Keeping​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Your Roof in Top Shape in Greenville, DE

 

If you are a resident of Roofing Contractor in Greenville, DE, and have been here for some time, then you must be aware that our weather conditions are very unpredictable. One week it feels like we are in the sunny coast of California, but the next day we have to face strong winds, unexpected rains, and a suffocating kind of humidity that sticks to you. Being a roofing contractor and at the same time your neighbor, I can tell you that I have seen how this kind of weather can be very harsh for the average roof in Greenville.

I am not here to give you a sales pitch—just to inform you what we have learned while assisting the local residents in making their homes weatherproof, stable, and comfortable. Consider this as a friendly chat over the backyard fence.

How Greenville Weather Affects Your Roof

When people inquire about the main factors that wear out roofs, most of them think of very dramatic things—violence of nature, trees falling, massive hail. But to be honest? Most of the time it is the quiet and slow effects of the changes in seasons that really wear out roofs.

Winter

Winters in Greenville are not always severe; however, when it gets really cold, the weather tends to make some tricks. I had to go and check out what was going on at a neighbor’s place near Route 52 after a frost. The ice had formed along the roof edge, causing an ice dam that was melting the snow and the water couldn’t drain properly. The water infiltrated the shingles and went into the attic. Fortunately, we got to it early—only a small part of the roof had to be fixed, not a major leak.

Ice dams of that kind occur when heat from inside the house melts the snow on the roof too fast. The water from the melting snow goes to the roof edge where it freezes again. Proper insulation and ventilation in the attic can solve this problem.

Summer Heat & Humidity

After that, there is summer. The humidity may make your hair stand on end and at the same time, your roof is getting no good out of it. The heat may force the shingles to expand and contract thus making them brittle with time.

More than that are the cases of algae and mold growth. If your roof has those dark marks, especially on the side that is in the shadow, then you are in the company of many others. It is mostly a cosmetic issue but if left there for a long time, it can accelerate the wearing out of the shingles.

Spring & Fall Storms

This is where the dramatic damage that people get worried about takes place. The high-speed winds that go through the Brandywine Valley can loosen the shingles or flashing. What is more, if you have some big trees around your house (most of us do), branches hitting the shingles can remove granules or in extreme cases rip the shingles.

We always advise: don’t panic after a big storm, go for a walk around your house. Just a quick look could help you find the issues at their early stage.

What We See Most in Greenville Roofs

After working on roofs throughout the Greenville, the most common problems that we have encountered are mentioned below.

Aging Shingles

Our area is full of old homes—some dating back several decades. The majority of roofs have been done before new more durable materials were introduced. The aging shingles lose their granule coat very quickly, especially with our kind of weather.

A family in Old Kennett Road thought that their attic was leaking because of the plumbing. When the truth came out, their roof was what needed to be replaced. It happens sometimes that it is just the age of the roof—nothing more.

Moss, Algae, & Leaf Buildup

Due to tree coverage, the roofs in Greenville are very fertile grounds for the growth of unwanted things. Moss, algae, and leaves find their way into the most shaded places. Over time, this keeps the roof wet, which weakens the shingles and causes the development of mold.

By removing the debris several times a year, you can prevent this problem from developing.

Flashing & Gutter Issues

Most of the time, the first place where the flashing (the metal that goes around the chimney and vent pipes) gets into trouble is the place where the water infiltrates. Not much is needed for the water to get in.

In addition to that, gutters are another big thing. When gutters are blocked, water overflows, and if there is a downspout, water travels down the walls; if not, it goes under the shingles. One homeowner in the Owls Nest area thought that they needed a full roof replacement. The problem was 90% solved by a thorough gutter cleaning and a flashing fix.

Lessons Learned from Greenville Neighbors

Small Signs Matter

We assisted a family on Walnut Green Road who only noticed a tiny brown stain on their ceiling. They assumed it was an old one. However, after a week, the stain had become bigger. When we came to see it, a small nail that had popped had caused the moisture.

Locating the problem at an early stage spared them from the need for a large-scale repair. For this reason, we always say—no sign is too small to be ignored.

Regular Maintenance Wins Every Time

It is not necessary for roofs to be constantly taken care of; however, just a little goes a long way. Most people will do better once they are aware of what they should look for:

1. Debris buildup

2. Edges of the roof with lifted shingles

3. Overflowing gutters

4. Damp attic insulation

5. Streaks or moss growing

A seasonal inspection can give you the chance of having your roof for years more.

DIY Isn’t Always the Best Route

D.I.Y. is a thing that Greenville homeowners are into which is great! But the thing is, roofs don’t easily forgive mistakes. We’ve seen people use caulk to close large gaps, or put on shingles without thinking about the direction of the wind.

The repairs which they do are more expensive than if they had just found the problem and asked for the opinion of a professional.

Practical Roof-Care Tips Anyone Can Use

It doesn’t matter if your roof is new or already beyond its prime, the tips that we have will help you.

Seasonal Checkups

Spring: In case of a storm, make sure to inspect your shingles and check them for damages. Clean gutters.

Summer: Look out for ventilating problems and algae on your roof.

Fall: Remove leaves especially from gutters and valleys.

Winter: Be on the lookout for ice dams and maintain good airflow in the attic.

Keep Gutters Clean

Filling up the gutters is made easy by leaves, seeds, and twigs. When gutters are full and water flows over the edges, it is hitting the siding or going back under the shingles that are already there.

In case you are not willing to go up a ladder to do the job, just arrange for the work to be done twice a year and have them check the situation. Your roof (and basement!) will be grateful.

Watch the Trees

Admittedly, trees that are here are gorgeous, but they can be very tough on roofs. By trimming the branches you not only keep the shingles intact but also eliminate the accumulation of debris.

Take a Look From the Ground

There is no necessity to get up on the roof and have a look—just do it from the ground. Check if there are any missing shingles; the roof could be sagging, or there could be something that looks unusual. In case the roof is steep or too tall binoculars will help you.

Stories From the Neighborhood

A couple in Sedgely Farms is one of my most favorite stories. Despite their love for the house, the idea of “roof problems” was something they hated. After a windy storm, they found only one shingle lying in their yard.

Ignoring it was what they were about to do, as they thought it was a neighbor’s house that lost the shingle. We were given a call just to be sure. Consequently, it turned out that an area near the peak was only a few inches long and had become loose. It took us less than an hour to get it fixed, and we were also able to reinforce a couple of other spots.

If they had waited for another day, the next rainstorm would have caused the interior to be damaged. They were not relieved because they had avoided a huge bill but because they felt empowered as homeowners since they caught something early.

It made me think that most of the fear that has to do with roofing comes from not knowing what is normal. Roofs do have stories—most of them are not dramatic—they just need attention.

Final Thoughts

Life in Greenville, DE, is great—quiet, green, and with a lot of history—but our weather is not making it easy for roofs. That’s not the worst thing. With a bit of attention and some seasonal awareness, your roof can last longer than you think.

Do the same to your roof as you would to your garden: look in on it, learn from it, and if there are small things that need your help, do not put them off until they become big ones.

And if at some point, you are filled with questions, then do not hesitate to ask around. This community is very friendly. The likelihood is that your neighbors have one or two stories to tell as well.

It’s what I learn the most from—how much we learn from each other.

Here’s to many more dry, cozy seasons under a strong Greenville ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌roof.