The average roof lasts at least 15 years. If you’re reading this, it may be because you’ve realized that your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan or you’ve spotted some damage that could require replacement. Regardless of your reasons for checking out this article, I’d like to assure you of one thing first: getting a new roof doesn’t have to be complicated. You just need to follow these tips.
Tip #1: Know your options.
To most people, a roof is just a roof. We industry insiders understand that a roof is your home’s primary protection against the elements: sun, wind, rain, snow, hail, sleet, ice – you name it. A roof in poor shape leaves you and your household vulnerable, so your choice of roofing system matters.
Below are some of the roofing materials available on the market today.
- Asphalt is popular because it is inexpensive, easy to install, versatile and often warranted for up to 50 years.
- Metal is energy-efficient, fire-resistant, pest-resistant, lightweight, long-lasting and has a fairly high resale value.
- Wood. Wood is lighter than most other materials and can be installed on standard roof frames. It is an environmentally-friendly option because it contains no harmful chemicals and is usually harvested from sustainable forests.
- Slate is a classic roofing material, one that is fireproof, durable and long-lasting. It is, however, more expensive than most other roofing materials because its weight makes it more difficult to install.
- If you want a roof that will last for several decades and offer excellent thermal efficiency, a tile roof is a good bet. But like slate, tile roofs cost more to install because of the material’s weight.
Tip #2: Know what you need.
It’s easy enough to pick the type of roof you want for your home, but it would be a big mistake to ignore what your house actually needs. For instance, here in British Columbia, our climate is generally mild all year round, but if extreme weather is the norm where you live, that should factor into your choice of material.
Here are examples of questions you need to ask yourself before making a major roofing decision:
- Is my home situated in a high wind velocity area?
- Do we experience more sunny or rainy days?
- How often do we experience hailstorms?
These kinds of questions should help you assess your roofing requirements. Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to roofing.
Tip #3: Choose the right roofing company.
The roofing company that installs your roof is just as important as the type of material you choose. You want the best possible service and a properly installed roof, and the only way to ensure both is to work with someone reliable like Feller Roofing & Remodeling LLC. Look for a roofing company that is licensed to operate in British Columbia and is certified to install the roofing products they carry. Experience and a good portfolio also matter. Find a roofer whose service is backed by a good number of successful projects and positive feedback from satisfied customers.
When interviewing candidates, keep in mind that a roofer’s job doesn’t end once your new roof is up. Chances are, you’ll still need professional help down the road for things like inspections, routine maintenance and repairs. So pick someone with whom you’ll be comfortable building a good working relationship.
Good luck, and enjoy the process!
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Author Bio:
Jason Bradley is President and Owner of Crown Residential Roofing, a company that has been serving homes in the Lower Mainland since 1902. Jason has been active in the roofing industry for more than two decades. A long-time resident of British Columbia, Jason enjoys educating local homeowners about residential roofing, from routine maintenance to full replacements.
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