Were you aware that your roof should be inspected at least once or twice every year under normal circumstances? When you live in an area that experiences heavy storms, or where hail and snow are commonplace, it would be a good idea to have your roof inspected more often. There are other issues, such as forrest and other types of fires, that can influence the frequency with which your roof will need to be inspected.
There are a variety of factors that will determine which type of roof homeowners may decide to purchase. A recent consumer survey showed that these were the top-two factors:
- Durability: 88%
- Longevity: 83%
The type of roofing material that is chosen does make a difference in its durability and longevity. Furthermore, when the proverbial “right” type of material is chosen, it has the capacity to decrease a home’s energy needs and usage. Recent data shows that this can be as much as a 30% decrease!
Most homes located within the United States have asphalt shingle roofs. This is the case with four out of five homes throughout the country. If you’re planning to have a new asphalt roof installed, you may be interested to know that you can potentially receive a 62% return on your investment. In addition to raising the overall value of your home, it can also make a difference in your home’s selling price.
Metal roofs are, of course, sturdier than asphalt shingle roofs. When homes are located in areas with inclement weather, for example, they are an excellent choice. Hail and most falling debris won’t dent these roofs, and they also have a 140 mile per hour wind rating. In the event that a fire breaks out in the vicinity of your home or neighborhood, metal roofs won’t ignite, which provides increased safety.
If you haven’t had your roof or gutters inspected in a year or more, it would be a good idea to contact a roofing company for an inspection. While you believe your roof may be in good shape, and a roofing contractor may concur, it still might benefit from a few minor repairs. When you own an older home, however, it might be time to have a new roof installation if it hasn’t been replaced in a few decades. There are, of course, other reasons why you would want a new roof installation, such as having an asphalt shingle roof replaced with a sturdier metal one.