Whether you are constructing a new home or renovating an old one, you need to invest in superior roofing if you want your new construction or remodel to last a lifetime. The roof functions as your home’s first line of defense against the elements and airborne pests. Its condition says a lot about the state and fate of your entire home. A well-installed roofing system, for instance, usually indicates that the rest of the house is in tiptop shape. Conversely, if you don’t replace your crumbling roof soon, it’s only a matter of time before your home starts to wear down as well.
If you are looking to replace your roof soon, it’s imperative that you know a thing or two about roofs. Even if you are hiring a contractor, basic knowledge about roofs can help you make the right decisions concerning roof design and materials. Here are some of the things that you need to think about when preparing for a roofing project.
Different Types of Roof
Before even thinking about the installation process, see to it that you know all available options. Here are some of the most widely used roofing types that you can choose from. Each has its share of advantages and disadvantages, and so it is only fair to give each of them proper consideration.
- Gable. Also known as “pitched” roof, a gable roof is easily recognizable because of its triangular shape. Most roof types are also triangular, but what makes gable roof different is that only two of its sides have pitched panels. The remaining two sides are open and are usually covered by firewalls.
- Hip. Unlike gable roof, hip roof has slopes on all four sides. Depending on the floor dimension, all sides may meet at a single point or two of them may meet along a ridge. This type of roof is excellent if you want all four sides to be made of roofing instead of a firewall. It also looks more suitable to any type of architecture than the gable roof.
- Flat. As the name suggests, a flat roof is designed to eliminate as much of the pitch of a gable or hip roof as possible. Well, it is not completely flat; otherwise, rainwater may not drain properly. It’s a perfect option for those who want to save on material cost. For those who want their roof flat but don’t want to gamble on a typical flat roof must consider having a concrete slab for their foundation instead.
- Mansard. This type of roof consists of a double slope on each side that meet and form a low-pitched roof on their top. Basically, it’s a combination of a hip roof and a flat roof, except the slope of the sides of a mansard roof are much steeper, which can be considered as a plus since windows or rather skylights can easily be created through those sides.
Different Types of Roofing Material
After picturing the type of roof you want for your home, start thinking of the materials that best suit it. Of the many options you will come across with in your search, four types or roofing material will stand out.
- Asphalt Shingle. The least expensive among roofing types, asphalt shingles are a popular choice among homeowners across the country. They are made of organic (paper mat with asphalt coating) or fiberglass (fiberglass mat with asphalt coating). While the asphalt coating converts both asphalt shingle type into a waterproof material, the one with fiberglass matting apparently lasts longer. It doesn’t easily break apart if water starts leaking and saturates the mat.
- Metal. More and more homeowners are considering replacing old-fashioned asphalt shingle or tile roof with metal roof, and for a number of good reasons. For one, metal roof is easier to install because its material comes in panels, unlike shakes or tiles that come in small pieces and have to be carefully set up one by one. Despite the size of the panels, they are also incredibly light, contributing to the ease of installation.
- Slate. Made from the finest grained foliated metamorphic rock, slate is perhaps the heaviest among the commercially available roofing materials. It literally comes in chunks of stones. Despite the guaranteed durability, many roofers do not recommend slate roofing due to its heftiness, which usually requires the construction of a special kind of truss and deck system.
- Tile. Available in thick ceramic pieces, tile can also be heavy but definitely lighter than slate. Because it originates from a mixture of aggregates and a binding agent, tiles may come in different shapes or profiles, which is perfect if you want your roof to have distinct features or match your home’s overall architecture.
As construction technology advances, roofing choices are also becoming more diverse. Special types of roofing, such as green and solar roofs, are slowly growing their own market. It’s just a matter of time before they become staple choices, too, especially at this age where climate change is demanding more energy-saving roof designs and constructions.
Important Considerations
Now that you know the different roof types and materials, it’s time to choose one that can meet your needs. Then again, you need to take the following factors into consideration to be able to make a sound choice.
- Budget. How much do you intend to spend on your roofing project? Have you been saving up for this project for many years and you are confident that you can afford whatever your roofing contractor will recommend? It is likely that your roofing contractor will ask about your budget first before making some recommendations. You can either present to them your budget upfront or let your contractor make an estimate out of your actual needs. That will all depend on how much funds you currently have. Of course you can consider financing if your budget is really that tight.
- Roof Replacement vs. Re-roofing. If you want a brand new roof without a single trace of your existing roof, roof replacement is the perfect choice. This type of roofing service involves dismantling old roofing system and replacing it with a brand new one. Re-roofing, on the other hand, involves setting up a new layer of roof over the existing one. The latter, obviously, offers more savings but the former can give you better durability and visual appeal.
- DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor. You also have to choose between installing the roof yourself and hiring a roofing contractor. Surely, hiring a roofing contractor can be expensive but it guarantees high-quality results. DIY roof installation may save you a few thousand dollars, but you’ll likely end up spending more on repair and maintenance in the long run. Even if you have prior experience installing or repairing a roof, an experienced roofer can still do the job better, and so think it through before taking your chances at DIY.
- Moving to a Temporary Home. Depending on the scale of the roofing project, there’s a chance your family’s everyday activity may be interrupted. You may need to temporarily change your routine or even relocate if necessary. By working with reputable roofing contractors like Muller Exteriors, however, you can avoid such inconvenience altogether, as they have means to finish the project without having to disturb the homeowners.
Hiring a Roofing Contractor
After learning the basics of roofing, you are now ready to find and work with a roofing contractor. Keep in mind, however, that not all roofing contractors can be trusted. Some may still lack the experience to handle complicated projects. Make sure to hire a contractor that has many years of experience and has dealt with all kinds of roofing and roof problems. Roofing companies like Muller Exteriors that have an outstanding record in Chicago are your best bet for a reputable service provider.
