Although it may not be one of the most exciting home improvements, re-roofing is a worthwhile investment. A high-quality roof will increase the value and life of your property. While this roof is functional, it should be considered an aesthetic feature. However, there are many ways to make your roof more appealing than ever. You should take the time to choose roofing materials that match the property’s style and consider additional features such as ventilation or climate control. These are five roof upgrades that you should consider when you’re looking to re-roof your house.
- Select an energy-efficient Shingle – Shingle roofs have been around for a century and are still a popular choice. However, they have made great strides in recent years. There are many options for homeowners and architects when it comes to shingles. This means that they can choose from a variety of styles and colors to match their property’s appearance. If the property is located in an area that is often sunny or exposed, reflective shingles are a smart choice. They reflect the sun’s rays through their granulated surfaces, which can help reduce interior cooling costs up to 15%.
- Low-maintenance gutters can be installed –Gutters, which channel water away to the roof, protecting brickwork from moisture buildup and preventing damage, are some of the most important components. Regular maintenance is necessary for older guttering types. However, they can become blocked easily. Modern guttering is seamless, so they are less likely to leak. They also don’t trap leaves or other clogging materials as easily. Today’s gutters are available in many colors. Make sure to match your roofline with one of these.
- Increase roof ventilation – Attics can become hotspots in summer when they aren’t well ventilated. The heat from the attic radiates into the rooms below it, making them uncomfortable. Installing ridge vents on your roof will keep your attic and home cooler. Ridge vents are barely visible from the street and allow air movement underneath the ridge cap. Vents under the eaves allow cooler air to flow into the attic while hot air is being blown out. Gable vents are also needed near the roof peak of exterior walls to provide adequate airflow. Cooler attics mean your home will be more comfortable in the summer, without needing to invest in air conditioning.
- Install an efficient chimney cap. Unlike metal and masonry chimney caps, which are meant to keep rain out and birds out (if screened), airtight caps will save energy. The safety and functionality of your chimney is dependent on a chimney cap. If your fireplace isn’t in use, warm air from your home can be seen gushing out of the chimney. Because your chimney is not properly sealed, the damper inside your fireplace does little to prevent it from heating up. While your roof is being repaired, ask your roofer to install an airtight chimney cap.
To learn more about the roofing options and upgrades available at Old Time Roofing, call us.
This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing which is the premier roofing contractor in Clearwater FL! Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF and achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978. Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.
