Roof Replacement in Wake Forest

Is it time for a new roof?

A lot of Wake Forest was built during the growth of the late 1990s and 2000s, and many of those homes still have the shingles they came with. Most asphalt roofs in our climate last somewhere around 20 to 25 years, so whole neighborhoods are reaching the point where repairs stop making sense. Summer heat, humid nights and the occasional tropical storm remnant all wear shingles down faster than the label suggests.

Signs your roof may be near the end:

• Shingles that are curling, cupping or cracking
• Bald patches where the granules have worn away, or granules piling up in the gutters
• Leaks showing up in different rooms, not just one spot
• Daylight or water stains on the roof deck when you look from the attic
• A roof line that dips or sags between rafters

Dark streaks on their own are usually algae, not failure. They look bad but don't mean you need a new roof.

What a full replacement includes

• Tear-off of the old shingles down to the wood deck
• Deck inspection, replacing any soft or rotted plywood
• Underlayment, plus ice and water shield in valleys and around penetrations
• New drip edge, flashing and pipe boots instead of reusing old ones
• Ventilation checked so the attic doesn't cook your new shingles
• Cleanup, including a magnetic sweep of the yard and driveway for nails

Choosing a material

Architectural (dimensional) asphalt shingles are what most Wake Forest homeowners choose. They cost less than metal, come in plenty of colors and carry long manufacturer warranties. Standing seam metal costs more up front but can last decades longer, and it's a popular choice for porches, farmhouse-style homes and homes on larger lots outside town.

Check with your HOA first

Many Wake Forest neighborhoods have HOAs that approve shingle colors and roofing materials. Ask for the approved list before you pick a color, and give the roofer a copy. A good roofer can help with the paperwork, but the approval is usually your responsibility.

How long does it take?

Most homes are finished in one or two days once the crew starts. Rain can push the start date, and after a big storm, schedules fill up quickly across the Triangle. For more, see our guides on how long a roof lasts in North Carolina and repair vs. replacement.