Roof replacement is a big project. It’s not something you ought to approach carelessly. Before you even start to consider replacing your roof, you need to take a number of factors into account.
Go over the fundamentals of roof replacement in this article to decide whether it’s the right project for you.
What Are the Common Roofing Materials?
Your location and personal preferences frequently affect the options for replacing your roof. For instance, metal roofing is a common option in some areas due to its fire resistance.
But other regions’ typical homes might require using a tile tool with Spanish influences. Roof pitch also affects the roofing materials you can use (angle).
For instance, wood shake shingles are appropriate for roofs with a steeper pitch but inappropriate for roofs with a flat or low pitch.
The following are the most popular options for residential roofing:
Asphalt Composition Shingles
Asphalt composition shingles are widely accessible, inexpensive, and simple to locate, but their flat appearance makes them less desirable than other options. This type of roofing is by far the most prevalent.
Clay or Ceramic Tile
The Spanish-style red tile roof, still prevalent in Southern California and Florida, is gradually being replaced by metal and composite materials resembling Spanish tile.
There are currently roofing materials that weigh significantly less than ceramic tile and can match ceramic tile’s fire resistance. The “half-barrel” shingle got its name because it is about 16 inches long and looks like a cylinder cut in half lengthwise.
Composition Slate
This manufactured tile is beginning to gain popularity. Rubber is one of the materials that make up 95% of their composition. Despite being much lighter and less prone to damage, they resemble slate and other kinds of stone tile.
Metal Roofing
Because of their durability and fireproof durability, metal roofs made of steel or aluminum are growing in popularity.
Specialized contractors are needed to install these pricey roofs, but given their lengthy lifespan, they may save money. Raised-seam panels and items that resemble composite shingles are just two examples of the various shapes that metal roofing systems can take.
Slate Roofing
Slate roofing is an abundant, high-end option for roofing despite being pricey and heavy. Slate roofs are very hazardous to walk on and are challenging to fix after damage.
Wooden Shakes or Shingles
Wooden shakes or shingles are beautiful despite being pricey. Despite their extraordinary toughness, they shouldn’t be used in locations with a fire risk.
Should You Tear Off or Opt for a Second Layer?
Adding at least one, and occasionally two, new layers of shingles to an old roof was customary. Because complete removal of the old roofing is now necessary, some jurisdictions no longer permit this roofing practice.
The benefits and drawbacks of adding a new layer of shingles on top of an existing one should be carefully considered, even in situations where layering is allowed:
The primary defense for not adding additional layers of asphalt shingles is that they would be too heavy for the roof structure below.
Weight-related problems can affect a building’s structural integrity, particularly if the structure is older.
Because of the material’s extreme weight, one layer of slate shingles is frequently equivalent to three layers of asphalt shingles.
If you’re having difficulty deciding, you can also contact roof consultants.
Telegraphing
Another disadvantage of replacing shingles that require repair is that you essentially duplicate any surface flaws that are already present. There’s probably a good chance you have bubbles, bumps, and waves that need to be fixed if you’re considering installing a new roof.
You run the risk of having a new roof that is unsightly if you replace the shingles to cover up problems.
Going over the old roof and making as many repairs as possible before re-roofing is one way to lessen this issue. You only need a hammer, some roofing nails, and a few shingles to fix lumps, gaps, and protruding nails.
The main benefits of layering are less waste and work. The procedure is more challenging if the old layer must be removed before the new one is applied.
At Refuge Roofing, we can strip most roofs in the morning, so time is not an issue when handling the job. If you’re doing the work yourself, there might be a compelling case for covering the old roof.
Conclusion
Roofing replacement can be a daunting task, but with the proper planning and execution, it can be completed successfully. There are factors to consider when replacing a roof, such as the type of roof, the condition of the existing roof, the budget, and the climate. With careful consideration of all of these factors, you can be sure to choose the best roof for your home and have it installed correctly.
Fair, moral, trustworthy, and here to stay… Georgians can rely on Refuge Roofing for both residential and commercial roofing needs. Contact us if you need roof replacement!