Beyond Cost: Other Factors to Consider During Roof Replacement
One of the first things most people do when they want to replace a roof is to ask for quotes. People consider quotes important because they help people budget for roofing replacement. However, you need to consider much more than the initial cost when you want to replace a roof. The following are other critical factors to consider.
Fire Resistance
The roof forms part of the building’s envelope that plays a role in fire protection. A fire-resistant roof can help your house avoid fire damage in case of a fire outbreak outside the house. Roofing materials are either unrated or belong to one of the three classes of fire resistance (class A, B, and C).
Unrated roofing materials have the worst fire resistance followed by class C, B, and A, in that order. Opt for class A materials if you want the best fire protection. We recommend class A materials particularly if your area experiences frequent wildfires.
Energy Efficiency
The roofing material influences the amount of energy you use to cool and heat your house. An energy efficient roof acts as a barrier between your house and the outside weather so that the outside weather doesn’t affect your house. For example, with an energy-inefficient roof, heat from the sun will heat the house and increase cooling costs.
Some roofing materials are more energy efficient than others. Examples of energy efficient materials include slate, clay, and metal. Talk to your roofing contractor to help you choose an energy efficient material. Note that other things (such as the slope and insulation of the roof) than the material also plays a role in the roof’s energy efficiency.
Durability
A roof replacement is an expensive investment that you want to last the longest time possible. The roofing material is one of the factors that determine how long your roof will last. Asphalt shingles, which are popular, are some of the least durable roofing materials and only lasts about 15 to 30 years.
On the other end of the scale, slate is one of the most durable roofing materials and can last as long as 150 years. Note that durable roofing materials are also relatively expensive. You may have to balance your need for durability against your budget. Ask your roofing contractor for tips on how to get the longest life from your chosen roofing material.
Maintenance
Some roofs require intensive and frequent maintenance while others are almost maintenance free. Decide how much roof maintenance you want to engage in before you choose your roofing material. Metal roofing, for example, doesn’t crack or split due to normal wear and tear; slate is another example of low-maintenance roofing material.
Examples of roofing materials that require intensive maintenance include green roofs and asphalt shingles. Note that all roofs require maintenance; only the level of the necessary maintenance differs.
Regulations
Lastly, you must also consider the laws and regulations that govern property constructions in your area. Your homeowners association (HOA) rules, local building codes, and even national building codes may affect the roofing material you can use. Some of these, like HOA regulations, may be for cosmetic reasons while others are for safety purposes.
These regulations may affect different aspects of your roof such as the fire resistance, color, and energy efficiency, among others. Your roofing contractor will help you navigate all these rules so that you don’t have to worry about code violations.
Roof replacement is a big project that requires a professional’s touch. Ray’s Harford Home Improvement Contractors Inc. can help you plan for and execute the project to your satisfaction. Contact us for a quote and discussion on your project, and we won’t disappoint you.
