Your roof may be failing or simply nearing the end of its lifespan, which means that it is probably time for a new one.

While roof replacement has numerous benefits, choosing a new roof is definitely not a simple process. There are many important aspects that may influence your decision, so take a look at what they are and choose the best possible roof for your home.

1. Home Style and Architecture

When it comes to the type of roof on your home, it is important to take into consideration the style and architecture of your property. 

Which style was it built in? Which colors prevail? Which roofing material and style would it go well with? These are some of the most important questions in this regard.

Whether or not you have a developed sense of aesthetics and know how to match styles and colors, it is important to do so, not only for the sake of curb appeal but for the sake of your home’s value as well. 

In some cases, you are even limited to certain roofing options, so make sure to consult with your roofing contractor on this matter. They will surely advise you and steer you in the right direction.

2. Roof Installation – New or Replacement Roof?

One of the vital factors to consider during your search for the best roofing system for your home is the application, i.e. the installation of the roof. This process will vary depending on your current roof and property.

What this means is that there is a difference between applying a new roof to a brand-new structure and replacing your current roof. 

When it comes to the former, your options are practically unlimited, as the new roof will not depend on any existing components. Everything will be installed from the beginning, including the underlying structures.

When it comes to replacing your existing roof, there are certain things that must be taken into consideration. You will have to consider the existing elements, the pitch, and the existing roof materials, and then conclude which roofing materials are the best match for your replacement roof. 

Of course, most of these considerations will be handled by your roofing contractor, but you have to be aware of them as well and familiar with them in order to make the best final decision. 

3. Roof Slope

When it comes to roof slope or pitch, it is also a vital aspect that will affect your roofing material choices. Certain roofing materials require more or less slope than others, which is why your options will be limited depending on your existing structure.

Of course, as is the case with the previous consideration, if you are adding a completely new roof to a new structure, then you will have the option to choose everything – from the very slope to the roofing material.

When it comes to existing roof structures, with or without a slope, you will have to make your decision based on the slope itself. For example, an asphalt shingle roof, one of the most popular roofing choices with homeowners, requires a minimum of the so-called 4-in-12 slope. This means that your roof should rise 4 inches every 12 inches of its length.

You don’t have to remember the numbers yourself, of course, we are simply giving you an example of how these slopes are referred to in the roofing business. But it is always good to know some of the most important roofing terms when talking to your roofer. 

4. The Climate 

There are more and less resistant roofs on the market today, which, naturally, vary in prices as well. What you need to consider here is your local climate and the weather that you usually get.

The best solution is to always choose the most durable and weather-resistant roofing material there is so that you are certain that you have the best possible protection. The strongest and most durable roofs pay off significantly in the long run, as there will be significantly fewer roof repairs needed in the future as well as little to no maintenance.

However, if you live in mild climates and areas that don’t receive harsh weather, severe storms, and high winds, then you can opt for a slightly more affordable roofing material that is designed to hold up well in milder climates.  

5. The Price

One of the first things that comes to any homeowner’s mind when talking about roofs is the price. A new roof a significant investment that may take a toll on your home budget, but it is also one of the most important investments that you will make in your life.

Therefore, it is important to make a good, sound, and informed decision. What most experts recommend is investing in a high-quality, durable roofing system that has a long life span because this pays off greatly in most cases. 

With such a roof, there is less risk of a roof malfunction, damage caused by the weather or any other unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, it is less likely that you’ll need to invest a significant amount of money into future roof repairs. With such a roof, you probably have a roofing system that will last you for the rest of your life.

These roofs may have a higher price tag, but they will cost you less in future repairs, additional costs, and potential replacements.

6. Local Building Codes and the HOA

State and local building codes may vary, so it is very important to get informed and abide by all of them. They are here to protect your home, your roof, and your investment and to make sure every roof is installed adequately and according to regulations. 

In addition to that, many neighborhoods and residential areas have an established Homeowners Association that also has its own rules and regulations. These serve to maintain certain levels of quality, style, and value throughout the neighborhood.

You should inform yourself whether there are such regulations in your area and make sure that the roofing material you desire is acceptable. If you hire a local roofer with a good reputation in your community, chances are that they will already be familiar with all the codes, rules and/or restrictions. 

7. Curb Appeal 

If, as mentioned in the previous section, there is an HOA in your area, then they will probably have some rules on the types, colors, and styles of shingles and materials that are acceptable. These regulations are usually there to maintain the overall style and curb appeal of the entire street, neighborhood or area.

If there are no such regulations, on the other hand, you should still make sure that your home does not stand out too much from the rest of the surrounding homes, buildings, as well as nature. 

Try choosing colors and styles that will match your home and create a great harmony with the rest of the colors and elements on it, as well as with the surrounding homes.

These efforts will not only increase your curb appeal but the overall value of your home as well.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect new roof for your home is neither a small nor a simple task. However, if you follow our advice, consider all of these important aspects, and work together with your best local roof replacement contractor, you will undoubtedly make the best decision.

