Buying a New Roof and What You Need to Know
When you’re considering getting a new roof, cost, quality, and style are likely the top items on your list to think about.
Buying a new roof is a huge investment for your home. A new roof can increase the value of your house and protect your home from water damage, mold, and structural rot.
Investing in a new roof has big advantages. Here’s what you should know about buying a new roof when the time comes.
Pros and Cons of the Material
Although asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material, you have many choices to create your perfect roof. You’ll need to consider the pros and cons of each.
For example, wooden shingles make for a rustic look, but are actually prohibited in some states because of their inability to be fire resistant. Check with your local building codes and also with your roofing contractor to see if any fire resistant finish is used on the shingles.
Tile is extremely durable and can provide a custom look, but this roofing material is heavy. You’ll need a sound structure to support tile. When you’re buying a new roof, you can talk with your professional roofing contractor about the pros and cons of the materials you’re considering!
Proper Ventilation Is Crucial
A new roof provides you with the opportunity to address the ventilation needs of your home.
Proper ventilation is an important component of roofing. The right ventilation will allow heat and moisture to escape, but can also retain warmth when needed in the cooler months.
Buying a new roof means you can maintain appropriate ventilation to increase your home’s energy efficiency and provide better temperature regulation. Talk to your roofing professional about what the best ventilation will look like for your home.
Weather Will Affect Your Roof
It’s important to understand how the elements affect your new roof. Every type of weather has an impact on your roofing—managing the damage and replacing your roof when necessary is essential to protecting your home.
Sun and heat can be just as harsh on your roof as rain and snow. Melting and refreezing can prevent proper drainage and may even cause moisture to accumulate. Moss and algae in wooded areas where homes receive lots of shade can cause premature rot.
Even trees can damage your shingles through long branches that scratch your roof or fall. Your home’s physical location should be considered when buying a new roof.
How to Choose the Right Contractor
Choosing the best contractor is arguably the most important factor in your decision to buy a new roof. The right contractor can install a quality roof with a warranty that will protect your home for the maximum amount of time.
It’s easy to evaluate roofing contractors when buying a new roof. Begin with checking that the business is licensed and insured. Asking for proof of these items can accomplish just that! Look up reviews and ask for references. Insist on a detailed proposal and contract to ensure the scope of work is clearly understood by both parties.
Beware of roofing companies that offer you an extremely low price—remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is!
When you’re buying a new roof, you should know what you’re dealing with. A proper roof will shield and protect your home for upwards of 20 years! That’s long time to trust a faulty contractor with subpar work. Do your research on the roofing contractor. A professional roofing company can help you navigate the process and get the best roof for your money!