When you get your first home or have been living in a house for years there is always something you can learn about your home. When it comes to your roof it can be confusing and frustrating to deal with since most people do not climb onto their roof once a month to inspect it. Here are some surprising facts you may not know about about your roof:
1. There is More to Your Roof Than Shingles
When it comes to a well-made roof it has 7 layers! Starting at the base you have decking that supports the weight of the roof. Your next layer will be ice and water, this is a protective barrier that gets placed in the valley of your roof to help prevent ice damage. Over top of that we put down a waterproof or water-resistant under layer of felt to keep water from penetrating and damaging the decking. Then we have some metal protection in the form of a drip edge and metal flashing, to help keep that water running off! Then comes that important layer of shingles you see every day. Lastly, to help your roof breath we put in a ventilation system of vents, soffits and eaves that circulates air.
2. Your Roof Type Depends on Where You Live
Yes, there are different types of roofs for each climate and region. Hipped roofs are more wind-resistant, Gable roofs do best in colder, snowier climates and flat roofs do better in drier climates where water will not pool on top.
3. Roofs Breathe
As we mentioned in fact 1, your roof breathes! Making sure you have the proper ventilation on your roof keeps a healthy house. Ventilation keeps condensation from building up in your attic which could cause damage to insulation, walls and wood.
4. Never Cover an Existing Roof
It sounds like a cheap fix to an expensive problem but you are doing more harm than good. When you cover up your existing roof you are covering up the problem not fixing it. It is important to tear down all the way to the decking to make sure you uncover all potential leaks. Do it right the first time!.
5. Please, Don’t DIY Your Roof
Roofs have a lot going on, as we have talked about. It is important to make sure that all roof layers are properly installed so there is no damage to the house. Poor installation can cause damage to the roof, wood frame, attic, walls or even your home's electrical system. Leave this to the professionals, we'll keep your family safe under our roof.
6. Think About the Resale Value
A new roof is a big selling point when selling your home. On the flip side, a roof in bad repair might turn off potential buyers. Before selling look into what you can do for your roof. No one wants to buy a home with roof leaks, damaged or missing shingles, or other signs of disrepair, and neither would you! Helpful hint, ask for a roofer to inspect any potential homes you are considering. Most home inspection companies do not actually climb onto the roof for a full inspection.
7. Your Roof Won’t Last Forever
I know it is hard to believe but your roof will break down over time. The average lifespan of a roof will depend on the materials and installation. For example, a standard three-tab asphalt shingle roof has a warranty of 20 to 25 years. Architectural shingles, which we automatically upgrade all of our homes to with no extra cost, has a warranty for up to 50 years. With that being said, you should still have your roof checked out every year to make sure that you do not have any storm damage that needs to be repaired.
8. Professional Roof Cleaning Companies is a Thing
We all know that we need to make sure that our roof is clean of fallen tree branches and leaves. But did you know that moss, algae and fungus can grow on your roof over time. Believe it or not, but there are companies that specialize in cleaning all that stuff off. They use a special hose and biodegradable cleaning solution that does not harm shingles or the plants on the ground.
Contact Nailed Right Roofing & Construction
Got more questions? To learn more about our roofing services and to get a free quote, Contact Us at 817-805-5260.
Comments