New Orleans Roof Replacement – New Roof
When you refer to your home in the simplest terms, what do you call it? A roof over your head, right? Your home is more than that, but it goes to show that there is no single more important element of your house than the roof. At Shifflett Roofing, we take care of this all-important part of your home with the best value, the best warranties, and our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Your roof is the most important investment you’ll make, and we protect that investment with the Shifflett Promise.
If you ever “shop around” for roofing companies, you’ll see what a difference that promise can make. Shifflett Roofing is proud to offer a free, no-obligation inspection to give you all the facts as you make important decisions about your roof. We’ll make the right call for you and stand behind our work with a 30- to 50-year guarantee on the roof, and a 10-year guarantee on labor. Shop around and you’ll see, that no one else will offer that kind of peace of mind.
In addition to easy, low-interest financing for every job we undertake, we are proud to offer the highest quality of shingles on the market, installed by professionals who are certified Master Elite Roofers™ through GAF. Our warranties are built around the expertise of our installers, who go through some of the most rigorous training in the country to earn their certification.
But before we put them to work, we make sure you have all the information you need to make the right decision for your roof. Below we’ve answered some of your most pressing questions.
How Long Should a Roof Last?
If properly installed, a basic roof without an extended warranty from the manufacturer can last 15-20 years or more. This depends, naturally, on several factors. Significant weather events such as tornadoes or hurricanes will have an impact, but so will a lack of proper maintenance. Either one can shorten a roof’s lifespan, even if they don’t show visible damage.
Thankfully, this means you don’t have to go through the process of replacing your entire roof very often – in fact, it likely means that if you’re shopping around for a new roof, this is your first time and we want to empower you and educate you so that you are making an informed decision and feel confident with your choice.
As such, it’s a good idea to learn what the signs are that you need a new roof, as well as what benefits your home and wallet might see from a new roof. This is a massive investment and one you want to pursue with the best information.
More likely than not, your roof was built with asphalt shingles, layers of organic matter, and cement fibers layered on a coating of black asphalt to protect from water, wind, and UV rays. If you see any serious cracks, areas where the outer granules have worn away, or shingles that have curled up along the edges, these are all signs that your roof should be replaced.
There are, however, other tell-tale signs of a roof that has reached the end of its lifespan:
- The Age of the Roof: As mentioned, a typical roof will give you 15-20 years or longer (unless you have purchased an extended warranty). If there were no issues during installation, and your roof has not yet reached that age, you may be able to make do with repairs and not have to go through a full re-roofing.
- Water Spots Inside the Home: A water stain is easy to spot on the ceiling or running down an interior wall, but determining the source of that leak can be more difficult. In general, it’s easier to find the source of a fast leak than a slow one because slow leaks tend to send water far away from the original opening in the roof.
- Water Spots on the Exterior of Walls of Home: Much like water spots on interior walls, water spots on exterior walls indicate a leak – usually on the flashing, where the roof meets the wall. Typically, flashing can rust through or loosen over time, leaving behind telltale water spots
- Condition of Shingles: On a roof in good condition, shingles will lie flat. Look for any that are visibly cracked or are showing signs of buckling or warping, particularly after heavy storms. A few missing shingles here or there or minor damage do not necessarily mean you need a new roof, but they should be repaired right away to prevent further damage.
- The Shape of the Roof: Check the roofline itself to make sure everything appears straight and angled. A sagging or drooping roof is a ticking timebomb, quickly leading to trapped moisture and rot in its lowest points which can swiftly cause more damage to your home.
- Granules in Gutters: It’s natural over the lifespan of the roof for a few granules to come off, and they’ll usually collect in your home’s gutters. A sudden increase in volume, however, could mean bad things for your roof. Take a peek inside the gutters to make sure you’re not collecting more than usual. If so, inspect the roof for “bald spots” where most of the granules have worn off.
Another sign that your roof needs replacing or repair is the presence of algae, mold, or mildew. While any one of them spells trouble, there are different consequences and causes for each that you should know about.
