Repairing and restoring your roof, whether flat or pitched, is essential to keeping your house waterproof and protected from the elements. Roofs naturally get exposed to intense sunlight, rain, snow, and wind; they tend to wear out over time unless adequately maintained by professionals with the right tools and expertise. However, if you’re thinking of getting your roof restored or repaired to improve its durability and lifespan, here are factors that will help you design a roof restoration plan that won’t leave you worse off than before.
1. Your Budget
Re-roofing your home will give you peace of mind. However, for the proper execution of your plan, it is crucial to have a budget in place. A good rule of thumb is to allocate about 10% of your overall property value to re-roofing and repairs. For example, if your house costs $300,000, set aside $30,000 as an initial budget. Roof restoration requires adequate financial planning. Make sure to include all possible expenses when preparing your budget. That includes labor, materials, permits, taxes, etc.
Don’t forget to factor in additional expenses like unexpected repair work that might crop up during construction. It would be best if you could complete all phases of re-roofing at once rather than doing it piecemeal over time. You can contact a roof carpenter and discuss your needs with them. The price varies depending on what you want to do with your roof and how big or small it is. You should also know that there are different types of roofs, so find one that suits your style and fits into your budget.
2. The Size of Your Home
The size of your home matters because, as fundamental physics tells us, larger homes will generate more heat than smaller ones. The primary heat sources in your home are sunlight entering through windows and air traveling into our homes via forced-air systems or natural ventilation. A larger home allows more sunlight to enter through windows and airflow into your living space, generating more heat.
That means that large homes require more energy to maintain an optimal temperature. In other words, larger homes cost more money to cool and heat. If you’re planning on building a new home or renovating an existing one, consider these costs when determining how big you want your house to be. You can also save money by installing energy-efficient appliances and windows.
3. Materials Available in Your Area
Considering materials locally available is an essential point because there are limitations on what materials are locally available. If you have options for sourcing materials, it may make sense to consider local suppliers for cost and reliability of supply. The availability of skilled labor in your area will also influence your choice of material.
For example, a stone building in New England or Italy would not be practical due to the lack of suitable stone in those areas. You should also consider how easy it will be to transport materials to the site if they are not readily available locally.
4. How Long Will It Take to Install?
If you want to have a new roof installed or an old one repaired, it is essential to figure out how long your project will take. When hiring professional contractors to do any construction on your property, such as siding, carpentry, or a complete overhaul of an existing structure, it is essential to have them provide you with their estimated timeline for completion.
The time it takes to complete a job can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the scope of work, materials, and tools required, access to resources and workforce, weather conditions (if any), etc. Keep in mind that there may be some delays due to unforeseen circumstances, so make sure you ask about contingency plans if things don’t go according to schedule. In addition, don’t forget about all those permits! It’s crucial to make an informed decision based on how much time and money you want to invest in repairing or replacing your current roof.
5. Which Roofing Style Should You Pick?
Choosing between Gable, Hip, and Flat roofs will depend on factors such as your climate and budget. These are all very different roofing styles with unique pros and cons. Gable roofs have two sloping sides, whereas hip roofs have four sloping sides, which means they can span further. Flat roofs have zero slopes on all sides.
Each type could be ideal for your home, depending on what is most important to you. The roofing style you choose may also depend on whether or not you’re planning to install solar panels. If so, it’s best to go with a flat roof since these are more compatible with solar panel installation than gable or hip roofs.
6. Durability
Make sure to choose high-quality, durable materials. Be sure to know how your products will stand against extreme weather (i.e., wind, snow, etc.) and general wear and tear. You’ll want your roof to last at least 20 years. An excellent way to ensure longevity is by choosing asphalt shingles or slate tiles—they are known for their durability.
Check with your local building codes before making any decisions, as there may be specific requirements for certain types of roofs in your area. Also, remember that quality roofing could increase the value of your home if you ever decide to sell it.
7. Energy Efficiency
Save on energy bills by ensuring your attic is well insulated. If it’s not, use spray foam insulation to reduce heat loss and increase comfort throughout your home. It’s easy to install and efficient; make sure you close up any holes in your ceiling! A well-insulated attic can also improve indoor air quality. That’s because insulation helps prevent moisture from building up within your walls, leading to mold growth and other problems.
Spray foam is particularly good at keeping moisture out of your walls, so if you have an unfinished basement or crawl space, consider insulating with a spray foam gun before finishing those areas off with drywall or plasterboard.
Conclusion
Many people often take roofs for granted. Since they’re out of sight and just plain out of mind, many people put off repairs or completely ignore them until it’s too late. However, if your roof is nearing its expiration date, or has suffered a significant blow from mother nature, don’t delay in making repairs. Reach out to roofing experts for assistance in constructing a plan for your home that reduces energy bills, prolongs life expectancy, and enhances aesthetic appeal.