will be more vulnerable to water damage and other external elements, so getting them replaced is a good idea.

2. Shingle granules

Small granules will come off asphalt shingles over time, which is a sign of damage from aging. The loss of these granules also means your shingles will be more susceptible to aging from sun exposure. Once there are a large number of granules in your gutters, this can be a sign that it’s time to replace your roof.

3. Drooping

If your roof is no longer holding its shape, it may start drooping in some areas. This can cause problems when it rains or snows, as water cannot properly travel down and may get stuck. Prolonged exposure to water can damage your shingles quickly, as well as lead to leaks within your home. Eventually, these problems can even lead to structural damage to your home, so it’s best practice to get repairs sooner rather than later.

4. Rising energy bills

If your energy bills suddenly become higher than expected, it may be a sign that your ventilation and/or insulation within your roof or attic has become damaged. This is a sign to get an inspection done to determine the cause and decide if a roof repair or replacement is your best option.

Contact Culbertson Construction

We offer our services in Northeast Wisconsin: Oconto, Kewaunee, Door, Outagamie, Shawano, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Brown counties.

Severe weather can quickly impact the integrity of your roof. With Wisconsin’s average of 23 tornadoes per year, your roof is bound to be impacted by weather in some way. Here are a few of the ways weather can impact the lifespan of 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

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.

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your roof, including its age, any leaks or damage, and the associated costs.

Older roofs that show signs of aging are more prone to further issues, causing repair costs to add up and making replacement a more cost-effective option.

Roof leaks and damage are the most common reasons homeowners need to consider repairing or replacing their roofs. If left unaddressed, these issues can lead to serious structural problems like mold, rotting framing, rusted shingles or panels, etc. Whether to repair or replace depends on the severity of the damage. Working with a contractor, like Culbertson Construction, can help you assess the extent of the damage and recommend the best course of action.

Cost is another major factor homeowners consider when deciding to repair or replace their roof. Generally, repairs have a lower upfront cost than a full replacement. However, if your roof is older or has severe damage, ongoing repair costs may exceed the price of a replacement. Investing in a new roof would give reassurance, knowing you won’t have recurring repair expenses.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Repairing Your Roof

With minor damages, roof repair can be quite cost-effective and straightforward, especially when the damage is localized to one area. However, this can vary depending on the roofing material, as some materials can be expensive to replace individually.

Curb appeal and aesthetics are also important considerations for homeowners. Over time, sun exposure can affect the color of your roof, and if you have leftover shingles, they may no longer match. While Culbertson Construction may be able to order shingles that closely match the weathered color, it’s important to keep in mind that the color may continue to change as the roof ages.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Replacing Your Roof

The biggest drawback of roof replacement is the high upfront cost, which is significantly more expensive than simple repairs. However, it’s important to consider that it may save you money in the long run, as you won’t be facing repeated repair costs.
 

Over the past decade, roofing materials have significantly improved in energy efficiency, helping to better protect your home from the elements. Additionally, your roof plays a key role in your home’s curb appeal, and replacing it allows you to choose a style and color that suits your preferences. 

Need an Estimate?

Call Ben Culbertson for a quote on roof repairs or replacement or request a quote below.