Having a roof over one’s head is the basic necessity we all need. Your roof protects your home and your family. It also provides necessary curb appeal and adds value to your home. A roof is a lot more than shingles and wood? Yes, a roof that looks good and provides the right amount of insulation is an asset. Whether you are building your own home or need to replace an existing roof, here are a few tips for you to consider to make sure your roof design will be sound and serve you for many years.
1. Make sure your roof conforms with the building code
California has recently made amendments to the code for roof building by introducing the cool roof code. This environmentally friendly legislation was put in place to ensure you build your roof by using shingles and materials that reflects heat rather than absorbing it. If your roof reflects heat, it means that your home stays cooler, saving you money in air conditioning costs.
2. How your roof looks
Roof designs and the slopes of the roof are not completely the architect’s choice. To make sure your roof lasts as long as possible, ensure your roof’s design matches the climate conditions where you live. For instance, flat roofs are more compatible with sunny, warm climates that don’t get too windy. If you have a lot of wind in your area, a hipped roof may be a better choice. It is the most wind-resistant design.
3. Choose your shingles wisely
These days, roof coverings are made from many materials ranging from asphalt shingles to wood, metal, slate, and clay. All of these materials can be used in warm climates. You can be guided by your pocket and the expert advice of your roofing contractor as to which material to use on your roof.
4. Make sure that your roof has room to breathe
The roofing ventilation system consists of soffits, eves, and vents and is essential to ensure your roof lasts a long time. When it rains, your roof becomes wet, and if there are no air currents to help dry the absorbed moisture, stagnant wetness can turn into mildew and mold, causing damage to your roof structure.
5. Never cover an existing roof with a new roof
Is it okay to cover an existing roof? This is the number one mistake homeowners make. Due to bad advice, they think that by covering the damaged roof with a brand new one, they will save money. Unfortunately, they forget that damage from the old roof is likely to spread to the new structures quickly. In addition, the added weight of the new roof on the foundations and weight-bearing walls may cause damage to those, leaving you with more repairs.
6. Roofs are always slanted
There is no such thing as a flat roof for the simple reason that precipitation needs to seep off the roof and not pool on top. The smallest slope you get is a quarter-inch per square foot of roof’s surface, so even though it looks flat, it isn’t completely flat.
The roof is an important construction and should only be attempted by a professional. Follow the above advice when designing your perfect roof, and you cannot go wrong.