Designing a New Roof: Here's What You Should Understand First

There's no need to remind you that the roof is probably the most important element of every house. That's something that all of us first notice when we cast our eyes on a particular building. And at the end of the day, there's no home without a roof, right?

In order to define a roof as functional, it has to meet certain requirements, besides the ones related to aesthetics. Above everything, it needs to cover and protect your house from various external factors.

Therefore, if you decided to install a new roof, there are some things that you need to consider first before you take any further steps, and below we will put together a list of factors that must be put into consideration.

Things To Keep In Mind Before Roofing Your House

Selecting The Right Material

Choosing the roofing material is one of the most essential decisions you will make during this process. First of all, you need to figure out how much money you’ll need for the material, how it looks and how long it is going to last.

If you're searching for something that's cost-effective, then you should definitely opt for asphalt roofing shingles, however, bear in mind that they have a relatively short life span. On the other hand, if cash is not an issue, yet you want something that's more durable, then you should pick concrete or metal shingles.

Additionally, then you can also take wooden shingles into account if you want to install something that sophisticated and elegant. Namely, these types of shingles offer superb insulation and give you the ability to customize, so your roof can be truly authentic.

And then you have traditional roofing materials like asphalt, slate, and shakes which provide resilience and durability. Moreover, you can always select more elegant metal roofs since they are capable of replicating the looks of previously mentioned materials while, at the same time, offering more appealing aesthetics and longevity.

Just keep in mind that these materials are typically pricier in comparison to traditional asphalt shingles, however, since they are a lot more attractive and durable, they are definitely worth every penny.

Now, if this is your first time installing a roof, it would be advisable to consult with an expert to help you figure out which roofing materials are the best option for you.

Picking A Reliable Roofing Company Is Of Huge Importance

Another step that’s extremely crucial is precisely this one. It doesn't matter whether you want to repair the current roof or replace the old roof with a brand-new one, it's essential to select a roofing company that has a plethora of experience when it comes to this. Having a reliable expert who can provide the best residential roofing solutions will give you peace of mind and ensure that your new roof is installed properly. This means that it will last for a long time, without any issues.

Luckily, you do not have to stress too much over it due to the fact that there are a lot of excellent roofing companies out there that are amazing at repairing/replacing roofs. If you’re looking for some more in-depth info concerning this topic, then you can read more here, and you’ll be able to understand better what these types of companies actually do. What’s interesting is that there are over 100,000 roofing companies in the USA only!

On the other hand, sadly, there are also a lot of roofers who are nothing but scammers and who will try to take your money without getting the job done. That’s precisely one of the reasons why you should be very careful when picking the roofing company. Don’t forget that a trustworthy company must have:

• Lots of experience in this industry

• A particular set of roofing services that they can offer, including new roof installation

• A vast selection of roofs

• Cost-effective prices

• Free of charge consultation for anybody who wants to gather more useful information about the company and its services

Now, before you agree to anything and give any cash, you should first conduct a thorough interview to collect as much useful information about the company as possible. Besides that, you should also check out online reviews to see what previous homeowners have stated about them.

What Else Needs To Be Mentioned?

Let’s Not Overlook The Budget

As with any other project related to home improvement, you can't make any further steps without planning your budget first. Above, we discussed the materials that you'll be needing and told you which one is the most and least expensive.

Therefore, take that information into consideration and make sure to consult with a roofing company to help you compare the options and select the ones that perfectly fit your budget. 

Peeling Off Or Layering On?

Here’s another thing that must be taken into account before you install a brand-new roof. Ask yourself whether it’s necessary to eliminate current shingles, or is it better to install the new layer on top?

In case you didn't know, you cannot have more than two layers of shingles. At least that's what building codes say. In fact, it would be advisable to peel off the old layer of shingles before you install a new layer.

Why is that? Well, that’s because the second layer is going to add a lot more weight to the roof and potentially cause serious issues with it in the future. Now, if you are searching for a more cost-effective option, then you can always put them on the first layer.

If you notice that your old shingles are folding, that your roof is uneven, or you live in a place where winds are pretty harsh, then it would be recommendable to take off the original layer. Furthermore, another huge benefit of peeling an old roof is the fact that it enables you to install ice shields and water.

Namely, these shields represent the rubber membranes that can prevent leaks caused by ice buildups, normally placed on the eaves of the roof. In colder areas, it’s always a good thing to have water and ice shields.

Be Always Prepared For Unexpected Issues

Even though with a reputable company you can always expect the best possible results, you still have to bear in mind that negative outcomes and unforeseen issues might pop up during installation.

It doesn’t necessarily mean that something like this is going to happen, however, it’s good to be prepared. What are the negative things that might occur? For instance, roofers might accidentally rip off your current roof and conclude that the decking that’s below your shingles is either sagging or rotting away.

And then, they will be forced to repair these areas of the roof before they put on a brand-new set of shingles down. In these types of situations, you will most likely set aside some cash to fix this, however, do not despair, instead, perceive it as a blessing in disguise. 

How come? Well, that’s because it’s better to notice something like this sooner than later, otherwise, you’ll be dealing with a lot more expenses.

Let’s Talk About The Color

Some people may overlook this element, but it's actually very essential when it comes to roofing systems. It's worth mentioning that darker-colored roofs generally have the tendency to retain heat, while lighter ones have a tendency to dismiss it.

In these instances, it's of huge importance to consider the place you live in. Do you live in a colder or warmer climate? These things must be taken into consideration because they will impact your energy bills.

Depending on the roofing system, some of them can lower the effect color has on heat. For example, a black metal roof that comes with AVS offers as much energy saving as the so-called cool roof.

Don’t Forget To Check The Roof Frame

Another thing that should be done during this process is inspecting the structural integrity of the roof, particularly if you’ve experienced leak-related issues in the past. You should first investigate the plywood supports of your roof. 

During this process, you should also search for any areas where sheathing is breaking apart, disintegrating, or soft, and then make sure to replace it as soon as possible. Additionally, it would also be advisable to peel away the first layer before you install the roof, just to see if there are any leaks in the frame. 

If by any chance you notice something, then you should repair the issue as soon as you can to prevent any more serious problems in the future and, at the same time, extend the longevity of your roof. 

You Must Clean Your Roof After Installation

Don’t forget that a roofing company isn’t just obligated to install the roof and then pack up their things and leave. There are still some things that have to be done after the installation is completed. If you want to rejuvenate your house with roof cleaning, then your newly installed roof must be properly cleaned. Cleaning it after the installation process is essential for removing any debris or dust that may have accumulated during the work.

Generally speaking, this is a “dirty” job, meaning that there will be hundreds and hundreds of nails all over your backyard. And these things could potentially harm you and anyone else you live with. Besides that, they could also cause flat tires on your vehicles, which is why it’s crucial to clean up your yard properly after the job is done.

It’s easy to see, that installing a brand-new roof is not a fast and simple process. In fact, it requires a lot of time and effort, which is why you should go through these facts before you embark on this journey.