Roof replacement is a major home improvement project that homeowners often dread. But unlike many other upgrades, a new roof isn’t just a “sunk cost”; it can also add to the resale value of your property.
Before deciding on which Roofing Colorado Springs materials to invest in, consider the following factors:
A roof is a significant structural component that protects a building from the elements. Roofing materials vary and may offer specific benefits for a given environment or climate. Some are also designed for aesthetic appeal. Choosing the right roofing material for your house requires careful consideration of budget, location, and a variety of other factors.
Roofing materials are available in a wide range of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures that can significantly impact the appearance of a structure. A few of the most popular options include asphalt shingles, clay tiles, and slate. Other common materials used in roofing include rolled asphalt, thatch, metal, and membrane. Many of these roofing materials are placed on top of a secondary, water-resistant layer called underlayment.
Rolled asphalt roofing is one of the cheapest options, consisting of large rolls of asphalt material topped with mineral granules. It works well on low-sloped roofs but is not suitable for flat roofs. Rolled asphalt is relatively easy to install and has a lifespan of five to ten years.
Natural wood shingles or shakes are crafted from cedar, cypress, redwood, or pine. Shingles are milled for a uniform look, while shakes are hand-split into wedge-shaped pieces with a more rustic appearance. Both types of wood have a useful life expectancy of up to 30 years.
Metal roofing consists of galvanized iron, copper, or aluminum. These are available in either sheet or panel form and are often soldered together or fastened with welded metal screws or nails. These materials are remarkably resilient and can respond to thermal movement with greater ease than some other roofing materials.
Membrane roofing is an affordable option for low-sloped or flat roofs and can be made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), rubber EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), and Neoprene. These materials are resistant to degradation from certain chemicals, bacterial growth, root penetration, and extreme weather conditions. Membrane roofing can be loosely laid, mechanically fastened, or fully adhered to nailable or nonnailable decks and can be manufactured with a factory-applied coating to enhance weather resistance.
Several eco-friendly alternatives to traditional roofing materials are being explored, such as solar panels and green roofs. These can significantly reduce the amount of electricity a home uses and, in some cases, even offset its carbon footprint.
Installation
Installing a roof is a complex process. Hiring a professional to do it correctly is highly recommended. A good place to start is with the manufacturer of your roofing material; they may have a list of credentialed contractors. Your homeowners’ insurance company may also have a list of contractors.
If you’re thinking of installing a new roof, try getting on top of your house with a ladder to see how comfortable you feel. You’ll need to be able to climb comfortably, not be afraid of heights, and be physically fit.
Our engineered roofing renovation process is designed to help guide you through the different steps involved in re-roofing your home. It includes form fields to record progress as each task is completed and helps ensure risk analysis and safety adherence within your job.
Maintenance
The maintenance of a roof should be performed in accordance with a schedule dictated by its environment and the nature of the roofing system. A building in a mild climate may only need surface-level maintenance, while structures located in geographic areas that experience extreme weather types and temperatures may require more frequent and/or extensive maintenance procedures.
All drains, scuppers, and gutters should be cleaned of debris that can restrict water flow to the roof surface. Tree limbs that hang over the roof should be pruned to prevent accelerated surface erosion from the movement of wind-driven branches.
* Ice and Snow: The accumulation of ice and snow on the roof surfaces should be removed with extreme caution to avoid damaging the membrane or structural members. The use of de-icing salt must be monitored, as it tends to accelerate the corrosion of metal drain lines and the deterioration of the membrane.
Housekeeping surveys can be initiated and included on a maintenance schedule by the same mechanics who are responsible for daily building preventive maintenance activities. Specialized or extensive repairs and/or those under warranty should be contracted to qualified roofing professionals. All crew members will be on a roster and will have a background check run through your company to ensure a safe, clean, and professional appearance on each maintenance visit.
Repairs
Before starting any roofing work, it’s essential to examine and make any repairs that are necessary. This includes the fascia and soffits, which are the horizontal boards that run under the edge of a roof’s overhang and help support gutters, as well as any holes in the actual roof. The shingles themselves should also be examined. If any are old, worn, thinning, or actively damaged, they should be replaced.
Re-roofing is the least expensive option, but it does not cover up existing damage and voids any warranties on the new shingles. It also does not last as long as a roof replacement.
So get up in the attic or crawlspace and take a close look at the existing shingles. You’ll probably need a dumpster for all the old ones, though.