Get Help From A Roofing Contractor When Choosing The Right Roofing For Your Home
If your home is going to need a new roof soon, you probably have questions and concerns about the materials you need and the cost. Talk to a roofing contractor to get an estimate and to understand your choices. Here are a few things you may want to discuss.
Switching The Type Of Roofing
If you want a completely different look for your home, consider changing roofing materials. You could switch from asphalt shingles to metal or from clay tiles to asphalt shingles. It's usually possible to change materials unless the new material is much heavier than the old. For instance, slate is heavy, so the roofer needs to make sure the structure of your roof is strong enough to support the heavy tiles.
A new type of roofing gives your home a fresh new look, and it also may add more years to the life of your roof while improving the roof's durability. For instance, concrete tiles, slate tiles, and metal roofs may outlast asphalt shingles and need fewer repairs.
Managing A Tight Budget
It's a tough situation when your home needs a new roof and your finances are limited. In this case, you may want to talk to the roofing contractor about how you can get a new roof for the lowest cost. You'll probably want asphalt shingles since they're the most affordable type of roofing.
You may even want the new shingles put over the old roof instead of paying to have the old roofing torn off. Your contractor can let you know if that's an option for your home.
Choosing The Right Style And Color
You may be surprised at all the choices in roofing. For instance, you can install metal roofing with standing seams or metal shingles that have been stamped to look like wood shakes or slate tiles. Even asphalt shingles have a variety of looks when it comes to colors.
Some shingles have a dimensional appearance that gives them a different look from traditional 3-tab shingles. Plus, shingles have different qualities, such as resisting algae or thicker construction that resists impacts and fire.
In addition to the shingles or tiles, your roof will need metal flashing and underlayment. Your roofing contractor can help you choose quality materials, and you can choose the roofing that best matches your home's exterior and your budget.
Getting New Gutters Too
Gutters are part of your home's roofing system, and when you get a new roof, it's a good time to get new gutters. Your roofing contractor may not install gutters, but if you plan to get them, you'll want to coordinate the color of the gutters and the timing of when you have them applied.
The roofer may want the gutters out of the way if rotted fascia boards need to be replaced. Your roof will probably be put on first, followed by new gutters, and then your home will be protected from rain and have a fresh, new look too.