Your roof is one of the most important elements of your home. It can add aesthetic appeal as well as keeping the rest of your home and the people inside it safe from the elements. The structure, maintenance, and potential replacement of your roof doesn’t have to be a mystery.
Structurally, your roof is composed of many different parts that work together to provide your home with security from the elements. The flashing and guttering help direct rain and snow melt off the roof to prevent water damage. The fascia and soffit enclose holes to keep birds and small animals out of your home and to cover attic ventilation. Attic ventilation is important in keeping your roof sound as the air flow helps to dry up any moisture that might cause harm. The rafters support the sheathing, which is often made of plywood. The sheathing is encased in a felt underlayment. This layer provides a moisture barrier between the sheathing and the roofing material.
Roofing material options abound. There is a roofing material for every budget and style. It’s important to take into account the longevity of a roofing material when comparing the costs. Long-term, the cheapest roofing material may not be the best value. If you have a little wiggle room in your budget, opt for a material that will last you 20 to 25 years, like cement tile, clay tile, or metal. While these are more expensive than asphalt or architectural shingles, those roofing materials will likely need replaced in 7-17 years. Wood shake isn’t the most practical roofing material, as it is high-maintenance, but it boasts a lifespan of 15 to 20 years and a midrange price point. If you’re looking for a roofing material that will likely last for the rest of your life, slate tile is the way to go, though it is pricey at $600 to $1200 per 100 square feet.
Check your roof after severe weather. Wind, snow, ice, rain, sun, algae, moss, and tree limbs can cause damage to your roof. When the roof is left damaged, it’s all the more likely that major repairs will be necessary.
In the infographic below, John Anderson of Severe Weather Roofing and Restoration in Denver CO, helps you easily understand the most important aspects of your roof.
Source: Severe Weather Roofing Denver
