At A1 Home Pro we understand that the Roof of your home is the first line of defense in protecting your investment. More importantly, it is a system that most homeowners are unaware of until a leak appears in their living room! By having a general knowledge of the Residential Roofing Basics, homeowners will be able to save thousands of dollars in unnecessary repairs as well as make cost effective purchasing and maintenance decisions when needed for their homes.
Material choices matter more than you think
When choosing the type of roofing for your home there are many factors to consider. The amount of energy that your home will use, the amount that your home will increase in value when you decide to sell, and how your home insurance will be affected are just a few things to consider. Of the many different types of residential roofing, the most common type of roofing is the asphalt shingle roof. This type of roof is the most affordable type of roofing and is very easy to install. There are many different types of asphalt shingle roofs available and most can withstand most types of weather. The life expectancy of an asphalt shingle roof can vary depending on many factors, but on average a good quality roof can last for about 20 to 25 years with proper maintenance.
The most commonly used residential roofing material are asphalt shingles. These are the least expensive form of roofing to install on a home and are very widely used because they are very easy to find everywhere. A good quality roof made of asphalt shingles can last up to 20-25 years as long as regular maintenance is performed on the roof.
Clay and concrete are best for warmer climates since they are heavy and need a home that has been engineered to hold their weight. In terms of lifespan of roofing materials, no material can touch a good slate roof. It will last for a very long time but can be very, very expensive.
As homeowners consider the cost of different types of roofing materials they must remember to factor in all of the costs associated with the material. In addition to the initial cost of the roofing materials there are the costs of the life of the material, energy efficiency of the roofing material, and even the ability of the material to provide homeowners with discounts on their insurance. For example, certain roofing materials have higher wind resistance and have better fire ratings than other types of roofing, thus providing homeowners with lower rates for their homeowners insurance.
Warning signs you can’t ignore
Damaged shingles are probably the most obvious sign of trouble on a roof, but there are other signs to look out for. During big storms granules from the shingles can wash off the roof and end up in the gutters. A few granules here and there are no problem but a lot of granules could indicate that the shingles are getting old and the coating on them is wearing off.
Interior signs of roof leaks are important too. Most roof leaks begin as a slow leak from wind driven rain entering between the roof covering edges, such as between roofing shingles or from an open roof valley. These leaks can be months or years old before they begin to drip from a ceiling. Also, water and mildew can enter into attic spaces causing musty odors and even sometimes daylight to be seen through roof boards.
Roofing Maintenance
Preventable Repairs: Maintenance: Regular inspections by a qualified roofer every two years can and will uncover needed repairs to extend the life of your roof. None of your home’s maintenance is as important as cleaning the gutters. Many homeowners neglect to clean their gutters not knowing that if clogged, water can seep under the shingles of your home causing rot and even leaks. If you live in an area that is exposed to extreme weather, such as in the residential roofing in Virginia Beach, you will need to do more maintenance due to the salt air and storms that affect that area.
Another important aspect to think about is the cleaning of your gutters. The majority of homeowners are aware that their roof at times needs to be repaired. But many homeowners are not aware that they can extend the life of their roof by a large amount by simply cleaning the gutters from time to time. It is surprising that more homeowners do not perform this simple task on a regular basis, especially those who reside in locations that receive extreme weather. If you are a Virginia Beach residential roofing contractor then you can attest to the amount of damage that clogged gutters can cause to a home. Performing regular cleaning of the gutters is one of the easiest and most important maintenance tasks a homeowner can perform to protect their home from any type of damage.
Trim Trees Around Home. As your trees grow, make sure to trim branches back from roof. Shingles can be scratched by tree branches which will cause loss of granules. This will leave your roof exposed to elements which can lead to leaks. Also, trees with overhanging branches can have items fall from them. These items can be left on roof surface and hold moisture causing damage. This is especially true for yard with dogs or kids.
Insurance and roofing realities
Damage caused by storms and extreme weather is typically covered under a home’s insurance policy. However, deterioration caused by normal wear and tear is not covered. An older roof can impact the amount of a storm-related settlement that a policyholder will receive for damage to their home. This is because the cost of repairs are often depreciated based on the age of the roof and its expected life.
Take before photos of your roof before a severe weather event. Keep a record of all maintenance performed on your home. Insurance companies take note of well-maintained roofs and are more likely to handle a claim in your favor. Some policies require the use of specific materials in high-risk areas such as wind or wind.
Timing your roof replacement
However, waiting until leaks start and you have to frantically search for a contractor in the middle of their busy season is not the time to start searching for a new roof. The best time to start shopping for a new roof would be in the middle of the spring or fall season when most contractors are not as busy and can devote the proper time and attention to installing your new roof.
A new roof for your home can be one of the biggest home improvement expense that a homeowner has to pay for. So before the need arises, it is best to save up for future roof replacements. Even saving up a few hundred each month can go a long way. When the time for a new roof does come around, it is very important to get multiple quotes from different contractors. Just because one contractor is offering the lowest price upfront, does not mean that it is going to be the cheapest in the long run. Sometimes the contractor who is offering the lowest price will cut corners in order to complete the job for the lower price. Which in the long run can cause more problems with your home.
Our mission is to provide you with the residential roofing basics needed to protect your home’s biggest investment. Knowing how to pick the best materials for your home and how to tell when your roof needs to be replaced can save you from many mistakes made by home owners. See more