Algae: When water is allowed to collect on shingles or in gutters, that moisture can become a breeding ground for spores that soon flourish into algae. Easily identifiable by its black-and-green coloration, this organism may seem harmless but over time will erode your shingles, deteriorating your roof’s integrity and causing rot.
Mold: Like algae, mold can grow in places where water has been allowed to pool. Unlike algae, though, you’ll more likely smell mold before you see it. Once you do, the telltale slimy patch of black, green, and brown is a sign that your roof is in trouble. Beyond simply causing damage to your home, mold can cause serious health issues, so it should be treated immediately.
Mildew: Like mold, mildew thrives in moisture-rich spots of your roof and can cause health issues. While you will need longer exposure to mildew to get sick, the consequences can be equally serious. Look for a powdery patch with colors that can run from shades of gray to the occasional pink blotch.
Moss: A patch of fuzzy, forest-green moss might add a touch of storybook whimsy to a home’s roof, and many homeowners might allow it to grow for pure aesthetics, but there can be serious consequences of a mossy patch. The thick layer of greenery can trap moisture underneath it which, if allowed to spread into the shingles, can cause damage from rot.
Why is Now the Right Time for a Replacement Roof?
If you see one or more of these issues, it could very well mean that your roof needs a replacement. But there are benefits to a new roof that go far beyond mitigating further damage to your home:
- Increased Resale Value: Just as much as remodeling or an extra bedroom, a new roof can have a massive impact on a home’s value. Prospective buyers are often hesitant about possible repair costs that may be waiting for them, so a new roof offers an extraordinary level of comfort. As such, you should almost view the money you put into a new roof as an investment, one that will pay huge dividends down the road.
- Lower Energy Bills: Old, leaky roofs don’t just let water in; they also heat up more in the sun and leak conditioned air, creating massive inefficiencies in your home’s heating and cooling. These inefficiencies can add up to a huge difference in your electric or gas bill as your system struggles to keep up.
- Greater Comfort: Beyond the strain that an old roof puts on your system, it can also create uncomfortable hot and cold spots in your house. Modern shingles are designed to repel heat to a far greater degree than old ones, helping moderate air temperatures inside by repelling heat from the outside.
- A Healthier Environment: As mentioned before, mold and mildew can flourish wherever your roof has allowed moisture to collect and make its way inside. Those who are allergic to mold and mildew will experience a significant amount of discomfort, but even those who are not could be in danger of severe health risks if exposed to these contaminants.
- Curb Appeal: Whether or not your home is on the market, a new roof makes a dazzling statement when it comes to your home’s overall aesthetic. Think of it as giving new life to your older home while adding value to not only your property but your neighbors’ as well.
We Offer Customized Estimates on New roofs Based on The Size of Your Home
When it comes to roofs, we at Shifflett Roofing and Exteriors have been in the business long enough to know one fundamental truth: No two roofs are alike. What works for you will not work for your neighbor, so we don’t make rough estimates, and we never try to sell you anything you don’t need. We work with you instead, creating a customized plan that works for your home and only your home.
And when you’re ready for us, we will work with your schedule to minimize any disruption to your day-to-day life. Storms happen all the time, emergencies pop up without warning. We scheduled around them, ensuring a seamless experience for you.
A Part of the Community, Here for You
As a locally owned and operated business, we like to think that we are not just serving the community. We’re part of it. When you trust us to deliver and craft a beautiful new roof, you’re not just adding value to your home. You’re investing in long-term careers for your neighbors and adding value to our community. Members of our team are out there every day, volunteering their time at local causes and helping lift up our neighbors. Your support plays a large part in that.
As members of the New Orleans business community since 1999, we’re thrilled at the number of referrals we see from families and friends who know Shifflett Roofing offers a top-notch experience and unparalleled craftsmanship. Schedule a free no-obligation inspection of your roof today and put our decades of experience to work for you.
