Homeowners are often concerned about the longevity and durability of their roofs. This is particularly the case when they live in areas with inclement weather, as this can cause damage to roofs and other home structures, such as windows, doors, and siding. A recent survey showed homeowners are more likely to repair their roofs due to weather damage, This was the case with 65% of the participants that indicated weather damage was their main motivation for having these repairs made.
A house’s roof should be inspected once or twice a year under normal conditions. However, when a roof is subjected to heavy winds, rain, hail, or snow, homeowners should have more frequent inspections. At this time, roofing contractors may need to remove standing water and debris. It’s also possible that repairs may be needed in these situations. When roofs develop leaks, for example, this can obviously damage a home’s interiors and cause drafts and other issues.
When a roofing contractor inspects an existing roof, they may discover that it needs to be replaced. A consumer survey showed that homeowners took several factors into consideration when deciding which type of roof to purchase. It’s not surprising that these two factors were at the top of the list:
- Durability: 88%
- Longevity: 83%
Choosing the right roofing materials also makes a significant difference with home energy usage. Experts agree that this can decrease a home’s energy needs and costs by up to 30%. Roofing companies will tell you that when your home isn’t sufficiently insulated, that this can also make an impact on a household’s energy consumption. Houses with attics, for example, can lose a considerable amount of heat when they’re not adequately insulated. It’s been shown that approximately 20% of every home-heating dollar is wasted then attics and other parts of the house aren’t properly insulated.
Currently, most homes within the United States have asphalt shingle roofs. This is the case with four out of five homes. Slate roofs are common in some areas of the country as are metal roofs. Given their experience, roofing companies will be able to determine the best roofing material to use given the specific area of the country.
Do you need your roof cleaned, repaired, or otherwise maintained? Whether you currently have an asphalt or slate roof, a roofing contractor will be able to take care of repairing this for you. If you’ve realized that it’s time to have a roof replacement, roofing companies have a variety of materials from which to choose. Once a contractor comes to your home, they will be able to discuss what you envision as well as offer recommendations. Once you have your roof repaired or replaced, remember to schedule regular roof maintenance inspections. In this way, you will be assured that your roof continues to be durable and that it will last as long as possible.