9 Things Every Homeowner Should Know About Their Roof

The roof is one of the most important parts of a building. It protects the occupants of a structure from weather elements such as rain, snow, and sunlight. It also serves to reduce noise and regulate temperature. A properly installed and maintained Brentwood Roofing can last for a long time. Unfortunately, roofing isn’t an easy task and requires a lot of knowledge. Most homeowners who try to do their own roofing end up getting taken advantage of or make the wrong purchasing decisions based on bad advice.

To help you avoid being misled or taking the wrong roofing contractor, here are 9 things every homeowner should know about their roof.

Roofs are made up of different components and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. A professional roofer should assess all of these to provide the best solution for your home.

Some of the most common roofing materials include shingles, clay tiles and metal. Shingles are the most popular roofing material in the US and come in a variety of colors, styles and textures to enhance your home’s aesthetics. They’re usually made of fiberglass or asphalt shingles that have a layer of granules on top to deflect UV rays, which can cause damage to your roof over time.

If you’re looking for a green roofing option, consider metal. Its reflective properties can cut down on your energy bill by up to 25%. This is a heavier roofing material, though, so you’ll need to have a structural engineer determine if your home can support it.

In addition to the obvious components of a roof, there’s often an underlayment that goes over the sheathing and protects against moisture. You’ll also find ridge vents and vented soffits that promote air flow and prevent moisture buildup in attics.

Depending on your geographic location, you may also have to deal with snow and ice. If you live in a climate with heavy winters, you might need to add snow guards or other protective measures on the roof itself or in the gutter system.

As part of their job, roofers collaborate with other construction professionals and must have good communication skills to effectively work as a team. They also must be able to explain complex roofing issues in layman’s terms for clients, contractors and engineers. They may also need to work with customer service representatives to address questions and concerns about roofing materials, installation methods and other topics. This can be especially important when dealing with a large commercial project. Many big-box stores now offer solar shingle options that look like traditional shingles but have integrated photovoltaic cells to generate power from the sun. If you’re interested in this option, check with manufacturers to see if they have any special warranties or incentives for homeowners. Some may even give you a break on the initial installation cost. Other options include wood shingles, which are available in a wide range of styles and sizes and can be painted to match any color scheme.