Roofing

Roofing Perspectives

Does your leaking roof mean you need a new one?  Not necessarily. Roof leaks are not always the sign of a failed roof.  Loose or missing shingles or flashing problems may be the cause and many times can be easily repaired. But before you make the final determination, do a thorough roof inspection.  

Signs that you may need a new roof include:

• Loose, warped or worn roofing
• Discolored paint or peeling wallpaper inside the house (indicates moisture)
• Excessive roofing granules in the gutters or sidewalks
  

The roofing process can be a dreaded and expensive task.  Before you begin, be sure to investigate all of the many options available today.

Various types of roofing materials include:

• Asphalt
• Slate
  
• Clay tiles
  
• Metal
  
• Wood
  
• New “green” products made from recycled rubber and plastic.
  

Some things to consider when making your choice include:

• Life span of the material-slate, clay and metal roofs have long life spans
• Warranties - warranties can vary, but actual roof performance can be affected by installation, climate and maintenance
  
• Installation and maintenance costs - some may be more expensive to install but have lower maintenance costs and longer life expectancy
  
• Type of roof for which material is best suited- some roof coatings and membrane materials don’t work well on steep sloped roof
  
• Fire rating- A is most fire resistant, C is least fire resistant.
  
• Available colors - colors vary and should compliment your home. Keep in mind darker colors absorb heat and lighter colors reflect heat
  
• Appropriate material for your climate - some materials are more appropriate for humid, hot or cold climates. Roofing treated with zinc or copper particles for algae is a good idea for humid climates.
  
• Local building codes and requirements - codes can dictate numbers of layers of roofing before a total replace must be made or even dictate type of materials needed to be used.
  
• Personal style preferences - aesthetic look and feel, color choice, “Green” factor
  

When it comes to roofing replacement always be sure to repair structural problems before installing a new roof.  If these problems are not repaired properly, the issues will resurface again with the new roof and will cost even more to repair.