When it comes to your home, there is one aspect which you need to make sure is safe and secure at all times—the roof. Unfortunately, this is also an area which can be exposed to elements, birds, falling trees, or debris, and suffer general wear and tear from the fury of mother nature.
At some point, you will need a roof replacement, and this can seem a daunting task. We have put together a list of the top three things you must consider when replacing your roof to help the process run as smoothly as possible.
Layer or Strip?
Most places will allow you to have two layers of asphalt shingle on the roof. If you already have one layer, you do have the choice to install the new layer directly on top of the old. This option has the benefit of saving you money, as you are not paying for the existing structure to be stripped and removed. It also offers a faster service. However, if you are willing to invest a little more for a total replacement, it could be to your benefit.
If a new roof is simply installed straight over the top, the contractor is unable to get a proper look at the surface. This means there could be more significant problems lurking beneath, and these could prove expensive the longer you wait to deal with them. In addition, a whole strip could benefit those in colder climates as exposing everything allows an ice and water shield to be installed. This choice is a rubber membrane which is used to prevent leaks in the eaves if ice begins to build up, potentially
saving you thousands in the longer run.
Are You Updating Your Look?
Replacing your roof gives you the opportunity to add a whole new look to your property, perhaps one more in keeping with your taste and style, or which will better suit your future plans for your home. You can decide to go low-key, fitting in with the rest of the neighborhood, or you can throw caution to the wind and pick the wildest option you can—the choice is yours.
Color is an important consideration. Darker tiles, such as slate, will make the home appear smaller,
while lighter colors give the illusion of a larger home. Remember that fashions and trends change. Neutral may not be your thing, but you don’t want your property to look dated in a decade.
New Materials
Roofs require replacement on average every twenty years. During this time, technological advances occur which transform the construction industry, and it is likely that you could be missing out on some of the benefits. Take the time to explore the range of materials available—don’t be tempted to stick with the familiar out of convenience.
The latest trend is for composite roofing materials, such as those offered by Cartersville Roofer, and these are available in a variety of colors and designs to suit your needs. They are made from synthetic components, allowing them to last longer and offer more durability than previous examples. Most will also come with a fifty-year warranty for ultimate peace of mind.
