The roof is a vital part of any building no matter its size, shape, or purpose. At first glance, it offers aesthetic value to the home, and in the long term, it is the most important contribution to the house’s safety against the elements. As such, if you are getting a new one soon, it’s important to know where to begin and what to watch out for. Here, we run down everything you need to know about a new roof.
How to Know You Need One
To begin with, it’s key that you can identify whether your roof needs replacing. First, try to work out how old the roof is. In general, most roofs last around 30 years, so if it is nearing this age or older, it’s probably time for a new one.
Having said this, younger ones can need replacing too, depending on their condition. Find out what the material and manufacturer of the shingles are and research on average how long these are expected to last.
Even if you are unsure about the age of your roof, you can look out for obvious signs of aging and damage, such as several cracked shingles, curled or cupped shingles, missing tiles or granules, leaks, and lots of mold, mildew, and moss. Talk to neighbors with similar roofs that look as if they were built in conjunction with yours and find out if they are planning on getting theirs replaced soon. If they already have, this is your cue to follow suit.
Find the Best Roofer
If you’ve decided to opt for a full roof replacement, the first step is finding the best roofer in your area. The cheapest option is not necessarily the best option – you pay for what you get. With something as important as a roof, you cannot afford an inadequate job that will damage your property and cost more to fix in the long run. Find out about their credentials and experience and ask them lots of questions to ensure they can meet your needs. A professional roofer will be able to evaluate whether your roof needs its existing shingles removed or layered, as well as the integrity of the frame.
Shingles
Next, you need to make a decision about your new roof’s construction. Shingles are the visible part of the roof, so you need to choose ones that fit your budget and match the aesthetic of your home, but are able to withstand the weather conditions of your area. Asphalt is the most popular option as it is versatile, with many styles and colors available, as well as affordable and easy to install. If you are willing to pay extra for increased structural security, consider metal roofing, which is durable against all weathers. Ask your roofer for advice and don’t rush into a decision.
Underlayment
You don’t see the underlayment but it is equally as important. This is the final layer of protection against moisture for your home, so it is vital that this gets replaced instead of reused (make sure you make this known to your roofer.) Again, put some time into choosing the best option for you; asphalt is still a popular and reliable choice, but you may opt for the more expensive synthetic option which allows moisture to evaporate out of your attic.