Roofing FAQs for First-Time Homeowners

copper additions to a roof by JCC Roofing

Congrats on buying your first home! While you’re busy picking paint colors and furniture, don’t forget about the one thing literally hanging over your head every day: your roof. Most first-time homeowners don’t know much about roofs—until they spring a leak. That’s where we come in. Here are the most common roofing questions (and answers) you should know.

1. How long does a roof last?

Roofs are like cars—they don’t all run the same mileage. An asphalt shingle roof (the most common in South Carolina) usually lasts about 20–25 years if it’s well maintained. Metal roofs, clay tile, and slate? They can push 40–70 years with the right care. But here’s the kicker: it’s not just about the material.

• Climate: Our hot summers, hurricanes, and random hail storms can shave years off a roof’s life.

• Installation: A poorly installed roof may only last half as long as it should.

• Maintenance: Ignoring small issues now means a big headache later.

  
  

Bottom line: If your roof is older than 15 years, treat it like a teenager learning to drive—it might look fine, but you’d better keep a close eye on it. Schedule a roof inspection in Columbia, Lexington, or Aiken surrounding areas by calling JCC Roofing before small issues turn into major repairs.

2. How do I know if my roof needs repair?

Some signs scream “fix me!” while others whisper quietly until it’s too late.

• Obvious red flags: Missing shingles, cracked or curling shingles, or water stains on your ceilings.

• Sneaky problems: Tiny hail impacts, loose flashing, and shingle granules piling up in your gutters. You won’t see these from the ground, but they can lead to leaks and wood rot if ignored.

  
  

Pro tip: If you can spot issues from the sidewalk, chances are the damage is already extensive. That’s why JCC Roofing's free inspections are your best friend.

3. Will my insurance cover roof damage?

Here’s the good news: most homeowner’s insurance policies cover storm damage—hail, wind, and heavy rain fall under “act of God” events. That means you might qualify for repairs or even a full roof replacement without paying out of pocket (beyond your deductible).

Myth-buster: Filing a claim for storm damage doesn’t raise your rates like a fender bender would. Insurance companies expect weather-related claims because—you guessed it—no one can stop a storm.

The key is hiring a professional roofing company like JCC Roofing to inspect, document, and guide you through the claims process.

4. How often should I have my roof inspected?

Think of roof inspections like dentist visits—you don’t wait until you have a toothache to go. A yearly inspection is standard, but in storm-prone areas like South Carolina, you should also get one after major weather events.

Why? Because storm damage is sneaky. You might not notice anything until water starts dripping in your attic, and by then it’s usually too late for a simple repair.

Bonus tip: Regular inspections also give you a paper trail. If you ever sell your home, showing proof of maintenance makes buyers feel confident—and can even boost your asking price.

5. What’s the most important thing I can do to protect my roof?

Easy answer: stay proactive.

• Clean gutters: Clogged gutters cause water to back up under shingles, leading to leaks.

• Check ventilation: Without airflow, your attic can overheat and shorten your roof’s life by years.

• Trim nearby trees: Overhanging branches can scrape shingles or drop debris that holds moisture.

• Schedule inspections: Even if everything looks fine, a professional eye can catch problems early.

  
  

Think of it this way: A little routine care can turn your roof into a marathon runner instead of a sprinter. Preventative inspections are far cheaper than emergency roof repairs in South Carolina. JCC Roofing can help mitigate those issues.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Your roof is one of the most expensive parts of your home, but it doesn’t have to be one of the most stressful. The best thing you can do as a first-time homeowner is to get ahead of problems before they spiral.

📞 Call JCC Roofing at 803-212-8768 today for your free roof inspection in South Carolina. We’ll check for hidden storm damage, walk you through your insurance options, and make sure your home stays protected from the top down.

Protect your roof. Protect your home. Protect your peace of mind.