Things to Consider When Choosing a New Roof For Your Home
For a lot of homeowners, as long as the roof over your head isn’t leaking, you won’t give it much thought. However, when the time comes to choose a new roof, you’ll have to consider many different variables in order to get the very best roof for your house.
Budget
With a purchase like a new roof, your budget is always going to be a prime consideration.
While it would be ideal to just get any material and type of roof you want, this isn’t always possible.
If you’re on a budget, figure out what it is and keep it in mind during the process.
In some instances, you’ll be able to finance your roof. If this is appealing to you, ask about it at the start of the process so you’ll know what all your options are.
Type of Material
Once you’ve determined how much you can spend, you have to figure out what type of material you want your new roof to be made from. There are many different types of roofs to choose from, and you’ll want to ask yourself several important questions before you decide. Before you choose a material, ask questions like:
How long will the roof last under normal conditions? Does it have enough of a slope? Will the material match with the rest of the house? Is it strong enough for extreme weather? Is the material too heavy for the current roof framing material? Is the material you want permitted by local building codes?
Type of Material
Once you are able to answer enough questions and narrow down the choices, you’ll be able to make your selection. With any luck, you’ll be able to get the exact type of roof that you want the most. Here are some of the most common roof materials out there:
Asphalt composition shingles - these are made from an organic paper fiber or fiberglass and asphalt and are used on over 80% of residential homes. Metal – may be steel, copper, zinc alloy or aluminum and is usually more durable than asphalt. Clay tile – this type of roof is quite heavy and brittle, but it also stands up well to fire. Plastic polymer – this is a synthetic shingle that is designed to look like slate or wood shakes. Wood shingles and shakes – these kind of shingles are made from wood that is resistant to rotting, although unless treated it is not fire resistant. Slate – this is one of the older types of roof materials, and although it costs a lot, it is able to resist fire and heavy winds. Concrete tile – made from sand and cement and more affordable than clay tiles.
Ventilation
If you fail to consider ventilation when you purchase a new roof, you may be headed for a pile of trouble. If the roof that you choose doesn’t have adequate ventilation, both moisture and heat can build up in your attic.
When this happens, the rafter can rot, the shingles can buckle, and the insulation may be rendered ineffective.
Whatever type of roof you have installed, make sure that you never inadvertently block off any ventilation sources. These may include ridge vents, soffit vents or louvers.
Keeping moisture out is a key factor in keeping the air flowing freely and preventing any related damage.
Climate
Where you live is another important factor to consider when you’re choosing a new roof for your home. Some of the climate factors you might want to consider include: ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦
Sun exposure Wind Rain Snow Hot or cold temperatures Condensation
Certain conditions paired with certain roofing materials are going to cause accelerated deterioration of the roof. It’s important to bring up the subject of climate with the roofing company when you’re first thinking about a new roof. Any local companies should have lots of experience with whatever kind of climate you live in.
Key Words
If you’re going to get out there and find yourself a high quality roof, it’s a good idea to know some of the more common roofing-related terms.
Fascia – a flat band or face positioned on the outer edge of the cornice. Eave – the horizontal bottom edge of a sloped roof. Flashing – sheet metal that helps prevent water from seeping through any of the intersections in a roof. Louvers – slatted sections that are installed in the soffit underneath the eaves. Rafters – the supporting framework that the roofing materials are attached to.