Roofing in Southeast Winston-Salem

How old is a 1950s or 1960s roof, really?

On an older house the roof is often newer than the walls: it may have been replaced at least once, sometimes by laying new shingles over old and sometimes by tearing off. The visible shingles tell you little about what lies beneath them.

That is why a roofer's first job on an older house is to find out what is there. Look for sagging between rafters from the attic, dark water stains on the underside of the decking, and daylight at the ridge. Describe these on the call, and do not walk a roof you cannot reach safely. Asphalt shingle roofing explains what a re-covering involves.

What do storm gusts and falling limbs do on this side of the city?

Severe thunderstorm warnings for Forsyth County have cited 60 to 70 mph gusts and quarter-size hail, naming Winston-Salem, Lexington, Thomasville, Kernersville and Clemmons, and describing wind damage to roofs, siding, outbuildings and trees. Remnants of Hurricane Helene in September 2024 brought down trees and an awning in Winston-Salem.

On an older house, wind tends to find the shingle edges and ridge first. A limb on the roof is a different problem: it can puncture the covering and the decking. If a limb has come down and water can get in, a temporary cover is the first step, and emergency roof tarping describes how that works. No arrival time can be promised, but a roofer can be put on the call when one is free.

Do gutters matter on a mid-century house?

Monthly rain runs about 2.6 to 3.4 inches, so gutters carry a lot of water away from fascia boards and foundations. Overhanging trees fill them with leaves and seed pods, and a full gutter overflows against the edge of the roof. On older houses the fascia behind it is where rot often begins.

A roofer who is already on the roof can look at the gutter and drainage at the same visit. See gutters and drainage for what repair or replacement involves.

What should an inspection of an older roof cover?

Ask for a look at the shingle surface, the flashing at every chimney, vent and wall, the valleys, the eaves and the attic underside. A written note with photographs is the useful result, because it lets you compare quotes. No insurance outcome can be promised from an inspection.

The guide on repairing or replacing a roof on an older home explains how the findings usually translate into a decision. Re-roofing needs a building permit in Winston-Salem, and the contractor you hire should explain who pulls it.

What is the difference between a repair, a re-cover and a tear-off?

A repair fixes a defined problem: a flashing, a vent boot, a handful of shingles. A re-cover puts new shingles over old, and a tear-off strips the old covering to the deck. Which one fits a mid-century roof depends on what a roofer finds, and the choice changes both the price and what you learn about the decking.

Patching or replacing a few shingles typically does not need a building permit in Winston-Salem. Re-roofing does, and a permit guide estimates $90 to $360. Ask the roofer to say which category a quoted job falls into.

Why do shaded mid-century roofs turn dark?

Humid summers, July especially, suit algae, which feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles, and moss, which holds moisture against the surface. Contractors in the area often recommend soft washing over pressure washing. Cleaning treats the surface; it does not repair a worn-out shingle. Moss and algae treatment sets out the difference.