The Dos and Don'ts of Choosing a New Roofing System
When you are shopping around for a new roofing system, there are many things to consider. You need to think about more than just cost and appearance, though those should also be on your list. Also think about the type of roof you have and what type of protection you need. Here are some dos and don'ts that can help you decide what roofing system is best.
Do: Consider the different costs of the roof
While looking at costs of having a new roofing system installed often begins with the materials of the roof, it doesn't stop there. Make sure you consider other potential costs involved. A more complex roofing system, such as a living roof, requires paying more for labour. If you are going with a living or green roof, also consider that the roofing structure may need to be changed in order to accommodate the weight and living vegetation.
Don't: Forget about the weight of the roofing materials
You will also need to consider the weight of the new roofing materials when deciding if something will work good for your roof. For example, if you currently have an asphalt roof, it doesn't require as strong of a structure than if you were going to get a metal roof. If you want to make the switch to metal or slate tiles, your roofing contractor will first need to add reinforcements to the roof by working on the roofing structure or adding a roofing truss first. This adds more time and money to the overall project.
Do: Consider the pitch and angle of your roof
The angle and pitch of your roof also make a difference when deciding what roofing system or materials to go with. A low or high-pitch might work with asphalt tiles and clay roofing materials, but a flat roof requires other materials entirely. If you have a flat roof, you should be choosing between a built-up roof, modified bitumen, or rubber membrane roofing system.
Don't: Choose based on appearance only
There are many benefits to certain roofing systems and materials that go beyond how they look. It is in your best interest to think about the many qualities, benefits and drawbacks of each roofing material, as opposed to just thinking about the type of look you want. While it is important to be happy with the appearance of your roof, keep in mind many materials can be made to look like other materials, so that shouldn't be your only decision.
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