Tips for a Durable Replacement Roof
If you want a durable roof, then you must install and maintain it properly. However, maintenance alone will not make your roof durable if you get the installation wrong. In case you need to replace your roof, take the following measures to get the durability right from the beginning.
Choose Durable Materials
All the different parts of the roof work together to ensure roof longevity. Ensure every material on your roof is the most durable you can afford. Flashing, sheathing, deck, gutters, and roofing materials should all be durable.
Many people would be satisfied with roofing materials that last over 50 years. Examples of roofing materials that can last over 50 years include metal, clay tiles, and slate tiles.
Opt for a Simple Design
A complex roof design has multiple roof sections, valleys, ridges, and corners. These parts of the roof can be more problematic than flat surfaces of the roof. Thus, the complexity of the roof increases the number of things that can go wrong. Some simple roof designs to consider include:
- Flat or low-slope roofs
- Shed roofs
- Gable roofs
Uncomplicated variations of these roofs also work. Your roofing contractor can also suggest other simple and durable roof designs.
Do Not Overlay the Roof
You can install your new roof over the existing roof surface to minimize roof replacement costs. However, such a roof might not be as durable as it would be if you tore off the old roof. Learn about some reasons overlay are not durable:
- The two roof layers could trap moisture and heat between them, and both things accelerate material degradation.
- The bottom layer might degrade before the upper layer and necessitate roof replacement.
- The two layers might be too heavy for the roof.
- An overlay will deny you the opportunity to inspect other parts of the roof, such as the deck, which might not be in good shape.
The savings you make if you avoid the tear-off might not compensate for the short lifespan of the roof.
Use the Right Installer
The installation quality of the roof also determines its longevity. The skill and experience of the installer determine the installation quality. For example, a skilled installer will:
- Nail roofing shingles with the correct nails and at the correct positions
- Design and install an effective drainage system
- Install an effective drip edge
- Use gutters and downspouts of correct sizes
Note that you do not have to maintain the existing design during roof replacement. Your installer can make some modifications to increase roof longevity.
Ensure Energy Efficiency
Most people opt for energy-efficient roofs to save energy bills or out of concern for the environment. However, energy-efficient roofs also tend to be durable. Below are examples of how energy efficiency affects roof durability:
- White roofs are energy-efficient because they reflect heat off the roof. Without the reflections, the heat would not only heat the house but also deteriorate the roofing materials.
- Proper insulation prevents heat penetration through the roof and limits material damage due to overheating.
- Adequate ventilation ensures heated air does not get trapped in the attic, where it would cause damage.
The local weather and climate determine the best energy-efficient measures to adopt. Your roofing contractor will advise you on these measures.
Sit down with your chosen contractor and discuss what you expect from the roof. That way, the contractor can get everything right the first time. Leon Construction can give you a durable roof so that you do not have to worry about a replacement in the near future. Talk to us today so that we can help you begin your roof replacement journey.
