Installing a new roof requires planning and preparation with many considerations. Because the roof of a house largely influences its safety, protection, and aesthetic value, it’s essential to carefully select your new roof to ensure its quality. Also, roofing can be a costly project to undertake, so it’s critical to plan for the expenses.
If you’re planning to put a new roof in place, here are some non-aesthetic considerations you’ll need to decide on:
1. Weather Resistance
Your new roof should have sufficient weather resistance to outlast extreme weather and temperature changes. Weather resistance ensures your property’s safety against storms, strong winds, heavy snowfall, and extreme heat. Also, having an adequate weather-resistant roof can help you better regulate the temperature inside your home.
Here are some examples of weather-resistant qualities that you can consider when selecting your new roof:
- Cool Roofing – reflects UV rays to minimize the impact of sun heat both on the roof surface and the home’s interior.
- Waterproof – protects the roof from water damage and prevents mold or algae growth.
- Hail-resistant roofing – ideal for homes located in hail-prone areas. This type of roofing can also protect against snow, heavy rains, wind, and heat.
- Wind-resistant – metal roofing and slate tiles offer the best wind resistance among other materials.
Meanwhile, homes located in areas frequently exposed to heavy snowfall can benefit from roofing made from metal, cement, and slate, as these materials can withstand the weight of snow.
2. Roof Slope
The slope of your roof’s surface is also a primary consideration that can help narrow down your material options. For instance, if your roof has a low slope, your roofing contractors might suggest using built-up roof (BUR) membranes or metal panel roof systems. Meanwhile, steeper slopes can use tiles, shingles, and slate-like materials. For the best results, you can consult roofing solutions providers, such as this roofing company, to see which materials would work best with your roof slope.
3. Longevity And Durability
The longevity and durability of a roof are essential to ensure your home’s protection and save money in the long run. While it may be inexpensive to spend on less durable materials initially, you may have to spend more after a few years for replacements due to wear or damage. In this sense, you’ll need to consider the durability of the roofing material for optimal cost-effectiveness.
Here are some examples of longevity factors in the most common roofing materials:
- Clay or cement – 50 years or more
- Asphalt – up to 10 years
- Metal – 30 years or more
- Slate – 50 years or more
- Asphalt roll – 5 to 10 years
- Composite – up to 40 years
Thinking about the long-term value of your new roof can help you decide on the best type of material that would suit your household. This way, you can give equal importance to the present costs and the money you’ll save on quality roofing materials.
4. Fire Rating
The roof is highly vulnerable to fires because of its location in a house. Commonly, fire embers are carried by the wind, making it easier for them to reach the roof before other areas in the home. Because of this, it’s essential to have fire-resistant roof shingles that would help keep you and your property safe in case of fire.
Fire-resistance classifications are divided into four groups. Here’s an overview:
- Class A
Class A has the highest fire-resistance rating. This is the rating given to the least flammable shingles, ideal for homes in areas prone to wildfire.
- Class B
Pressure-treated shingles fall under Class B category. These shingles are designed to withstand moderate fire exposure and flame spread of up to eight feet.
- Class C
Class C roofing provides light fire protection, usually given to plywood and untreated wood shakes and shingles.
- Unrated
Unrated materials should be avoided, especially for those worried about environmental hazards.
Roofing materials with the most fire resistance include clay, concrete, and asphalt. Shingles made with these materials and other elements usually qualify for a Class A rating.
5. Costs
The average cost of a new roof may depend on several factors. Some of these include the size or square footage, materials used, cost of labor, and others. In the US, the average reported roof replacement price starts from USD$8000, while the highest is at USD$11000.
Conclusion
Aside from aesthetic appeal, there are many essential factors to consider when selecting a new roof for your home. The roof needs to have durability and longevity to protect the house for a long time. The roof should also be able to withstand extreme weather and temperature. Lastly, the overall replacement should be reasonably priced to get the best value for money.