​When it comes to building or repairing a roof, there are a variety of materials to choose from. From asphalt shingles to metal and tile, each material has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post we’ll explore the most popular roofing materials used in the United States and why they’re so popular.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the United States. They’re easy to install, widely available, and come in a variety of colors and textures. Asphalt shingles are also relatively inexpensive, making them a great option for those on a budget. One of the biggest advantages of asphalt shingles is their durability. Asphalt shingles can last up to 30 years with proper care and maintenance.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its durability, longevity, and energy efficiency. Metal roofs are composed of steel, aluminum, or copper and can last up to 50 years with proper care and maintenance. Metal roofs are also great for energy efficiency, as they reflect sunlight and help keep homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Clay and Concrete

Tile Clay and concrete tiles are a great option for those looking for a traditional, timeless look. Clay and concrete tiles are incredibly durable and can last up to 50 years or more. They also offer excellent insulation, especially in hot climates. However, clay and concrete tiles can be expensive and require professional installation.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are a classic choice for those looking for a natural, rustic look. Wood shingles are relatively inexpensive and can last up to 30 years with the proper care and maintenance. One of the biggest advantages of wood shingles is their natural insulation, helping to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. No matter which roofing material you choose, it’s important to consider your budget, the climate you live in, and the look you’re trying to achieve. Each roofing material offers unique advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to do your research and choose the option that is best for you. Before you replace your roof give us a call. We can help you select the best roofing system in Baldwin County for your unique situation.

Baldwin County is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Alabama, on the Gulf coast. As of the 2020 census, the population was 231,767. The county seat is Bay Minette. The county is named in honor of Senator Abraham Baldwin, though he never lived in what is now Alabama.

Baldwin was Alabama's fastest growing county from 2010 to 2020, with 4 of the top 10 fastest growing cities in the state in recent years. 

The U.S. federal government designates Baldwin County as the Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area.

It is the largest county in Alabama by area and is located on the eastern side of Mobile Bay. Part of its western border with Mobile County is formed by the Spanish River, a brackish distributary river.

Baldwin County was established on December 21, 1809, ten years before Alabama became a state. Previously, the county had been a part of the Mississippi Territory until 1817, when the area was included in the separate Alabama Territory. Statehood was gained by Alabama in 1819.

There have been numerous border changes to the county as population grew and other counties were formed. Numerous armies have invaded during the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War.

In the first days of Baldwin County, the town of McIntosh Bluff on the Tombigbee River was the county seat. (It is now included in Mobile County, west of Baldwin County.) The county seat was transferred to the town of Blakeley in 1820, and then to the city of Daphne in 1868. In 1900, by an act of the legislature of Alabama, the county seat was authorized for relocation to the city of Bay Minette; however, the city of Daphne resisted this relocation.

To achieve the relocation, the men of Bay Minette devised a scheme. They fabricated a murder to lure the Sheriff and his deputy out of the city of Daphne. While the law was chasing down the fictitious killer during the late hours, the group of Bay Minette men stealthily traveled the seventeen miles (27 km) to Daphne, stole the Baldwin County Courthouse records, and delivered them to the city of Bay Minette, where Baldwin County's county seat remains. A New Deal mural, completed by WPA artists during the Great Depression, depicts these events. It hangs in the Bay Minette United States Post Office.

Due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Baldwin County frequently endures tropical weather systems, including hur  ricanes. Since the late 20th century, the county has been declared a disaster area multiple times. This was due to heavy damages in September 1979 from Hurricane Frederic,[8] July 1997 from Hurricane Danny, September 1998 from Hurricane Georges, September 2004 from Hurricane Ivan,  and August 2005 from Hurricane Katrina.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,027 square miles (5,250 km2), of which 1,590 square miles (4,100 km2) is land and 437 square miles (1,130 km2) (21.6%) is water. It is the largest county by area in Alabama and the 12th-largest county east of the Mississippi River. It is larger than the US state of Rhode Island.

