If you’re in the market for a roof, it’s a good idea to brush up on your options. You may find a way to breathe new life into your beloved home with different roofing material.
Most property owners don’t think about their roof until there’s a problem. When it starts to leak, however, nothing else seems more important. Suddenly, the idea of a dry, secure home is very appealing.
It’s tempting to choose the most affordable roof covering. After doing some research, however, you’ll see that there are many different types of roofing materials available. You may even decide to go in for a new roof.
Read on to learn more about roofing options in Texas.
When Does a Roof Need to Be Replaced?
Now, you may wonder if you need a new roof. What you need to see to make this decision isn’t on the outside of the roof. Begin assessing your roofing situation from the inside of the attic.
Enter your attic or crawlspace and see if there is light coming into the space. Light sneaking in between cracks may indicate a leaky roof.
Also, check your paperwork to find out the last time you or the previous homeowner had the roof replaced or re-shingled. Your paperwork can give you some insight into the lifecycle of your roof.
It’s also a good idea to check your roof after a heavy storm. For this part of the inspection, take a look at your roof from the outside.
Look for cracked, damaged or buckling patches. Any Texas roofer can tell you that this kind of damage is especially prevalent in arid areas such as Houston.
Also, check the flashing around the vents, skylights, and chimneys. Make sure that there are no cracks or breaks in the flashing that can let in rainwater.
Finally, take a step back from your property. Make sure that your roof isn’t sagging. If it is, find a contractor right away so that the roof doesn’t collapse and cause further damage to your home.
Additionally, look for signs of moss, mold or fungi on your roof. This unwanted vegetation can serve as a sign of moisture trapped inside the structure.
A residential roof can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years before you must replace it. Usually, roof shingles last 20 to 25 years. If your roof is only around 15 or 20 years old, you may only want to consider repairs.
If you see signs of trouble after evaluating your roof, it’s a good idea to reach out to a contractor for a professional assessment.
Different Types of Roofing Materials
In the United States, asphalt composite shingles are the most popular roofing choice. Manufacturers make asphalt composite using fiberglass shingles covered with asphalt and mineral particles.
Metal is another popular roofing alternative. You’ll typically see a metal roof on a commercial structure. They’re durable and recyclable.
As a homeowner, you may want the long-lasting, eco-friendly benefits of a metal roof, but not like the way that it looks. Today, you can purchase steel or aluminum shingles with the appearance of traditional asphalt or wooden shingles.
Wooden shingles are very attractive. However, they’re somewhat expensive.
They’re also not a safe choice for areas with a threat of wildfires. However, they are a popular choice among luxury homeowners.
Different Types of Roofs
There are many types of roofing systems. Flat roofs are one kind of common roof structure.
They’re cost-effective and assessable. With the right material, flat roofs are also energy efficient.
However, there are downsides to these types of roofs. For example, water can puddle on a flat roof if the contractor doesn’t install it correctly.
A flat roof must have the right pitch or slope to promote water drainage. Roof puddling can cause serious problems, such as algae growth or interior leaks.
Also, it’s easier for debris and precipitation to collect on a flat roof. During cold months, leaves and snow can block drainage, causing water to puddle and freeze on the roof. This freeze-thaw cycle can damage the underlying structure.
The roof accounts for a small percentage of construction costs. Most homeowners don’t think about their roofs. Nevertheless, there are many ways that you can change your roof to give your home more personality.
Many homes have some variation of a gable roof with two sides. Gable rooftops, however, have a few drawbacks.
For instance, they typically don’t provide shade. If they do, they don’t provide shade on all four sides of the property. You can overcome this by replacing your gable roof with a hipped roof.
A hipped roof has four sides. It usually has two triangular sides and two trapezoidal sides.
A hipped roof performs better in areas with high winds. However, it’s sometimes challenging to match the materials around the sides and ends of this kind of rooftop.
Choosing a Roofing Company
When you’re ready to talk to a contractor, make sure your potential craftsman has experience working with the roofing material that you desire. If you want to replace the shingles, make sure the contractor has done this kind of work. Alternatively, if you’re going to replace the whole roof, find out if the company knows how to put on a roof.
It can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,600 per square foot to replace your roof. You’ll want to make sure that you’re getting the best value for your dollar.
To find a reliable roofer, you can begin your search online. However, make sure that you also ask around for word-of-mouth referrals.
Once you narrow down your choices, talk to several contractors and try to find a reasonable price for the job. Also, ask for references from the contractors. If the contractor doesn’t give you references, look for another service provider.
Narrowing Down Roofing Company Candidates
As you near the end of your search, review the roofing company’s contracts and warranties. A trustworthy contractor will not mind taking the time to help you understand the terms of these agreements. They’ll gladly take the time to explain everything that you need to know.
Some of the different types of roofing materials used by the world’s celebrities and millionaires are amazing. Visit FancyPantsHomes.com for a look at some of the most esteemed properties in the world.
