A Reliable Roof Over Your Head is a Wonderful Thing

When we talk about shelter, we often hear the phrase “a roof over your head.” It’s something you hear all the time. But as homeowners, how often do we actually think about that “roof over our head” in terms of what it needs, how to care for it, and when it might be time to consider a replacement? Good questions, right?

Roofing has a long and storied history. Humankind has always sought the protection of something over our heads – even in the earliest days when people would gather branches, leaves, straw, and mud to fabricate overhead protection from the rain, snow and other elements. Back then, a roof was necessary to keep your head dry and your cooking fire from being extinguished. Fast forward a few thousand years to the days of the Ancient Romans and Greeks, and you’ll see some significant developments in roofing technology – including the use of slate and tile, which are roofing materials still in use today! But it wasn’t until about the 19th Century when roofing materials began to change and evolve into what we know them as today – with shingles made of natural and synthetic materials and waterproof underlayments that help to prevent damage caused by freeze and thaw cycles or wind-driven rain.

Sure, modern roofing materials and technologies are much more adept at protecting your home and your family from the ravages of Mother Nature, but a roof is not an indelible part of your home. Just like your siding and your windows, your roof has a life expectancy. Now, it should be mentioned at this point that the average roof should last anywhere from 12 to 25 years. But it should also be mentioned that this life expectancy hinges on a number of factors – including the composition of the roofing material, and what kind of weather the roof has to endure over the years. A mighty hailstorm here in Kansas City can do an awful lot of damage to roofing materials. And after the hail has stopped falling, most homeowners don’t even know they have a roofing problem until the leaking starts through the ceiling inside the house (weeks or months later).

So, how do you know if you need a roofing replacement? Good question! Unfortunately, the answer is a bit complex. If you don’t see any water dripping through your ceiling inside the house, you often need the help of a professional inspector to determine if your roof is healthy or if it needs replacing. And if it does need replacing, don’t fret. Your roof protects your home, your family, and all of your possessions. It may be the single most important part of your home’s structure. And when a roof begins to fail – look out! All kinds of problems with water damage, property loss, and mold can follow.

Here at Continental Siding in Kansas City, we’re a leader roofing replacement jobs. We have asphalt shingles, steel roofing, and metal roofing to fit most roofing needs. We’re also proud to offer our many clients across Kansas and Missouri a wide selection of home improvement products and services that aim to help them keep their homes looking great and performing well. So, if you’re concerned about your roof, feel free to give us a call. We can certainly help!