Things To Consider When Replacing The Roof On Your Home

The roof on most homes will last for many years, but the material used and things like storms or damage from the elements can affect how soon you need to replace your roof. If you need a new roof on your home, there are some things to consider and discuss with a roofing company.

Roofing Materials

One of the first things to consider before a residential roof replacement is what roofing material you will use on the roof. Asphalt shingles are the most popular material, and they offer durability at a low price. Asphalt shingles are one of the most common materials on the market, and they are available in many styles and colors that will make your house look great. Shingles do an exceptional job of protecting your home from the weather as well, and if damage does occur, it is not difficult to replace some of the shingles. You can also use wood shingles, tiles, or metal roofing for your residential roof replacement, but the cost may be higher, and the durability may not be the same as the asphalt. After asphalt, metal roofing is another great option for long term durability. In some cases, metal roofs have been known to last fifty years or more, and asphalt comes in around thirty years.

Underlay and Rot

One thing that the contractor doing your residential roof replacement needs to check during the roof inspection is the condition of the plywood or roof underlay that the roofing material is secured to. If the roof has been leaking for a while, the wood can rot, and you may need to replace the underlay before putting the new roof on. Replacing the wood can cost more, but if you do not replace it, the wood will continue to rot, and the new roof you have put on will need replacing it far sooner than it should. It may be hard to see the plywood's damage before the old roofing material is removed, but the contractor should be able to tell from the underside of the roof if there is the possibility of rot in the layer.

Cosmetic Concerns

If you would like the house to have a specific look, using a particular material for your residential roof replacement can make a difference. Homes in the Southwest, for instance, often use tiles on the roof for a more traditional look of the early homes in the area. The northeast predominately uses asphalt singles and the northwest, it is common to see wood shingles on houses.  

Talk to your roofing contractor if you want a specific look to your home, and they can help you come up with a solution that will work for you.

Share