Most homeowners dread replacing their roof, but when the time comes for new shingles, there’s no avoiding the investment. We’ve put together some tips for when to consider a new roof and the key season for roof installation.

When

A typical asphalt roof lasts between 20 and 25 years. Metal roofs can last for 50 years or more. Once you make the decision to replace your roof or upgrade, you’ll need to schedule installation. Which season is best?

In the winter, roof sealant won’t adhere as easily, and some shingles can’t be installed in cold weather. Fall is often the busiest time for roofers, so consider scheduling a new roof installation between July and September to get ahead of the game. A roof protects a home from wind and rain, so the best time to rip off the shingles and lay new ones is in dry weather.

Why

When the need is immediate, the decision is easy. Most homeowners opt for a new roof after a storm that results in wind, hail, or structural damage. Other signs of aging may surface over time and warrant a replacement. You can replace a shingle here and there, but it may be wiser to install a whole new roof depending on its age and the extent of wear. Look out for the following red flags:

• Cupped or clawed shingles (when the edges and tabs are curled upward or downward).
• Cracks, tears, and bald spots where granules have fallen off the shingles.
• Beams of light coming through the boards in the attic.
• Moisture in the insulation.
• Stains and streaks on the ceiling.
• Drooping or sagging, which could be signs of rotten boards and trapped moisture.
• Roofing granules on the ground or accumulating near the downspout.

How

Look to Spotless & Seamless, your Twin Cities roofing contractor, the next time you need a replacement. Whether you prefer asphalt shingles or durable metal roofing, we’ve got you covered. We also provide seamless siding, windows and doors, and clog-free gutters.

If you’re not sure when to replace your roof, count on our professional team for an evaluation and an estimate. We’re a Maple Grove roofing contractor offering special financing, a referral program, and roofing repair in addition to installation. For metal roofing that Minneapolis and St. Paul homeowners trust to protect their homes, contact Spotless & Seamless Exteriors.

During storm season, rain gutters are your home’s defense, channeling runoff water so it doesn’t damage your fascia boards, siding, foundation, landscaping, and more. Conventional gutters need to be cleaned of debris and require some minor repairs over time, but at some point, every homeowner needs to get a new system entirely. Read on to discover when to replace your gutters.

Cracks, Holes, and Rust

Large cracks and holes are obvious, but smaller ones may remain inconspicuous except during a storm. When it’s raining, check along your gutters to see if there are any leaks. You could seal them with roofing cement, but multiple cracks and holes may be a sign that you need a replacement.

Aging metal exposed to water will rust. You can prevent further corrosion with a rust-inhibiting paint, but if your gutters are deteriorating throughout, your rain carrying system may need an upgrade.

Blockages

If your gutters are frequently clogged, water will spill over onto the fascia board. Fascia boards hold the gutters and protect your roofing system, so if your gutters aren’t doing their job, they could rot. A clog-free gutter system like LEAFAWAY® can prevent blockages and save you from cleaning your gutters every few months.

Broken fasteners

If you are finding broken fasteners, screws, or nails on the ground around your home, it may mean your gutters are coming loose from the fascia boards. You could buy new fasteners and reattach sections, but you should consider a replacement if the fascia board is rotting.

Separating Seams

Leaking or separated gutter seams can be caused by bad joints, clogs, or simple aging. If your gutter joints are coming apart, consider upgrading to seamless gutters for a more efficient, uniform, and stable system.

An Overloaded System

If you hear water pouring over your gutters during a storm, they may be too small for your home or misaligned and not draining properly. Water running down the exterior walls of your home or puddling near the foundation could cost much more than a gutter replacement if the moisture rots exterior wood, floods the basement, or erodes landscaping.

As a Maple Grove roofing contractor, Spotless & Seamless Exteriors (SSE) also offers LEAFAWAY® gutter protection systems to homeowners throughout the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro. LEAFAWAY® provides seamless gutters Twin Cities homeowners trust to withstand the toughest weather conditions. These seamless gutters feature a one-piece design that deflects runoff debris while allowing rain to flow into the trough.

Available in a wide variety of beautiful colors, LEAFAWAY® gutters are custom-manufactured to fit your home perfectly. With this revolutionary product, you won’t ever have to clean your gutters again. No more worrying about gutter blockages. LEAFAWAY® keeps leaves, pinecones and needles, and twigs out. This, in turn, protects soffit and fascia boards, prevents ice damming, and maintains maximum water capacity throughout your home’s rain carrying system. SSE can also install a Superspout™ that provides 50 percent more drainage than conventional downspouts.

If you’re wondering when to replace your gutters, give your Minnesota clog-free gutter professionals a call. We provide a variety of financing options and referral rewards so you can save money.

Contact us for an estimate.