Close your eyes for just a second and imagine your house without a roof. What do you think it would be like? Other than making your house look funny, you would be at the mercy of the elements. Most of your property would be damaged by rain or snow, and you would probably freeze to death.
Now that we’ve established the importance of roofs, let’s take a look at some useful tips you should know.
Types of Roofs
There are many types of material for roofing. However, there are eight types of roofing material used most often. They are…
Asphalt Shingles
Because of their effectiveness in all manner of weather conditions, apshalt shingles are the most popular material for roofing in the US. They are relatively inexpensive, and last for roughly 15-20 years. If your house is in an environment with rough weather, you should think about getting impact resistant asphalt shingles (unless you don’t mind hailstones making holes in your roof).
Slate
This material is waterproof, fireproof, and resistant to both fungus and mold. However, it can be broken easily if stepped on. It’s also quite heavy (trust me on this), and rather expensive. On the bright side, it can last for up to 100 years.
Green Roofs
This particular type of roof is covered with various plants. It reduces heat, reduces water runoff, and improves air quality. Setting this roof up can be kind of a drag, because it requires compost, thermal insulation, water filtration, additional structural support, drainage, waterproofing, vapor barrier, and of course, plants. If you’ve got the cash, feel free to go for it, but do keep in mind that it lasts for roughly 40 years.
Concrete and Clay Tiles
Concrete and clay tiles are one of the strongest roofing materials around. They can withstand just about anything nature throws your way, be it hurricane, earthquake, or tornado. Do keep in mind that they are rather heavy, and can break if stepped on.
Built-up Roofing
This type of roofing is only for flat roofs, and is made up of multiple layers of tar toped with gravel or similar aggregates. It often gets sticky during the hot weather, and lasts for roughly 20 years.
Stone-coated Steel
This material comes in interlocking panels similar to shingles or slate. It is resistant to hail and heavy rain, making it the best choice for environments with rough weather conditions.
Metal Roofing
This material comes in shingles resembling tile or slate. It’s light and easy to install. It’s also wind-resistant and fireproof, but can be damaged by hail and is very noisy during heavy rain. In terms of price, this material is placed snuggly between asphalt shingles and slate. It also has a lifespan of roughly 60 years.
Rubber Slate
This material looks similar to slate and can easily be cut for better fitting, using a knife. It has a life-span of about 100 years. However, it can get damaged easily by hail and satellite dishes. Roofing contractors capable of installing rubber slate might be difficult locate.
For more information on roofing materials, you can click The average roof lasts for about 30 years before needing replacement.
What Roofing Material is Best?
At this point, you’re probably in a dilemma; with so many options to choose from, how do you know which roofing material is the best? This depends on your budget, and what you want.
If, for example, you want something reasonably affordable but effective, asphalt shingles might be the best option. If, on the other hand, you’ve got a dollar to spare, you can go for the fancy high-quality stuff like slate or solar tiles. As said before, it all comes down to your personal preference.
Installing a New Roof
Let’s assume that you have selected your preferred roofing material at this point. All that’s left is to install it. If you’re in the tinkering mood, you would probably want to do it yourself. However, it is advised that you hire a roofing company to do the work for you.
Advantages of Hiring a Roofing Company
Even if you think you’re capable of installing a roof by yourself, hiring a roofing contractor brings a lot of advantages to the table such as…
Safety
This is one of the main reasons why people are advised against installing their roofs themselves. Roofing contractors have all the gear and tools necessary to install roofs safely and efficiently.
Expert Handling
Roofing contractors have a lot of experience in the field, and have worked on various roofing projects over the years. This gives you assurance that they deliver good results, and avoid any hassles or accidents.
Cost-Efficiency
Due to the long-term relationships built with suppliers, roofing contractors can acquire all the resources needed for the job at the best price and quality. Overall, this saves you a lot of money.
How Do You Maintain a Roof?
This may not seem like a big deal, but keeping your roof in good condition protects your house, and saves you from a lot of future hassles.
You can maintain your roof by keeping the gutters clean, trimming overhanging branches, checking for damaged shingles, and inspecting for rust.
If you keep doing this from time to time, you’ll be able to quickly locate any issues with your roof, and fix them before they get worse. This saves you quite a bit of money in the long run.
How Often Should You Inspect Your Roof?
It is advised that you conduct a roof inspection every 8-12 months, especially after hailstorms or other harsh weather evens. You can do this yourself, or call a professional if you don’t feel comfortable with heights.
How Much Does a Roof Inspection Cost?
Depending on your type of roof, an inspection can cost you anywhere between $120 and $600. Do keep in mind that the type of inspection may vary.
How Often Should You Replace Your Roof?
The average roof lasts for about 30 years before needing replacement, so you don’t need to bother too much with this.
Conclusion
The points we’ve shared in this article have hopefully provided you with more useful information to help you make an informed decision regarding your choice for your home.
