I have spent many years working with roofs and I want to share what I know with you. From the different types of roofing systems to installation, this blog post will cover all of your questions about this essential part of your home. So let’s get started!
- Roofs are designed to provide protection for your roofing materials and of course, keep out water, which over time can damage the roofing materials and create problems inside your home. It is necessary to understand that roofing is not waterproof but has rather an AWE factor or Annual Water Exposure Factor.
What this means is roofing systems allow a certain amount of water through every year before it will begin to leak. Where you live in the United States plays a role in how much rain you get each year. Areas where annual rainfall averages less than 1 inch per month won’t have as much of a problem with exposure as areas where rainfall exceeds four inches each month. In these higher rainfall zones, roofs must be built thicker and what is called roofing materials must be coated in more layers of roofing materials.
- Roofs are designed to keep out sunlight and ultraviolet light, which can degrade roofing materials over time. It is important you understand that roof covering systems are not intended to last forever but should be inspected regularly for damage. Whether you hire someone to inspect your roof or do it yourself, this should be part of your maintenance plan for protecting your roof system and the value of your home. Hire a professional roofer from a company like Teamwork Exteriors for best results.
- An asphalt shingle roof will last 15 to 20 years on average before it needs replacement or if you want to replace it yourself, here is how. First, start at the roof peak and inspect your roof system carefully. Look for missing granules on asphalt shingles which can allow water to work its way between roof shingles layers. That would be the time to replace any roof shingles that are damaged or missing granules.
- Metal roofing materials will last much longer than traditional roof coverings with some manufacturers offering a 50-year warranty against rust stains around roof ventilation equipment such as exhaust fans and vent pipes. These metal roofs can save you money in lower energy costs since they reflect sunlight away from roof surfaces instead of absorbing it like standard roof systems do.
- When it comes to cost, homeowners who install a new roof system during home improvement projects will spend about $6,000 to roof their homes. Expect roofing materials and roofing installation costs to vary greatly depending on roof size, the roof covering material selected and contractor fees.
- When selecting a roofing system for your home it is important you know there are different types of roof coverings available such as asphalt shingle roofs, metal roofs, tile roofs and wood shingle roofs to name just a few. You can choose an inexpensive asphalt shingle roof or upgrade to more expensive products such as slate tiles or copper roof materials that will give your home much greater value.
- Roofs have evolved over the years from cedar shake and tin sheet metal roofs which were popular in the 1920’s to modern day systems made from roofing shingles, roof tiles and roof insulation systems. Roofs have come a long way since the tin roof era with products that are longer lasting and more functional such as newer roof coatings like Kool Seal Elastomeric roof coating.
- The roof is one of the first things people notice when driving by your home or approaching it on foot so make sure you pick an attractive roof to complement your home’s exterior design style. A professional roofer can help you select a roof system that will add value to your home but also require little maintenance once installed.
- Some homeowners choose to install their own roof systems while most hire professionals for their installation needs and I think that makes sense if you want a worry free roof that will protect your roof system through roofing warranty service and guarantees.