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Have you been staring up at your ceiling lately, noticing all of those little signs trying to tell you it’s time for a new roof? There might be a water stain here, a bit of sagging there, or perhaps a lone shingle that took flight during a past storm. Honestly, it’s one of those things you hope to put off. Eventually though, you realize that waiting any longer will result in much more lasting damage.
So where should you start?
First off, who knew there were so many different options for something you barely look at? If you are like most homeowners, you probably always thought a roof was just that— a roof—nothing more, nothing less. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Modern roofing has so many options for color, style, material, lifespan, etc. As far as materials go, there are asphalt shingles, metal sheets, clay tiles, and even wood shakes. And of course, each material has its own pros and cons which directly correlate with their durability, cost, and how they handle different weather elements like rain, snow, and hail. Therefore, if you happen to live in a place where the winters are brutal and the summers feel like you’re walking on the sun, you will need a roof that is tough, as well as energy-efficient. A metal roof might be a good option in that scenario, but if you live in an area with frequent rain, a metal roof can be quite noisy.
Then, there is the color
At first, you might be thinking, “Who cares about the color of a roof?” But then when you realize just how many colors and patterns there are, you might find yourself obsessed with finding just the right color to make your house pop! You will need to consider the climate you live in when choosing a roof color. Lighter colors reflect heat well which is ideal if you live in a warmer climate. However, if you live in a colder climate, consider choosing a roof color that is darker, meaning it absorbs heat. At the moment, I’m thinking maybe a dark slate or even something with a hint of green will really make my home stand out without ruffling the feathers of my neighbors.
From there, you can consider the extras
Such as a skylight (or rooflight). Both of these terms used interchangeably, but this article is really comprehensive and will give you a clear, in-depth understanding about skylights. A lot of homeowners absolutely love the idea of natural light pouring into their homes during the day. Ultimately, having a lot of natural light can really enhance the coziness of your home. Your circadian rhythm might benefit from this as well. And depending on the location of your skylight, you should hopefully be able to catch a glimpse of the stars once night falls. It is important to note that skylights can leak if they’re not installed properly, so ensure that you are using a reputable company. As far as options go, skylights typically are single-glazed, double-glazed, or even triple-glazed, which will differ in cost. In the end, you want an option that is stylish, energy-efficient, and most importantly, properly installed.
Ventilation
One thing that most homeowners fail to anticipate is the ventilation. Specifically, the amount of planning that goes into the ventilation aspects when installing a new roof. It can really turn into a big deal rather quickly. Without proper ventilation, your attic can turn into a moisture trap, which is basically an open invitation for mold and rot. Therefore, when you’re considering a new roof, it is important to also consider ridge vents, soffit vents, attic fans, and how airflow works in general. So now I’m looking at ridge vents, soffit vents, and trying to wrap my head around how airflow works.
Who knew being a homeowner meant learning about things like this? You are probably an amateur architect at this point. Ultimately, all you really need at the end of the day is something that looks nice, holds up to weather, and will not make you feel like regretting every decision in your life. It’s just one of those home improvement tasks that, at first glance, looks very daunting. However, it is important to remember that once it is done, a new roof will give you peace-of-mind for many years to come. Plus, you’ll finally be able to stop glaring at that one missing shingle every time you pull into the driveway.