The roofing industry has changed quite a lot over the years. These days, homeowners are rarely opting for the standard, 3-tab shingles that were so popular a few decades ago. Instead, they are going with architectural shingles, and in some cases, with even more eco-friendly options like green roofing or slate. Whether you're shopping around for a new roof or are thinking of having repairs made to your current roof, it pays to be educated. Learn the basics on this blog, where we discuss roofing in the modern world. We explore various roofing materials, roofing techniques, and how to find the right roofer.
The roof on your home will last for many years if installed correctly, but if it has been on the house for twenty-five years or more, it may be time to consider replacing the roof. Replacing the roof with high-quality material and working with a roofing contractor to install it may give you another twenty-five years, but the material you use can affect the lifespan significantly.
Finding a Roofing Contractor
If you are concerned about the condition of the roof on your home, finding a roofing contractor to inspect your roof doesn't have to be complicated. Most contractors can check the roof for you, and if you have a specific kind of roofing material that you feel needs a specialist, look for a contractor that works with that material.
Most roofing contractors can deal with the most common roofing materials, but if you are using roofing tiles, cement shingles, or wood shingles, it can be a good idea to hire a contractor that works with those materials regularly.
Roof Inspections
When the roofing contractor comes to inspect the roof on your home, they will look closely at the condition of the roofing material. If the roofing is coming loose, water can get in under the roofing materials and damage the wood structure that supports the roofing material.
Because the roofing contractor can not see the wood under the roofing material, an excellent way to look for leaks is from the underside of the roof. Often the contractor will need access to the attic of your home to look for stains on the wood or mold growing in dark, damp spaces of the attic.
If the contractor finds wet spots on the wood, they will check to see if those areas are soft or have rot that affects the structure of the wood. Damage to the wood often means the wood will need replacing when the roofing is removed from the roof.
Choosing a Roofing Material
Once you have decided to replace the roof on the home, you will need to determine what kind of roofing material you want to use. For most people, the cost of the material will play a significant role in the choice, but it is essential to remember that the longer the roofing material lasts, the cheaper it will be in the long run.
Asphalt shingles are common in the US because the shingles' cost is low, and the lifespan is longer than other materials. Metal roofing is also popular in some parts of the country and can last as long as fifty years on the roof of your home, but your contractor can help you pick the right material for your needs.
For more information, contact a local roofing contractor.