3 Types of Roofing Material

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3 Types of Roofing Material That are Relatively Cheap and Lightweight

As time goes on and your roof goes without repair or maintenance, it can begin to show signs of age. When this happens, you are presented with an opportunity to re-shingle your roof.

Of course, re-shingling doesn’t mean you have to use shingles. That’s the great part! You can change things up as long as your roof is built to withstand your choice. If you’re thinking about using a new roofing material and don’t want to break the bank, here are some options to consider.

ASPHALT SHINGLES

This tried and true roofing material covers four out of five homes in the United States. Shingles aren’t inherently always black or gray, and you can consult with your residential roofing company to see what styles and colors they provide (if you don’t have a contractor yet, just search “roofers near me” to find a list of options). This type of shingle is relatively lightweight and easy to install, making your contractor’s life a little bit easier. A professional asphalt shingle roofing installation can last up to 30 years if well maintained. Although, they can be damaged in high winds and storms, and will buckle or crack with age. This roofing material is often an economical choice as well.

FAKE SLATE SHINGLES

Many homeowners are attracted to the way that a slate roof looks and covet one for their own home. Unfortunately, they can be expensive and the more surface area to cover the more expensive it will be. Luckily, there are inexpensive alternatives such as fake, or composite, slate shingles. These look almost exactly like the real thing at a lower cost. They are also lightweight, about the same as asphalt shingles, so they can be adapted to most roofs.

METAL ROOFING

Metal roofing can come in a variety of materials such as aluminum, steel, alloy strips, and even copper, and can have multiple shapes and textures. Copper tends to be expensive and will have a green patina to it over time. Metal roofing is super lightweight (lighter than asphalt) and reflects the sun so that your home stays cooler in the heat. However, they can also be pretty noisy during rainstorms. Be sure that the “roofers near me” that you choose supplies metal roofing or is experienced working with it.

Since there is no right answer to which type of roofing is right for your house (although some are definitely better than others), you should weigh all of your options carefully. Consider cost as well as looks, and make sure your contractor is familiar with the material you choose.

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REPLACE YOUR ROOF

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4 WAYS TO TELL IF YOU NEED TO REPLACE YOUR ROOF

when to replace your roof Your roof protects your home from the elements but it isn’t invincible. Every home will need a roof replacement eventually and some will need it sooner than others. Typically, a roof can last you anywhere between 20 and 25 years depending on the roofing material used. However, since there’s no reminder set to tell you when to replace your roof, you’ll need to look for the signs.

CHECK FOR LEAKS

The first place to look for signs that it’s time to replace your roof is your attic. You’ll need to inspect the eaves and infrastructure for things like stains or streaks which indicate a water leak. Light peeking through the top of your attic are also signs that your roof has been compromised.

CHECK YOUR INSTALLATION DATE

Go through your records to find the paperwork from when you had your roof installed. Most contractors will give you a rough estimate of how long you should expect your roof to last. Check the install date and any other related paperwork to get a good indication of when to replace your roof. If you have asphalt shingles and your roof was installed 25 years ago, then you probably need to call your roofing company.

CHECK THE SHINGLES

As you know, roofing shingles are supposed to lay flat on your roof, overlapping one another. If any of your shingles are bowed, curled, broken, or damaged in any other shape or form, it could be time for a replacement. Sometimes, if the damage is isolated to a small section after a storm, you may only need to replace the shingles. However, if the damage is extensive and is combined with water leaks inside the house, you’ll want to call your local roofing contractors.

CHECK FOR SAGGING

A sagging roof is a clear sign it’s time for a total roof replacement. Over time, your roof can become compromised by water and storm damage that will cause extensive rot. That rot will slowly eat away at your roof’s integrity, leaving a large droopy spot where the materials are weakest.

Another great way to know when to replace your roof is to have it inspected. Typically, you should have your roof inspected biannually or annually and the inspector can give you a rough estimate of its remaining lifespan and any current damages. If your roof needs to be replaced, it’s essential that you do so immediately to avoid further damage to your home.

Roof Safety

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Roof Safety For Homeowners

Should You Leave it To Roofing Professionals

If you are asking yourself this question, then the answer is probably yes. It may seem like an easy thing to walk on a roof, but if you are not experienced with negotiating different pitches, and if there is any question at all about the roof’s ability to handle the weight you are adding, do not attempt to climb on your own roof.

Slipped Shingles

Shingles that have slipped out of place or those that are loose will always pose a threat to your safety while on the roof. It is very easy to step on a loose shingle that will take your feet out from under you increasing the chance that you will slide off the roof. The older your roof is, the riskier it becomes.

Rotten Decking:

If your home has a roof leak that you see inside, your roof decking is already being damaged. As shingles are installed, the nails penetrate the wood. If water is added to that mix, the decking can deteriorate from the inside out. This leads to weak spots that can literally collapse as you step on them, causing a risk of falling, even death. Trained roofers know how to walk on a roof, testing their steps before they take them to ensure that the roof can handle the weight they are about to place on it

Steep Roofing:

It takes special training to walk or negotiate steep roof planes and it is never a good idea for anyone without this training to attempt to walk on a steep roof. The fall risk is simply not worth anything you need to accomplish, and this should only be left to trained professionals.