Common Roofing Installation Considerations
While you could certainly install a new roof on your own, you must know both the physical challenges and the complexity of such a project. Installing a new roof at home is difficult work. Are you good at getting your tools up to the roof? Are you comfortable with heights? Do you have the roofing material in hand to accomplish this task?
The roofing industry has provided us with many choices in materials and products. We have asphalt shingles, metal roofs, slate roofs, and clay tile roofs to choose from. Which is the best one? That depends upon many factors. For starters, what are you looking for in a new roof?
There are many different types of roofs, but water damage is one of the most common problems. When you’re considering your new roof installation, consider having it repaired with an asphalt shingle system. These roofs can hold up against hail damage, wind damage, ice damage, etc. Asphalt shingles also make great choices for climates that aren’t usually prone to water damage problems, such as New York and Florida. You’ll often see these roofs installed on high-traffic residential properties, where the risk of roof damage is very real.
If you have a vinyl roof, you may consider going with metal roofing. Though you can still find a vinyl shake that has a color to it, such as black or white shingles, these are not very common. Metal roofing is the most common type today, and the ones that are installed without shingles are quite beautiful, especially when stained with metal roofing paint! If you want a really unusual roof, consider slate roofing; these come in a number of colors and patterns, but they are quite beautiful.
Another roofer tip is to be sure that you choose the right company to perform your work. Hiring a local company will mean that you know that the guy actually lives in your area, which is definitely important if you want to have peace of mind after the fact. Even better, an experienced contractor will know the best replacement materials for your home, whether it’s asphalt shingles, slate tiles, metal roofing, or slate roofing paint. Be sure to ask a lot of questions, both during the initial phone interview and at the actual work site, and you’ll likely end up hiring the best installer possible.
Once you’ve decided on the type of roofing material, you need to decide what color you’d like. Again, many companies are willing to help you choose the color of the material, and even help select the best applicator so that the new material is applied properly. Some roofing contractors are even willing to help pick out the applicator for you; this is especially helpful if you have any type of skill in doing your own maintenance, or are very handy with tools. You can also purchase a color chart from the manufacturer or even create one on your own. Many hardware stores carry applicators and a paint kit, so again don’t be afraid to ask for advice. It’s also important to understand that many home improvement stores sell applicators and color charts as part of their regular product range.
Many people wonder what the best time to replace their roof might be. Many homeowners don’t realize that the actual age of their roof can determine the best time to replace it. The old saying that you should take action as soon as the ceiling begins to crack isn’t necessarily true; you do need to take action before the damage is extensive. However, it’s important to make sure that you take action when the damage is minimal, because it’s a lot easier to repair damage that exists slowly over time, than it is to repair extensive damage quickly. Most roofing contractors recommend that you replace your roof at least ten years old, but this isn’t always the case. If your roof has incurred significant damage, then it’s probably wise to consult an expert about the best age to replace your roof.
One of the final steps in roofing installation contractors suggest is skylights. Skylights are definitely an attractive addition to a home, but they can also provide benefits that aren’t immediately apparent. For example, skylights can provide natural lighting, which is great for illuminating dark areas of your home, particularly rooms that are basement or storage units. Also, skylights can add a certain amount of comfort to a house, as the cool air coming through the skylight can help keep you warm in the winter months. Whatever the final decision is that you make concerning the replacement of your roof, be sure to consult as many different roofing installation contractors as possible.
