Knowing when your roof needs to be repaired or replaced is a skill that every homeowner has to learn, particularly in Atlanta. Since Georgia is part of the south of the United States, it has a humid climate that’s prone to frequent rain. Although there are times when DIY projects can cover roof repairs, there are also times when it’s best to hire professional roof contractors in Atlanta.

The most common tell-tale signs that you need to call in are professional are when there are noticeable leaks or any visible damage that can be seen from the ground. However, signs of wear and tear are not always as obvious. If you’re not sure if you need to hire roof contractors in Atlanta, take note of the following factors.

One of the things to consider is the material that it’s made of. Here is how each type compares according to the American Society of Home Inspectors:

• Slate: 30 to 100 years

• Asphalt: 15 to 20 years

• Wood: 10 to 20 years.

• Clay: 20 years on average.

• Metal: 50 to 75 years.

Once you’ve found out what roofing material you use, the next thing to do is to take note of age. Compare the age of your house to the list above. This should give you an idea as to whether or not your roof will need some repairs.

Another factor to consider is the location of your home. Aside from being frequented by heavy rains, Atlanta occasionally goes through extreme weather changes, and at certain times even ice storms or blizzards. Since every roofing material reacts differently to the elements, it will also determine whether or not yours needs to be repaired. Here’s how each material would fair when exposed to Atlanta weather for a prolonged period of time:

• Slate: Fireproof. Long life span. Requires regular maintenance.

• Asphalt: subject to mold and mildew. Easy to repair. Fire resistant.

• Wood: Easy to repair or replace. Lasts long if well-maintained.

• Subject to mold and mildew. May split or rot. Clay: Non-combustible. Durable if well-maintained. Can crack or break.

• Metal: Holds up well against high wind, hail and rain. Will need periodic painting.

Lastly, nothing beats visual inspection. If there are no obvious signs that your roof has any damage, then it’s time for a thorough inspection. For this, you can either call roof contractors in Atlanta for an on-site assessment