Adjacent counties

• Monroe County - northeast
• Escambia County, Florida - east
• Escambia County, Alabama - east
• Mobile County - west
• Washington County - northwest
• Clarke County - northwest

Environmental recognition. Two separate areas in Baldwin County have been designated as "Outstanding Alabama Water" by the Alabama Environmental Management Commission, which oversees the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. As of April 2007, only two other areas in Alabama have received what is the "highest environmental status" in the state. A portion of Wolf Bay and 42 miles (68 km) of the Tensaw River in northern Baldwin County have received the designation. Officials believe the "pristine water" will become an important eco-tourism destination.
National protected area.
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• Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge 

Metal roofs can last up to 100 years, with installers providing 50-year warranties. Because of their longevity, most metal roofs are less expensive than asphalt shingles in the long term.
Metal roofing can consist of a high percentage of recycled material and is 100% recyclable. It does not get as hot as asphalt, a common roofing material, and it reflects heat away from the building underneath in summertime. On a larger scale, its use reduces the heat island effect of cities when compared to asphalt. Coupled with its better insulating abilities, metal roofs can offer not only a 40% reduction in energy costs in the summer, but also up to a 15% reduction in the energy costs in the winter according to a 2008 Study by Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This finding is based on the use of a strapping system of four inches between the plywood and "cool-color" metal on top, which provides an air gap between the plywood roof sheathing and the metal. Cool-color metals are light, reflective colors, like white. The study went on to say that re-sealing and insulating air ducts in the attic will save even more money.
Metal roofing is also lightweight, creates little stress on the load bearing roof support structures and can be installed on top of an existing roof. A lightweight roof is very useful for large and or old structures, as it helps to maintain the overall structural integrity of the building. Despite its light weight, metal roofing provides increased wind resistance when compared to other roofing materials. This is because metal roofing systems use interlocking panels. Metal Roofing Sheets are also resistant to any kind of attack by pests and insects.

Metal roofs are sometimes made of corrugated galvanized steel: a wrought iron–steel sheet was coated with zinc and then roll-formed into corrugated sheets. Another approach is to blend zinc, aluminum, and silicon-coated steel. These products are sold under various trade names like "Zincalume" or "Galvalume". The surface may display the raw zinc finish, or it may be used as a base metal under factory-coated colors. Another metal roofing product comes in a rolled form of various widths of so-called standing seam metal. The material is "seamed" together using a special roof seaming machine that is run vertically up the panel to seal the joints and prevent water intrusion.
Metal tile sheets can also be employed. These are usually painted or stone-coated steel. Stone coated steel roofing panels are made from zinc/aluminium-coated steel with an acrylic gel coating. The stones are usually a natural product with a colored ceramic coating.  Stainless steel is another option. It is usually roll-formed into standing seam profiles for roofing; however, individual shingles are also available. Other metals used for roofing are lead, tin and aluminium and copper.
Copper is used for roofing because it offers corrosion resistance, durability, long life, low maintenance, radio frequency shielding, lightning protection, and sustainability benefits. Copper roofs are often one of the most architecturally distinguishable features of prominent buildings, including churches, government buildings, and universities. Today, copper is used in not only in roofing systems, but also for flashings and copings, rain gutters and downspouts, domes, spires, vaults, and various other architectural design elements. At the Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies in Pomona, California, copper was chosen for the roofing on regenerative principles: if the building were to be dismantled the copper could be reused because of its high value in recycling and its variety of potential uses. A vented copper roof assembly at Oak Ridge National Laboratories (U.S.) substantially reduced heat gain compared with stone-coated steel shingle or asphalt shingle, resulting in lower energy costs.

