Is a new roof on your mind? When it comes time to make a choice, there are going to be a range of factors that play into your decision – including your roof’s measurements, home’s appearance, materials you favour, and more.
We’ve put together this guide to help you inform your choice:
1. Consider the Slope of Your Roof
Your roof’s slope could affect the materials you can and can’t use, especially if it’s low:
- The slope is the number of inches your roof rises for every twelve inches of horizontal “run.” If, for example, your roof rises eight inches for every twelve it runs, it has an 8-in-12 slope.
- You can also calculate your roof’s pitch, which is another way to represent its steepness. The pitch is expressed as a fraction of rise (height) over span (width). Let’s say, for example, that your roof is forty feet wide and ten high (from eaves to peak). That would give you a pitch 10/40 (or 1/4 after you reduce it).
Most roofing materials (including laminate and cedar shingles) are suitable for roofs with slopes as low as 4-in-12. Below that, however, you’ll need to start looking at seamless options to reduce risks for leaking and water damage.
2. Evaluate the Roofing Materials You Like Best
When assessing roofing materials, make sure you take these factors into account:
- Fire Ratings: Roofing materials can be put into one of three categories: most effective against severe fire exposure (Class A), effective against moderate exposure (Class B), and only effective against light exposure (Class C). Keep in mind that not all materials (like wood shingles if they’re untreated, for example) will qualify to be rated.
- Weight: Your roof will be designed to carry a given amount of weight. If you want to exceed it, the substructure (framing) will need to be strengthened. This will take more time to complete, and it will also increase costs.
- Lifespan: This can vary greatly between materials. Laminate shingles, for example, typically last up to 35 Cedar shingles can make it up to 25, while cedar shakes can hit 50.
- Durability: Whatever type of roofing you choose, it needs to be tough against all the elements Mother Nature throws at it including rain, sleet, hail, snow, and high winds.
3. Think About Your Home’s Aesthetics
Your roof is one of the first things people will notice about your home, which is why you want it to look its best. It’s for this reason that you need to make sure your new roof is compatible with your home’s overall aesthetic.
Keep in mind, though, that you don’t always need to use the same material to keep consistent with the style. Some roofing materials today are designed to look like others – including laminate shingles that imitate slate or wood.
4. Research the Roofers You’re Looking At
When it comes to installing a new roof, choosing the right roofer really matters. Your roofer needs to have the skill and experience to get the job done right, ensuring that your roof will be able to stand the test of time.
When considering roofers, make sure you:
- Research each roofing company. This means looking into how long they’ve been in business, ensuring they have a legitimate physical address, and reading customer testimonials. In addition to finding reviews on their website, you should consult third-party sources like HomeStars and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Find out what kind of insurance they have. Any roofer you choose should have both General Liability and Workers’ Compensation insurance to protect you, your home, and their crew if anything is damaged or anyone is injured while they’re working on your home.
- Look into the warranties available. Most reputable roofers will offer a workmanship warranty to cover any issues associated with the work they perform. Suppliers will also offer warranties on their own materials, which can generally range anywhere from 20 to 50 years.
Do you know the ten questions you need to ask your roofer before hiring them? Read our blog to find out!
It’s important that you don’t get hung up on cost as you’re searching for a roofer. Remember, the cheaper roof is rarely the better one. The quality of the roofing company, materials used, and workmanship are what really matter to keep the roof above your head in tip-top shape for many years.
Herb Lodde Roofing has been providing quality roof replacements and repairs since 1964. We stand behind our workmanship and are committed to delivering superior results using the best materials. Contact us today to schedule your in-home consultation!
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