Does your roof need major repair or even replacement? If so, you may have an unexpected opportunity: to make other changes to the roof itself. What might you change rather than simply replacing what’s there? Discover a few things to consider and why.
1. Change the Pitch
Perhaps the most involved change you can make to the roof is to change the pitch. To alter the pitch of a roof, not only must all the layers — shingles, flashing, underlayment, and decking — be removed, but you’ll need to replace the trusses underneath.
Why might you go to this extreme length? The most common reasons are to increase head space in the attic — making the living space larger — and to fix angle problems that cause roof damage through moisture or weight. Because the roof is already being replaced, this is the most cost-effective time to make these improvements.
2. Change the Color
While most home or business owners don’t give the color of their roof much thought, it has a big impact on exterior appearance.
The roof is one of the largest features of the home and faces the street so as to be one of the first impressions guests get. Therefore, lightening or darkening it can make a large-scale visual makeover. You can also alter the shade of shingles, tiles, and even metal roofing these days. Could your home use a quick and easy makeover? This is a good time to rethink your palette while choosing replacement materials.
3. Change the Materials
Roofing technology always changes. Have you taken advantage of the best that modern materials have to offer? For example, you might be able to reduce the heat levels on and around the roof by choosing roofing materials specifically designed to reflect the sun and cool the area. Even the granules on asphalt shingles may be targeted toward goals like reducing snow and ice or reflecting sunlight better.
Improvement in materials is the simplest change you can make during a roof replacement. While you will get updated materials with any new roof, you need to understand if you have options that may help solve problems or lengthen the new roof’s lifespan. Your roofer is a key resource to do this, so discuss any concerns or goals — like energy efficiency — that you want to explore.
4. Change the Style
Have you considered the benefits of choosing a different style of roof altogether? While asphalt shingles are generally the most common roofing, you have other choices. Tile roofs have gained popularity in recent years as an attractive alternative to the common sight of shingles. Some homeowners have even embraced the green roof, which reduces heat absorption and gives the home a unique appeal.
A new roof style is one of the most impactful changes you can make to the home, so you may want to do thorough research and even use visualization tools to help see how it will look. In addition, always choose materials that will hold up well in your climate and weather patterns.
No matter which type of change your roof could use, the best place to begin is by consulting with a skilled roofing contractor in your area. The roof is a major investment in any building, so thoroughly consider any moves before making any decisions.
Rays Harford Home Improvement Contractors Inc. is ready to help. We’ve aided Maryland residential and commercial building owners with all their roofing needs for more than 60 years. We can assess your roof’s current structure, recommend changes to help you achieve your goals, and guide you through the selection process. Call today to get started.
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Does your roof need major repair or even replacement? If so, you may have an unexpected opportunity: to make other changes to the roof itself. What might you change rather than simply replacing what’s there? Discover a few things to consider and why.