Several types of coatings are used on metal panels to prevent rust, provide waterproofing, or reflect heat. They are made of various materials such as epoxy and ceramic.
Ceramic coatings can be applied on metal roof materials to add heat-reflective properties. Most ceramic coatings are made from regular paint with ceramic beads mixed in as an additive.
Coatings are sometimes applied to copper. Clear coatings preserve the natural color, warmth, and metallic tone of copper alloys. Oils exclude moisture from copper roofs and flashings and simultaneously enhance their appearance by bringing out a rich luster and depth of color. The most popular oils are lemon oil, U.S.P., lemongrass oil, Native E.I., paraffin oils, linseed oil, and castor oil. On copper roofing or flashing, reapplication once every three years can effectively retard patina formation. In arid climates, the maximum span between oilings may be extended up to five years. Opaque paint coatings are primarily applied over copper when substrate integrity and longevity are desired but a specific color other than the naturally occurring copper hues is required. Lead-coated copper coatings are used when the appearance of exposed lead is desired or where water runoff from uncoated copper alloys would ordinarily stain lighter-colored building materials, such as marble, limestone, stucco, mortar, or concrete Zinc-tin coatings are an alternative to lead coatings since they have approximately the same appearance and workability.

Algae
Rooftop fungus that can leave dark stains on roofing.

Angled Fasteners
Roofing nails and staples driven into decks at angles not parallel to the deck.

Apron Flashing
Metal flashing used at chimney fronts.

ARMA
Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association. Organization of roofing manufacturers.

Asphalt
A bituminous waterproofing agent used in various types of roofing materials.

Asphalt Concrete Primer
Asphalt based primer used to prepare concrete and metal for asphalt sealant

Asphalt Plastic Cement
Asphalt based sealant material, meeting ASTM D4586 Type I or II. Used to seal and adhere roofing materials. Also called mastic, blackjack, roof tar, bull.

ASTM
The American Society for Testing and Materials. Organization that sets standards for a wide variety of materials, including roofing.

Back Surfacing
Granular material added to shingle’s back to assist in keeping separate during delivery and storage.

Blistering
Bubbles or pimples in roofing materials. Usually moisture related. In shingles blisters are caused by either moisture under the material or moisture trapped inside the material.

Blow-Offs
When shingles are subjected to high winds, and are forced off a roof deck.

Buckling
When a wrinkle or ripple affects shingles or their underlayments.

Closed Cut Valley
A shingle valley installation method where one roof plane’s shingles completely cover the other’s. The top layer is cut to match the valley lines.

Counter Flashing
The metal or siding material that is installed over roof-top base flashing systems.

Crickets
A peaked water diverter installed behind chimneys and other large roof projections. Effectively diverts water around projections.

Cupping
When shingles are improperly installed over an existing roof or are over-exposed, they may form a curl or cup. May also be due to a manufacturing defect.

Deck
The substrate over which roofing is applied. Usually plywood, wood boards, or planks.
 
Deck Armor™
Deck Armor™ – premium breathable roof deck protection. It provides a critical extra layer of protection between your shingles and your roof deck — to help prevent wind-driven rain (or water from other sources) from infiltrating under your shingles and causing damage to your roof structure or to the inside of your home.

Dormer
A raised roof extending out of a larger roof plane.

Drip Edge
An installed lip that keeps shingles up off the deck at edges, and extends shingles out over eaves and gutters, and prevents
Dubl-Coverage Mineral Guard®
Roll roofing material with 19″ selvage edge for double coverage over roof deck.

Eaves
The roof edge from the fascia to the structure’s outside wall. In general terms, the first three feet across a roof is termed the eave.

End Laps
When installing rolled products in roofing, the area where a roll ends on a roof, and is overlapped by the next section of rolled material.

EWA
Engineered Wood Association. Tests and sets standards for all varieties of plywood used in the U.S.

Exposure
The area on any roofing material that is left exposed to the elements.

Fasteners
Nails or staples used to secure roofing to the deck.

FHA
The Federal Housing Authority sets construction standards throughout the U.S.

Fiberglass Mat
Fibers condensed into strong, resilient mats for use in roofing materials.

