For most people, the reason for getting a new roof has more to
do with necessity than desire. Of course if you want a new roof
for purely aesthetic reasons, MyHome’s skilled designers
and tradespeople will work with you to design even your most elaborate
fantasy.
Things to Consider in roof replacement
To briefly reiterate, the first thing you need to consider is
climate, as this can be the number one factor in determining your
roof’s lifespan. For instance: Humidity can create mildew
or moss problems for wooden roofs, while drier environments may
be prone to excessive heat and even have to repel hailstorms.
Wind can be a problem for any roof but fire is a specific concern
for wood. For this reason, finding out how the material you choose
withstands rain, snow, hail, impact, wind, and fire is a great
idea—and always as for each product’s warrantee.
Fire safety, climate and other aspects
Fire safety, pitch, (for drainage and snow accumulation), energy
concerns as well as radiant heating and cooling are just some
of the other things you’ll need to think about as you begin
this process. The simplest step might be to ask a neighbor you
trust or, better yet, one who has had their roof done recently
about climate issues like: How much sun you get in your region?
How much rain? Do you get a lot of snow buildup? This may help
you narrow your search, save you time, and steer clear of some
dead ends as you approach the roof that’s right for you.
How much will it cost?
Cost is certainly a factor but choose carefully. A cheap asphalt
option may save you money in the short term, but if you have to
redo your roof in twenty years it may end up costing you more.
However, the same option might make sense if you know you’re
moving next year. Some products like slate and metal have up to
50-year warranties. So, if you’re planning on passing down
your home to the kids, this may be a solid investment. A common
practice among architects for commercial projects is to create
"life-cycle" cost projections that consider maintenance
and longevity using today’s dollars to avoid tomorrow’s
inflation. With this mindset, you might find that options you
hadn’t considered suddenly become more affordable.