Homeowners sometimes overlook the needs of their roof as there are more pressing issues and an array of other home improvement projects to go through.

However, roofs are among the biggest investments that you will make when it comes to your home, so what can be more pressing than keeping an eye on that investment?

Roofs don’t need daily care and maintenance but regular inspections and occasional repairs should be on the top of every homeowner’s priority list.

Apart from that, one of the most important things to keep in mind is your roof’s lifespan. Make sure to know how long it is expected to last and to pay greater attention to it when it reaches the end of its life.

An aging and dated roof can bring about many dangerous and costly problems. Read on to find out what they are and make sure to replace your roof on time.

Leaks and Severe Water Damage

Leaks are among the first and most common issues that result from a faulty and aging roof and they can have some of the most adverse effects on your home. 

Leaks can go undetected for a long time and lead to some devastating consequences such as severe water damage, structural instability, mold, and mildew. 

A dated roof doesn’t have the same strength and durability as it had when it was first installed and it is prone to losing its surface shingles granules. This leads to its deterioration and more frequent leaks.

A small leak can develop into a big one if it is not repaired on time. When we talk about aging roofs, these leaks will appear more frequently and will spread more easily. An old roof will be more easily damaged by the weather, tree branches or any other impact event.  

When these problems increase in number, size, and scope, you can be left with very serious water damage. 

The constant leaks in the walls or water drippings on the floor can destroy your insulation, for example. The ceilings can start to sag from the weight and the paint will start peeling off.

Mold and mildew will start to appear due to excessive moisture and you will be breathing in their hazardous spores on a daily basis, possibly suffering from headaches and breathing problems. 

The list can go on but the bottom line is that when a roof is replaced on time, you can avoid all of these serious issues or at least stop them from becoming so grave.  

Structural Instability and Potential Collapse

Apart from losing its function, an aging roof will also start to lose its integrity and stability, which can even lead to a potential roof collapse down the line. 

Your roof will have a hard time supporting any additional weight in the form of water or snow that can accumulate on it, which means that the next winter and snowfall may have a very detrimental effect on it.

A roof collapse does not happen that often, but it is nonetheless a very serious risk and a safety hazard for all the residents in the house. That is why you should take every precaution possible as a homeowner and try to prevent that risk.

Installing a new roof on time will help you maintain a stable, safe, and healthy household. 

Fire Hazard

Another consequence and a great hazard, stemming from the previously-mentioned leaks and water damage, is a house fire.

Water that seeps into your home through your walls and ceilings can easily reach your electrical wiring or outlets that are located in those same walls and ceilings.

This is one of the most dangerous issues that can arise from a dated and faulty roof that is not replaced on time. A house fire can be severely destructive and devastating, not only to your belongings, furniture, and other objects inside the house but to the residents themselves.

It can cause great injuries and even be life-threatening if the residents find themselves inside during the fire. Therefore, it is always better to be safe than sorry and prevent potential damage and injuries.

Replacing your roof on time, at the end of its lifespan or when it starts breaking down often will save you a lot of stress and worry, and also prevent grave consequences. 

Decreased Home Value

The real estate market is tough as it is, even when the property is in perfect shape. With a faulty roof, aging roof or even watermarks on your walls and ceilings, selling your house would be a nearly-impossible task.

Property in such a condition would not only be highly devalued in today’s market, but it would be very hard to sell even at low prices. By selling it at a lower price, on the other hand, i.e. under the market value, you would stand to lose a lot of money.

When buyers are looking at new homes, they don’t want a home that will bring them extra costs in the form of roof replacements or other home renovations that may be needed. They want a functional and move-in-ready house.

Installing a new roof on time, before it causes leaks, wall stains, and structural deterioration to your home, will save you money, maintain or even increase your home’s resale value, and increase your chances of selling it if you decide to do so.

Higher Replacement and Installation Costs

Delaying a roof replacement and neglecting your roof can lead to increased costs and blows to your budget in a couple of ways.

First of all, an aging, dated roof will break down more frequently. The faults in the roof will keep piling up and cause further damage not only to the roof itself but to the rest of your home as well.

You will, therefore, need to call your roofer for roof repairs more often than before, accruing additional and unnecessary costs. And the older your roof gets, the more serious and expensive the damage will be. 

Second of all, as the roof ages, it starts deteriorating more and more, and the more you wait, the deeper the damage will get. This means that not only will you have the usual surface issues, such as broken shingles and leaks, but the deterioration will start to affect the underlying structures as well.  

As a result, your roof replacement will be much more complex and much more costly. Replacing your dated roof on time, before it deteriorates so severely, will save you money, stress, and time. 

Conclusion

Overlooking or neglecting the fact that your dated roof needs replacement can easily lead to some of the very serious issues mentioned above. 

A roof is a big investment and an essential part of your home, one that keeps you safe and protected, which is why it is essential to keep track of its age and function.

Contact your top roof replacement contractors and make sure to replace your roof before it is too late.