What to Look for When Buying a Roof?
Choosing a quality roofing is very important for your home. It is the first barrier between you and bad weather. Additionally, it costs a lot more than windows and doors, so homeowners should really pay attention when shopping for new roofing.
To help you out with your purchase, here is a list of the things you must look for in a brand new roof:
Energy Efficiency
There are many roof manufacturers, from amateurs and scammers to highly qualified and certified professionals. The first thing you must check is the energy efficiency of your new roof. This is usually marked by efficiency ratings such as Energy Stars.
Products with Energy Stars have successfully passed certain tests on energy efficiency. The types of products vary from electrical kettles to building materials. Luckily, roofs can also have an Energy Star. Non-certified roofs have much higher chances for cracks, leaks and collapsing.
Durability
When it comes to choosing material, the options are pretty much limited. However, the decision can still be difficult since each material has its own pros and cons. Here are the basics for the most popular roofing materials:
- Asphalt – the cheapest material on the market, therefore the most popular. Its lifespan is much shorter, reaching a maximum of 20 years, and only in ideal weather conditions.
- Wood – People tend to be skeptical about wooden shingles. But, this material offers amazing insulation, has high efficiency and lasts much longer than asphalt.
- Metal – Reserved for modern homes, metal is a material with many benefits. The chances for cracks are minimum, but it can dent due to harsh impact. Depending on the type of metal, it can last from 50 to 100 years.
- Tile – The most eco-friendly material, made entirely from earthly substances is tile. If installed right, it can last 100 years without having the need for frequent repairs. However, because of its weight, it isn’t recommended for smaller homes.
Aesthetics
Because they have large lifespans, chances are the roof will stay longer in the home than you and your family. This is why you should really pay attention to aesthetics. You don’t want to choose a roof that doesn’t match the rest of your curb appeal.
Exterior looks are the number one priority of modern homebuyers and having “an ugly” roof may even put your price down on selling day. To ensure this doesn’t happen, choose neutral colors and avoid experimentation. Remember not to compromise quality while figuring out aesthetics.
Warranties
Don’t purchase a roof that doesn’t come with warranties. Professional roofing companies offer both manufacturing and labor warranties. The latter guarantee for the quality of the worker and the former cover the roofing material.
Depending on the material you choose, manufacturing warranties can last from 10 to 50 years. The labor warranty typically lasts much less, from 1 to 3 years. Besides asking for warranties, you should also read what they cover and save every receipt and invoice.
Fire Hazards
Checking a roof’s fire resistance before purchasing may save your life one day. Each material acts differently with fire and depending on the area you live in, careful decisions are necessary. Here is what you should know:
- Asphalt – Shingles from asphalt, especially fiberglass, can last during a two-hour long fire through wooden components. However, if you live in a fire-prone area, other materials are recommended.
- Metal – Highly resistant to corrosion, mildew and fire, metal is a great choice for your home. But, you might have some problems if the fire starts on the inside since metal won’t let it out in any way, including the carbon monoxide.
- Tile – Heavyweight material that requires strong structural support, tile, both concrete and clay can withstand any fire. It’s installed in a densely populated area exactly because of this reason.
- Wood – Obviously, wood is the least material you should be thinking of installing if you live in a fire-prone zone. If you are desperate for a wooden roof, consult with your Hamilton roofing company to find the ideal solution.
Available Roofing
Available Roofing is your industrial and commercial roofing company in Oakville. With over 14 years of experience in Commercial & Residential Roofing, we are proud and dedicated to offering the highest level of quality and service.