One of the biggest and most exciting projects you can do as a homeowner is to buy a new roof. If you are planning to invest in a roof replacement, however, then you should care enough to do some homework first. After all, a roof is an investment that’s meant to last for years, so being smart about your choices is crucial. High on your priority list should be to research the materials available on the market and compare their features. Keep in mind that cost isn’t always proportionate to the material’s quality, so be sure to pay more attention to the quality than the price tag. Consider, too, factors like a material’s capability to bring an extra boost of protection, curb appeal, and energy efficiency to your home. It’s also important to check out consumer reviews online to better gauge the reputation of the contractors you’re thinking about hiring for the job. Finding a reliable contractor who’s respected and well-known within your community for outstanding work and services should always be one of your top considerations. Think about what’s important to you, and look for the following features to help you get the most out of your roofing investment.
PART 1: DURABLE WEATHER PROTECTION
A strong, durable roofing system goes a long way towards giving you peace of mind as a homeowner. Intense weather conditions, such as tornados, hurricanes and hailstorms can easily damage your roof, leaving your interior spaces vulnerable to the elements. With global warming wreaking havoc on our weather systems and super storms battering homes throughout the country, it is more important than ever to ensure you’ve got a roof sturdy enough to stand up to even the most extreme weather conditions. Durable materials that can take harsh weather is a must. . It’s a good thing that developments in the construction industry have enabled today’s manufacturers to come up with the technologies to further strengthen and improve on roofing materials. Today, there are a number of material choices that can be relied on for their outstanding durability. Among them: • Metal – Metal roofing has increased in popularity throughout the years. This system can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, copper, steel and zinc. Considered among the most durable roofing materials ever made, metal roofs are waterproof, resilient and offer remarkable longevity. In fact, these roofs can last between 50 to 70 years. They can also withstand intense weather conditions and require very little maintenance. Due to their reflective properties, metal roofs can also make your home more sustainable and energy-efficient.
PART 1: DURABLE WEATHER PROTECTION
• Slate – Slate roofs offer unparalleled beauty due to their deep shadow lines and striking colors. Aside from being naturally appealing, they are also very resistant. Slate roofs are known to outlast the home or building it’s installed on. Slate roofing systems can last for over 100 years if properly installed and maintained. The material has an innate durability; it is fire-resistant and practically impermeable even in the harshest weather conditions. • Asphalt Shingle – The most popular roofing choice in the country, asphalt shingle roofs provide great aesthetics and protection against the elements. What most homeowners love about this material is that it can be installed over an existing asphalt shingle roof, eliminating the need for a costly roof removal. • Fiberglass Shingle – Not only is a fiberglass shingle roof tough and water-resilient, it’s also non-porous, inflexible and never dries out. A relatively new roofing material, fiberglass shingles are considered a cost-effective alternative to traditional felt mats. Like asphalt shingles, they are eco-friendly and can be recycled at the end of their lifespan.
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The roof is much more than just a protection system; it’s also the crowning glory of a home. In the second part of this ebook, we’ll talk about ways a new roof can transform your curb appeal, so stay tuned!
PART 2: EPDM ROOFING
Your roof represents as much as 40% of your home’s curb appeal. This is because your roofing system covers the majority of your exterior, making it one of the most visible parts of your home. When your roof looks old and worn, it will no doubt detract from the appearance of your property. That’s why it’s important that when choosing a roof replacement, you find roofing that best complements your existing design. This will help boost not just your home’s overall visual appeal but, more importantly, it’s value. A home’s aesthetic depends largely on its owner’s personal tastes, and rarely would any homeowner deliberately do anything to spoil the home’s beauty. Choosing the wrong roofing can mar a home’s overall appeal, so keep these tips in mind when looking at the choices available to you. • Marry the roof and landscape. Taking cues from your landscape design is a clever way to enhance your exterior. Doing so will help you establish your roof and entire home’s connection with the outdoors. The right roof can make your home blend well with its environment, while still managing to look uniquely striking. Do consider elements in your exterior hardscape, such as the stone sidewalks, brick siding and pavers--essentially, components that are meant to withstand time and to weather gracefully over the years. It would be smart to base your shingle color on these materials. In addition, consider playing with textures, as doing so can add visual weight to your exterior design. Accentuate that home-outdoor connection further through roof lines and shapes that complement your exterior design elements.
PART 2: UNRIVALED GOOD LOOKS
• Get color inspiration from the neighborhood. Your surroundings should also influence your design choices for your roof. While your home’s general appearance should certainly reflect your personal tastes, it’s equally important to fit in nicely with neighborhood trends. Looking different isn’t always a good thing; standing out like a sore thumb can mean a drop in your home value instead of the hike you were looking for. Walk around and get a sense for the “aesthetic rules” evident in your community so your home doesn’t end up as the eyesore on the block.
• Match your roof and architectural style. As one of the largest and most noticeable parts of your exterior, your roof needs to go well with your home’s style. For instance, the rustic design of a craftsman home can be enhanced by installing an equally rustic-looking slate roof. Cape Cod homes, on the other hand, look outstanding with asphalt shingle roofing, while modern homes can benefit from the sleek aesthetic of metal roofing. ooooo
Roof warranties are necessary to protect your investment. In the last part of this ebook, we talk about the importance of good, reliable roof warranties.
PART 3: TPO ROOFING
From high winds and disastrous rains, to blistering heat and fluctuating temperatures, Mother Nature can really do a number on your roofing system. Since a new a roof is no small investment , it’s important that you keep your investment protected. The only way to ensure your project pays for itself over time is to make sure you’re covered by the best, most extensive warranties. There are roof warranties that cover materials and labor; others only cover the materials. As a homeowner, you must understand the distinction between the different warranty types. There are two basic types of roofing warranties: the manufacturer warranty, covering the materials and products used in the installation, and the workmanship warranty, which covers the labor and installation work done by the contractor. More on these below: • Manufacturer Warranty – The most common roofing warranty available on the market. While this can be extremely helpful in protecting your investment, the manufacturer warranty will only cover manufacturing or material defects. Roofing issues are rarely traced back to product defects; problems are more typically a result of poor, amateur roof installation. That’s why it’s important that you hire an experienced and highly rated roofer to do the work. Moreover, if the materials are defective, the warranty will likely only cover product replacement, not the cost of labor for reinstallation.
PART 3: EXTENSIVE ROOFING WARRANTIES
• Workmanship Warranty – A workmanship warranty will cover the work that goes into removing the old shingles and installing a completely new system, as well as any other labor costs associated with the project. Workmanship warranties are offered by contractors with a reputation to uphold--the warranty is proof positive that they stand by the quality of their work.
For the best value for your money, hire a contractor that offers both the manufacturer and workmanship warranties. These warranties will give you that additional layer of protection you want for your roofing investment. ooooo
Getting a roof replacement may be a complicated and challenging process—especially if you’re not sure how to go about it. Consult a reliable roofing contractor to discuss your needs and options, so that as you go through each stage of the project, you know exactly what’s going on. An expert roofer will be able to recommend the right materials, design and other specifications for your new roof, allowing you to enjoy a more beautiful and comfortable home for many years, just as you should.
Howard Roofing & Home Improvements 526 Jeffco Blvd Arnold, MO 63010 636-296-1057 www.hhiroof.com