Roof installation is one of those seemingly simple projects that could become extremely complicated. There are things a homeowner needs to consider to ensure that the installation is as successful as intended.
Be choosy in the roofing material and color. A roof can last decades so it pays to be willing to buy materials that are as durable and effective as possible. The single most important criterion when choosing the material of roofing is the climate where the building is located. In hot arid climates, clay tile roofs last forever. They are extremely resistant to the ultraviolet rays of the sun and have little water or ice to deal with. In colder climes, standard roofing shingles made of asphalt or fiberglass could be more durable. Like material, climate should be the main factor when choosing the color of roofing material. A building in a desert climate could benefit from a very light colored roof by reflecting as much sunlight as possible, resulting in lowered cooling costs. Extremely cold areas, on the other hand, are places where any available heat can lower heating costs so a very dark roof might be a more attractive option.
Be ready to replace the entire roof, not just the actual roof covering material. Inspecting the roof platform itself is often impossible without first removing the shingles or other roof covering. Once the covering is removed, it makes no sense to put new covering on a damaged base roof as this will cause the new covering to deteriorate more quickly. When planning a new roof installation, allocate a budget toward replacement of some or all of the existing roof structure. Depending on the extent of existing damage, it may cost less to have the roof replaced than to spot repair many damaged portions.
Use an experienced roofer. Construction is one of those trades where things very seldom go according to plan. As conditions differ from job to job, experience allows a roofer to foresee and prevent some problems and quickly adjust to others. While an inexperienced roofer may be as efficient as a veteran roofer in a theoretical world where no problems arise, there is no comparison when dealing with situations that one has encountered before and the other has not.
A roof installation is a major project representing a great deal of money and a product that should last for decades. By doing a little homework and being aware of what extra costs could be involved, a homeowner can ensure that the investment delivers the return that it should.