Flange
Metal pan extending up or down a roof slope around flashing pieces. Usually at chimneys and plumbing vents

Flashing
Materials used to waterproof a roof around any projections

Flashing Cement
Sealant designed for use around flashing areas, typically thicker than plastic cement.

Gable Roof
Traditional roof style; two peaked roof planes meeting at a ridge line of equal size.

Granules
Crushed rock that is coated with a ceramic coating and fired, used as top surface on shingles.

Hand-Sealing
The method to assure sealing of shingles on very steep slopes, in high wind areas, and when installing in cold weather.

High Nailing
When shingles are nailed or fastened above the manufacturer’s specified nail location.

Hip Legs
The down-slope ridges on hip roofs.

Hip Roof
A roof with four roof planes coming together at a peak and four separate hip legs.

Ice Dam 
When a snow load melts on a roof and re-freezes at the eave areas. Ice dams force water to “back-up” under shingles and cause leakage.

“L” Flashing
Continuous metal flashing consisting of several feet of metal. Used at horizontal walls, bent to resemble an “L”.

Laminated Shingles
Shingles made from two separate pieces that are laminated together such as GAF Timberline® Series, Country Mansion®and Grand Sequoia® Shingles. Also called dimensional shingles and architectural shingles.

Laps
The area where roll roofing or rolled underlayments overlap one another during application (see also side laps and end laps)
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Liberty™
Self-adhering low-slope roofing. Liberty™ systems are applied without torches, open flames, hot asphalt, or messy solvent-based adhesives.

Low Slopes
Roof pitches less than 4:12 are considered low sloped roofs. Special installation practices must be used on roofs sloped 2:12-4:12. Shingles can not be installed at slopes less than 2/12.

Mansard
A roof design with a nearly vertical roof plane that ties into a roof plane of less slope at its peak.

Mats
The general term for the base material of shingles and certain rolled products.

Modified bitumen
Rolled roofing membrane with polymer modified asphalt and either polyester or fiberglass reinforcement.

Mortar
Mixture of sand, mortar, limestone and water used in bonding a chimney’s bricks together.

Nail Guide Line
Painted line on laminated shingles, to aid in the proper placement of fasteners.

Nail-Pop
When a nail is not fully driven, it sits up off the roof deck.

Nesting
Installing a second layer of shingles aligning courses with the original roof to avoid shingle cupping.

NRCA
The National Roofing Contractors Association. Respected national organization of roofing contractors.

Open Valley
Valley installation using metal down the valley center.

Organic Mat
Material made from recycled wood pulp and paper.

Organic Shingles
Shingles made from organic (paper) mats.

OSB
Oriented Strand Board. A decking made from wood chips and lamination glues.

Overdriven
The term used for fasteners driven through roofing material with too much force, breaking the material
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Overexposed
Installing shingle courses higher than their intended exposure.

Quarter Sized
Term for the size of hand sealant dabs, size of a U.S. 25¢ piece.

Racking
Method of installing shingles in a straight up the roof manner.

Rake Edge
The vertical edge of gable style roof planes.

Release Film
The plastic sheet installed on the back of WeatherWatch® and StormGuard® underlayments. Used for packaging and handling. Remove before installation.

Rigid Vent
Hard plastic ridge vent material.

Roof Louvers
Rooftop rectangular shaped roof vents. Also called box vents, mushroom vents, airhawks, soldier vents.

Roof Plane
A roofing area defined by having four separate edges. One side of a gable, hip or mansard roof.

Sawteeth
The exposed section of double thickness on Timberline® Series shingles – also called dragon teeth. Shaped to imitate wood shake look on the roof.

Self-Sealant
Sealant installed on shingles. After installation, heat and sun will activate sealant to seal the shingles to each other.

Selvage
The non exposed area on rolled roofing. Area without granules. Designed for nail placement and sealant.

