Replacing your roof is a big job, and it’s important to go in with a plan. Here are three things you should consider before you start:
How are You Placing Your New Roof?
You have two basic options when installing a new roof. You can either strip the roof shingles and replace them with new ones, or you can place your new shingles on top of your old one.
Installing a new roof on top of another one may be quicker, but it can also reduce your roof’s resistance to hail. Some local building codes may even restrict the number of roofing layers you can have on your home.
New shingles also can’t be placed over uneven surfaces, hard or brittle materials or warped and rotting roof decks, so consider the condition of your current support system when you decide how to place your roof.
What Roofing Materials do You Plan on Using?
There are several types of roofing shingles to choose from when you’re installing a new roof. The main choices are asphalt, wood, metal and slate. Each material comes with it’s own advantages and disadvantages, and they also vary widely in price. If you’re on a tight budget, asphalt might be the way to go. It’s fairly easy to install and maintain.
The more expensive options, like metal and slate, are much more durable and last much longer. Each roofing type comes with its own set of maintenance requirements, challenges and advantages, so it’s important to research each option before you make a decision.
What Climate do you Live In?
Different types of roofs fair better in different types of climates, so it’s important to choose a roofing type that will hold up to local weather. Asphalt is usually the popular choice for its low price tag, and it will be more than sufficient in places where weather is moderate.
However, if you live in areas where hail is a major problem, it might be best to go with a metal roof to avoid replacing your damaged roof over and over. If you live in an area prone to wildfires, a wood shake roof is likely a bad idea and might even be prohibited by local building codes.
All roofs will eventually need to be replaced because of the long-term effects of weathering, but you can delay the process by choosing the right roof in the first place.
