Your home’s outdoor components, such as your roof and siding, are generally repairable when damaged. However, there comes a point when it becomes more expensive and less worth the trouble to repair than to replace them.
Replacing your old roof when it has reached the end of its life span is always a good investment. You can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a newer and stronger roofing system, as well as the other benefits of roof replacement, including better home energy performance and long-term savings.
If you’re planning a roof replacement today, think of it as an opportunity to add some upgrades, as well. Some of the best upgrades are listed below.
Choose Better Shingles
You have the opportunity to upgrade to better roofing materials. Impact-resistant asphalt shingles are a good choice. If you want to switch to a better material, you can do that too. A Gerard Stone Coated Steel metal roofing system is a great choice. It can last up to 50 years or longer, which is better than the 25-30 years maximum for good shingles. TruSlate is even better, as it can reach a hundred years with regular maintenance.
Improving the Ventilation
Ever had problems with ice dams on your roof? The most common reason behind ice dam formation is a lack of proper roofing ventilation. The attic becomes too hot, and when it snows, the snow at the very top of the roof melts faster than the snow at the edges. When the snow melt flows to the colder edges of the roof, it refreezes, forming ice dams that can force more water to back up and enter beneath the shingles. This is how leaks begin in winter. When you replace your roof, think about upgrading the ventilation system. For most homes, an effective system is combining soffit vents with ridge vents.
Adding Insulation
Apart from contributing to ice dam formation, lack of attic insulation can also allow drafts to enter your roof and affect your living space. This leads many homeowners to cover their roof vents during winter. Which is a bad decision because then the moist, warm air cannot escape, leading to attic frost and “leaking”. As a consequence, this turns to water damage. Best practice is to add more insulation to your attic when replacing your roof.
Upgrade Your Gutter System
Old gutters are prone to clogs because of how they’re made. Think about upgrading your gutter system, as modern gutters are more capable of resisting clogs. This is especially true if you choose seamless gutters. You can also consider adding gutter guards. A good gutter protection system prevents most clog-forming debris such as leaves, branches, and pine needles from entering the gutters and downspouts.
Get in touch with Versatile Roofing, LLC, for your roofing needs. Call our toll-free number: (888) 809-7663, or these numbers: Omaha, Nebraska (402) 884-7668, Lincoln Nebraska (402) 477-7663, Kearney, Nebraska (308) 234-7663, Albion, NE (402)395-9991. You can request a quote here.