Shed Roof
Roof design of a single roof plane. Area does not tie into any other roofs.

Shingle-Mate®
GAF’s shingle underlayment. Breather type with fiberglass backing to reduce wrinkles and buckles.

Side Laps
The area on rolled material where one roll overlaps the rolled material beneath it. Also called selvage edge on rolled roofing.

Side Walls
Where a vertical roof plane meets a vertical wall. The sides of dormers etc.

Soffit Ventilation
Intake ventilation installed under the eaves, or at the roof edge.

Starter Strip
The first course of roofing installed. Usually trimmed from main roof material.

Steep-Slope Roofing
Generally all slopes higher than 4/12 are considered steep slopes.

Stepflashing
Metal flashing pieces installed at sidewalls and chimneys for weatherproofing.

Tab
The bottom portion of traditional shingle separated by the shingle cut-outs.

Tear-Off
Removal of existing roofing materials down to the roof deck.

Telegraphing
When shingles reflect the uneven surface beneath them. Ex: Shingles installed over buckled shingles may show some buckles.

Transitions
When a roof plane ties into another roof plane that has a different pitch or slope.

Underdriven
Term used to describe a fastener not fully driven flush to the shingles surface.

Underlayments
Asphalt-based rolled materials designed to be installed under main roofing material to serve as added protection.

Valleys
Area where two adjoining sloped roof planes intersect on a roof creating a “V” shaped depression.

Vapor
Term used to describe moisture laden air.

Warm Wall
The finished wall inside of a structure, used in roofing to determine how far up the deck to install waterproof underlayments at eaves.

Warranty
The written promise to the owner of roofing materials for material related problems.

Waterproof Underlayments
Modified bitumen based roofing underlayments. Designed to seal to wood decks and waterproof critical leak areas.

Woven Valleys
The method of installing valleys by laying one shingle over the other up the valley center.

Q: For how long should a roof be expected to last?A: Because all roofs will eventually deteriorate, how quickly they do so is dependent on many factors. Ventilation of the roof and attic, local climate, level of materials quality and more can all affect the projected lifespan of a roof.

Q: What factors contribute to roof deterioration?
A: Roof deterioration is the result of a combination of many things. Ultraviolet rays from the sun, extremes in temperature, wind and rain, level of foot traffic and more can all deteriorate a roof over time. Additionally, shingles of a darker color live shorter lives than lighter colored shingles.

Q: What can cause wood shingles to crack and split?
A: The cracking and splitting of wood is a natural occurrence as wood ages, and is primarily a result of swelling from moisture absorption and shrinking from the drying that follows.

Q: Can a pre-existing roof be covered with another layer?
A: Local building codes occasionally have ordinances which restrict the number of layers a building may have. Multiple layers often make a roof more vulnerable to hail, and applying new roofs over wood shingles may result in problems with fungus.

Q: Is it possible to repair composition shingles?
A: If damage to the shingles is minor, a contractor can replace individually damaged shingles.

Q: How large does hail need to be to damage roofing?
A: Several variables can determine whether hail will damage your roof, including the type and age of the roof, wind speed, density, hardness, and even shape. Typically, hail around the size of a marble won’t damage well maintained composition shingles, unless in extreme winds.

Q: Is it normal to find granules from a composition roof in the gutter and driveway?
A: Granular loss is a normal part of the weathering that composition shingles undergo, but wind, rain, and other affects can also displace some of the granules.

Q: Is it normal to discover lightly colored “splatter” marks on the roof after a hailstorm?
A: Such marks are normal to see after hail. After installation, the roof darkens due to the presence of oxidation and algae, which are both removed during contact with hail. These marks will disappear as the oxidation and algae return.

Q: Are houses in the same neighborhood all affected in the same ways by hail?
A: Because the physical aspects of hail can vary widely even within small areas, different houses are affected differently during hailstorms. Velocity of the hail, geography, age, and condition of the roof, and wind direction can all also alter how hail affects a roof.

