The roof is one of the most important parts of your home. A faulty roof can lead to structural damage and many other issues.
A roof protects a building against rain, snow, sunlight and extremes of temperature. It can be constructed in a variety of forms. The word “roof” also refers to a close-cropped hairstyle or to a signboard displayed in a medical or legal practice. Contact Lakewood Roofing now!
Your home is a major investment, so it’s important to protect it from the elements. A new roof is an effective way to do just that. Over time, older roofing materials can wear out, leaving your home vulnerable to water damage, mold, mildew, and structural support issues. By keeping your roof in good condition, you can prevent these problems from occurring and keep your family safe and sound inside your home.
Roofing also adds insulation to your home, which further protects it from harsh weather conditions like snow, wind, and hail.
Adds Value to Your Home
If you’re planning to sell your home in the future, a new roof can add value. Local real estate appraisers and agents will notice a well-maintained, in-good-condition roof, and they may reward you with a higher offer. This is particularly true if you opt for energy-efficient or premium shingles, which have a greater ROI than standard shingles. Keep in mind, however, that housing market conditions affect the return on any type of home improvement project, including roofing. Ask your local contractors and real estate agents for specifics on your area’s market.
A professional can install insulation, which can also add value to your home and increase its energy efficiency. This will help your home stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, saving you money on heating and cooling costs.
Increases Energy Efficiency
In addition to its role as a barrier against the elements, a roof plays an important role in energy efficiency. By enhancing insulation, ventilation, and solar reflectance, energy-efficient roofing helps to reduce the need for artificial heating or cooling, which significantly reduces a building’s energy consumption and carbon footprint.
The best time to address a roof’s insulation is during a reroofing project, but Sears Home Services can also install new insulation in the attic of an existing home. This is a simple and cost-effective way to lower a home’s cooling costs in the summer. Another energy-saving practice is the use of a radiant barrier, which looks like a silver paint and helps to reflect heat from the sun off the underside of the roof deck.
Proper attic ventilation is also essential in lowering home cooling costs. This is accomplished by installing intake vents in the soffit under the eaves and exhaust vents higher up in the attic. When paired with adequate insulation, this creates a natural airflow that prevents extreme heat from building up in the attic and keeps homes cool.
Other energy-efficient options include the installation of solar panels, which capture and generate clean, renewable energy. In turn, this reduces a home’s dependence on traditional energy sources and contributes to the fight against climate change.
Choosing a Roofing Material
Your roof is a vital part of your home, and choosing the right roofing material is an important decision that impacts its functionality and aesthetic appeal for years to come. While there are many different options available on the market, determining which one best suits your needs requires careful consideration of several factors, including budget, climate, and maintenance requirements.
A quality roof is an important investment that protects your property from the elements and increases its resale value. It is also an essential component of your home’s overall design, contributing to its curb appeal and ambiance. When selecting a new roof, you can choose from an array of materials, from asphalt shingles to cedar shakes and clay tiles. Other popular choices include metal roofs and composite slate and shake. While some high-quality roofing materials may cost more upfront, they can save you money in the long run with their durability and reduced maintenance requirements.
Like selecting a new outfit, you’ll want to choose a roofing material that complements your style and preferences. For example, if you live in a warm climate, you’ll want to opt for a roofing material that will keep your house cool. And if you live in an area that experiences frequent rain, you’ll want to choose a roof that is effective at keeping water out.
In addition to enhancing your home’s visual appeal, it’s important to consider the environment and how the selected roofing material will impact the surrounding ecosystem. For example, some materials can increase greenhouse gas emissions, while others are environmentally friendly. In this regard, you should opt for a roofing material that is recyclable and will not contribute to environmental degradation.
While the decision of which roofing material to select is an important one, you’ll want to make sure that the work is done by a qualified and experienced contractor. Inquire about the contractor’s credentials and ask for references from past clients. Then, request a written contract that includes the project’s scope, timelines, and pricing, as well as the contractor’s responsibilities and guarantees. Lastly, be sure to get multiple quotes and compare prices to ensure that you are receiving the best value for your money.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing has made a comeback in popularity for its durability, longevity and energy efficiency. It also adds a striking element to the overall design of any structure’s exterior. However, like any roof, it can experience issues over time that may impact functionality and aesthetics. These problems can be avoided by hiring reputable contractors, performing regular inspections and maintenance, and using energy-efficient solutions.
When choosing a metal roof, it is important to consider the style of the structure, its location and its needs. Steel, galvanized and aluminum are popular options for residential homes. They are also commonly used for commercial applications such as warehouses, sheds, and agricultural buildings. They are ideal for areas with high winds and rainfall due to their strength and resistance to water and wind damage.
One of the main benefits of a metal roof is that it requires little to no maintenance. Aside from a periodic visual inspection, all that is typically needed to keep a metal roof in good condition is the occasional removal of debris and rust spots. This is especially important in areas prone to hurricanes and other tropical weather conditions.
In addition to their durability and versatility, metal roofs are a great choice for any structure’s exterior because of the wide variety of color choices. There is also a large selection of trim and siding colors available that can complement the metal roof’s hue.
While a metal roof can be more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof, it pays for itself in longevity and minimal upkeep costs. For this reason, it is a great investment for anyone considering a new home or building project.
There are several types of metal roofing available for home and commercial use, including steel (galvanized or galvalume), aluminum, copper, zinc and tin. Each type of metal roofing begins as a metal coil or sheet that is processed into individual panels for installation. Depending on the structure’s design, these panels are then connected or seamed together to form the metal roof. In addition to being available in different color and profile options, metal roofing also comes with a range of panel thicknesses or gauges. These thicknesses, as well as the coatings and paint systems, can vary in price and length of warranty.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in North America, offering a wide range of benefits to homeowners. They are affordable, easy to install and come in a variety of styles and colors that will complement most home exteriors. Asphalt shingles also provide excellent protection and weatherproofing for your home. They can withstand scorching heat, heavy rain and snow, as well as fire and wind. Additionally, many styles are resistant to algae, moss and mold.
There are four different types of shingle available to homeowners, each with its own unique features. Three-tab shingles are the most common and offer a more uniform appearance, while architectural or dimensional shingles are thicker and feature a textured design. Luxury shingles are the highest-quality asphalt shingles and most closely resemble traditional cedar shakes or slate roofs. Impact-resistant shingles are designed to withstand hail, and solar-powered shingles are made to reflect sunlight away from the roof, keeping it cooler.
The most important factor in choosing a roofing shingle type is matching the style and color of your home. If your home has a traditional or Victorian look, asphalt shingles in earthy browns and muted greens will complement the aesthetic. For rustic or waterfront homes, consider a natural-looking clay or slate shingle to match the surroundings.
In addition to their attractive appearance and durability, asphalt shingles are highly energy efficient. They provide a layer of insulation, keeping the interior of your home cool and comfortable without requiring excessive use of your air conditioner. Moreover, many manufacturers have started producing energy-efficient asphalt shingles using cool-roof technology.
The key to selecting the right shingle for your home is working with a professional contractor who can help you identify your specific needs and find the perfect fit. At VIS Exterior, we are committed to helping you make an informed decision, and we will guide you through the process of selecting your shingle type and color before installation begins. Contact us today to get started. We look forward to helping you protect your home with a new, beautiful roof!