Questions to ask before you purchase a new roof
After a long, severe winter, many homeowners decide it’s finally time to replace their roofs in the spring. Because each re-roofing project is unique, it’s critical to ask your roofing contractor the proper questions ahead of time so you can make the greatest selection for your home. These questions will go a long way toward ensuring you buy a new roof you’ll love in the long run.
What type of roof will provide the best protection for my home?
To get the best, plan for the worst, as the old adage goes. Hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, snow, hail, ice, driving rain, and winds: consider the hazards of each season and ensure that your roof is built to withstand them. When planning a re-roofing project, remember to include necessary accessories such as snow guards, heavy-duty gutters, and waterproof underlayment to avoid hassles and additional costs later on.
Keep in mind that there are many strong roofing materials available, such as slate and clay, but these heavyweights may necessitate additional reinforcement (and expense) of a roof’s underlying structure. Snow and ice loads can significantly increase that weight, so homeowners seeking a similar appearance may want to consider metal roofing that can mimic those materials.
Metal provides superior strength under extreme conditions while being much lighter per square foot, so additional structural reinforcements are rarely required.
How can I reduce the amount of ongoing maintenance required for my new roof?
Asphalt, shake, and clay are all susceptible to serious maintenance issues such as moss, algae, and fungus. This is especially true in humid and wet climates. These issues can be costly and environmentally hazardous to address, and if left untreated, they can cause damage and shorten the lifespan of a roof. Choose low-maintenance, worry-free metal roofing, which typically requires a simple, gentle solution of plain soap and water to stay looking great.
How can I ensure performance and dependability?
Warranties, both material and labor, are extremely important. Make sure the roof is rated for fire and hail resistance, as well as energy efficiency, by independent, credible sources. Roofs with a Class A fire rating provide great peace of mind in terms of wildfire protection and maximizing efficiency in both cold and hot weather. For ongoing savings and protection, make sure to ask your installer about proper insulation and underlayments that meet or exceed regional building codes.
What is the manufacturer’s name, and what is their track record?
Invest in quality to get a roof that will last and provide worry-free performance and protection for many years. Understand that the lowest bid is not always the best deal. Do your research and learn more about the proposed material, where it is sourced, and whether the manufacturer has a solid reputation and will stand behind their products. Make certain that they use high-quality techniques and materials.
High-tech paint and coatings, for example, can make a significant difference in the durability, performance, and ongoing maintenance of a roof. Inquire with your installer for more information and confirmation on the material specifications and installation methods being proposed.
What can I do to lessen my environmental impact?
Re-roofing can generate a significant amount of waste, and the wrong roof can cost you in terms of increased energy consumption. Take into account the entire lifecycle of a roof, from tear off to manufacturing to longevity.
Some materials, such as metal roofing, can be installed directly over an existing asphalt roof, avoiding tear off and landfill waste. They can also be 100% recycled at the end of their long life and last up to three times longer than other types of roofing. Furthermore, high-quality metal roofs with high-performance coatings have some of the best energy efficiency of any roofing material, saving you—and the planet—year after year.
About Metal Sales
Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation is the premier nationwide provider of metal panels for the construction industry. Metal Sales works with architectural specifiers and commercial construction professionals to create inspirational design solutions. With the industry’s largest and most knowledgeable sales and technical support team, Metal Sales has the expertise to address today’s challenges in high-performance, sustainable and Net-Zero building. Metal Sales has outreach around the world. Delivering outstanding roof, wall and fascia metal panels from its 21 facilities throughout the U.S.
For more information, visit www.metalsales.us.com
To find the nearest branch near you, please visit here.