Q: What are particular obstacles one should consider before replacing a roof?
A: Several subjects should be considered when undertaking that process, including:

1. The design of your roof may have been intended for wood shingles.

2. The eaves of your house may not have the right positive air intake for ventilation if a composition roof were installed.

3. You should be aware of what decking and wood lath you’re working with, as the interface of materials with your existing valleys, trim, and dormers can alter the roof design.

4. Wood shingle roofs are able to “breath” on their own, due to wood’s moisture evaporation and convection of heat. Replacing wood shingles would necessitate additional ventilation such as vents or wind turbines.

5. If you have a vaulted ceiling, it may be constructed into the roofline, and depending on the lay of insulation, air may not be able to circulate and dissipate heat properly. Specialized channels can now be installed during re-roofing that will allow for proper movement of air.

6. Some new materials can be installed that will save money with air conditioning and heating, such as solar shield decking, sensory exhaust fans, as well as Energy Star rated roofing products. Ridge Vents are also available that provide non-powered attic ventilation, with 5 feet being equivalent to 2 wind turbines.

7. Composition, metal, or thermoplastic roofs require some method to move hot air out of the attic, or else the attic’s temperature would be exponentially increased, as would the bill for air conditioning. Attics need the right intake and exhaust if you want to keep temperatures down.
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8. Your roof may have an open valley or a closed valley, with the primary drawback of the latter being the build up of material into a visible hump in the roof. Open valley designs not only eliminate that build up, but also divert water away from the roof.

Longevity of Roof Shingles

The cheapest of asphalt shingles generally will be most susceptible to deterioration from temperature, wind, storms, and exposure to the sun, and may begin to show signs of damage within 5-6 years (possibly less) after their initial installation, and their overall lifespan is usually the shortest as well, averaging somewhere between 12 and 18 years. Shingle granules are typically applied to protect against weather, and sunlight and ultraviolet radiation. The process of aging speeds up as these granules wear away, and so leaks are more likely to occur as the shingles deteriorate.

Loss of granularity can result from numerous factors, ranging from expected wear and tear to foot traffic, blistering of the shingles, mechanical damage, hail, or even from defective product. Ice dams, poor ventilation, and growth of moss can also reduce the longevity of your shingles. In hotter and mostly sunny climates, lighter color shingles are best as they offer the most resistance to UV rays, heat, and drying out.
In hot and humid climates, however, shingles are more susceptible to fungal and algae, and you should consider special algae resistant shingles which are partially coated with leachable copper, protecting them against algae, moss, and general discoloration. Newly formulated algae resistant shingles are available from Atlas with a Lifetime Warranty, for example.
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Most shingles suffer damage during hailstorms and will require replacement, but there are premium asphalt shingles from some manufacturers that are able to withstand Class IV hail storms. These are of similar durability to concrete tile or metal roofing.

10 Fun and Interesting Roofing Facts

Over the course of thousands of years, an incredible number of advances and discoveries in roofing alone have occurred, and these are just a few of our favorite facts for your enjoyment.

1. Thatch, stone, and clay comprise some of the most ancient roofing materials in the world, with thatch dating to somewhere between 5000 and 1800 B.C., while clay tiles can be found as old as 12,000 years ago.

2. Thatched roofs, thanks to the reeds used in their construction, are inherently waterproof, and the bundles that make up their construction sheds water away like no other, as well as snow and sleet in colder climates.

3. In the Pacific Northwest, the most classical types of roofing are consistently considered to be red and white cedar shingles.

4. While the use of natural materials holds sentimental appeal with many people, because of the risk of fire, some insurance companies will increase the charge to cover a home made of such, or even deny insurance at all.

5. Wood shingles are often heavier in their weight than materials made of metal.

6. Even though little over a century old, asphalt shingles are easily the most popular roofing in the United States of America.

7. “Green” or eco-friendly roofing materials last longer than asphalt shingles.

