A roof fails after just a few years of being installed is a nightmare for any homeowner. Installing a new roof is a huge investment, and you need to make sure it lasts as long as possible.
You may wonder – what can you do to ensure your roof looks and performs its very best for years to come.
Make Sure Only the Highest Quality Materials are Used
Top quality roofing materials are going to last a long-time ad help to protect your home from the elements.
When you begin looking into the materials for your roof, be sure you consider factors like these:
- Durability: You need to ensure your roof can stand up to any conditions Mother Nature throws its way, including sleet, hail, rain, snow, and high winds.
- Lifespan: This is going to vary from one material to another. For example, laminate shingles last for about 25 to 35 years while more durable cedar shakes can make it for three decades, or more.
- Weight: A roof is only designed to hold a specific amount of weight. If you want to exceed the maximum for your roof, you need to strengthen the framing (substructure). This is going to take additional time and more money.
- Fire Ratings: All roofing materials are given one or tree different grades, ranging from A, which his effective against severe exposure, to C, which is only effective against light exposure. Remember, not all materials are ratable, such as untreated wood shingles.
Ensure Proper Roof Installation
To get the very best results from your roofing materials, you need to ensure they are installed properly. You should find a professional roofer to work on the project. Try to find a roofer who stands behind the quality of the work they do.
When it is time to evaluate different roofers, consider these things:
- The reputation of the company: How long have they been in business? Does the company have a permanent address? What do past customers say about the roofer? It’s a good idea to consult past customer testimonials on their website, third-party reviews, and other information on the company’s BBB profile.
- Insurance: It’s important to find a roofer who has both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. This ensures your home and the workers are protected.
- Warranties: Any reputable roofer is going to provide clients a workmanship warranty, which covers issues related to the work they do. Some suppliers may also warranty the products for 20 to 50 years.
Ensure There’s Good Attic Ventilation
It’s important to make sure your attic is properly ventilated to help prevent moisture and heat from damaging the insulation, shingles, and rafters. Building codes and roofing experts usually recommend that you have a square foot of attic ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic space. However, the exact ratio is going to be dependent on your roof structure.
If you have more questions about your roof and keeping it in good condition, contact the professionals. They can provide a full roofing inspection.