8. Traditional green roofs, with plants growing directly on them, will never leak if properly installed. The plants and soil protect against temperature variance and damage from the sun, and as along as the water barrier remains intact, a green roof will keep the rain out for years ahead.

9. Generally, water travels before it visibly drips through a roof, and a leak can sometimes come out twenty feet or more away from the source in the roof.

10. The weakest parts of your roof are the areas that require protection in the form of flashing, but damage shingles or damaged waterproofing can also be a common source of leaks. While you may not need to replace your entire roof, a prolonged leak without maintenance, dry rot (or simply a very old roof) may indicate that it is time for a full replacement.

Do not hesitate if your roof needs inspection or maintenance. At Roofing Systems of Baldwin County our team of trustworthy and experienced professionals are at your service. Remember that estimates are always free, and financing is available.

Most of the time, your roof is probably “out of sight, out of mind.” However, your roof protects your most valuable assets: your family and your home. It’s also the single most expensive part of your house to have replaced, so it just makes good sense to maintain it and to keep an eye out for minor problems before they become major repairs.
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We’ll discuss five of the most common areas of your roof that are likely to develop leaks or other problems. Grab a pair of binoculars, and give each of the following areas a careful and regular once-over. (Of course, if you don’t feel comfortable checking these items out yourself, just give us a call. We’ll be happy to schedule a professional roof inspection for you.)

Shingles
The main expanse of the roof (called the “roof field”) is commonly covered with shingles, tiles, or wood shakes. With shingles, things you want to look for include discoloration, curling, cracking, missing shingles, and missing granules. Look for nail heads that have popped up. Take your time and examine each row carefully. If you have a tile roof, look for cracked, chipped, and missing tiles. Don’t allow anyone other than a qualified roofing contractor walk on your roof; doing so could easily break tiles and cause problems.

With a wood shakes, you should look for shingles that are curling, cracking, lifting, warping, or missing. Also look for moss growing on the roof. If left to grow, the moss can cause serious long-term damage.

Fascia 
The fascia is the board running along the roofline that covers the area where the roof is joined to the wall. Because the fascia is continually exposed to the elements, it is likely to deteriorate over time. Often tucked behind gutters and not easily seen, it’s common for the deterioration to progress without being noticed. Carefully examine each board for areas of moisture penetration or wood rot. For proper repair, damaged boards should be removed and replaced.
 
Soffit
The soffit is the horizontal section of the roof below the roof eaves. It is also exposed to the weather and subject to deterioration over time. Thoroughly inspect the soffit all the way around your house for areas of damage. Damaged areas should be removed and replaced.

Gutters
Gutters are an important part of your roofing system. They’re designed to collect rainwater pouring off your roof, direct it to the downspouts, and drain it away from the house. If the gutters aren’t working properly, water can back up and puddle on your roof– which will cause sure and swift damage. That’s why it’s important to keep gutters free from debris such as leaves, dirt, and plant growth.

Flashing
Flashing is the thin strips of metal that are installed to seal and protect the joints of a roof from water intrusion. It’s typically found around pipes and chimneys, as well as around skylights and dormers. The most common type of flashing damage to watch for is either corrosion to the metal, or pieces that have come loose from their original placement.

Check the Attic
When the Roofing Systems of Baldwin County Pros are inspecting your roof for signs of damage, don’t forget to check your attic if you have one. It’s often the first place you’ll find signs of roof problems. Take a good flashlight with you and inspect the ceiling, floor, and insulation for any signs of water intrusion. If you see any stains or notice any weird smells, be sure to check them out carefully.

All roofs will deteriorate with age. But by inspecting the areas described here and catching roof problems early, you can help prevent many of them from turning into expensive repairs down the road. 

If your roof is leaking or shows any other signs of problems, give us a call now at 251-202-7055 for a professional inspection and evaluation.

We work outside of regular business hours and are always here for you if you have an emergency.