Roofing in New England – 4 Factors to Consider

Categories: Roof

Tis’ the season…for home repairs and renovations. As we head out of winter, many people find now the perfect time to clean up around their house, and make repairs and updates to parts of their home.

One task that is important but often overlooked is making sure that your roof is in excellent condition. A roof in disrepair, especially in the cold New England winters, can cause considerable damage leading to leaking, water damage, mold, and more. So, it’s no surprise that spring is considered the roofing season, as milde weather provides the perfect opportunity to tackle this task.

The first question that many people have is, do I need a new roof?

There are a few ways that you can tell if it’s time to call a contractor and have a new roof put on your house:

  • – Age of the roof. If your roof is older than 25 years, most experts agree it ’s time for a new one: especially if it lacks ventilation by having layers of shingles on top of each other.
  • – Condition of shingles. Shingles that are missing, buckled or torn are signs that you should start calling around for pricing on a new roof.
  • – The roof bounces. If you walk around and the roof bends or “bounces” at all it means that the shingles aren’t protecting the boards underneath and they are getting wet.
  • – Shingle granules. If you see shingle granules collecting in your gutters, it means your roof is washing away. Time for a new one!

So, you’ve figured out that you need a new roof but aren’t sure what to take into consideration when choosing one.

Here are a few tips:

Roofing materials are made for different types of roofs. So make sure you know about your roof before selecting the materials for it. If you’re not sure, then this is where hiring a local contractor would be a good idea.

  • – Asphalt is the most common choice, being inexpensive, and suitable for most roof types. It also comes in two different thickness types.
  • – Wood roofs are beautiful, although not as common as they used to be. The shingles are made of cedar, redwood, or southern pine, and are sawn or split.
  • – Metal roofs are great for areas with heavy snow, due to their durability. No more shoveling snow off the roof!
  • – Tile and cement are also choices however, they tend to be costly, and very heavy. The upside is that they are also extremely durable and sturdy.
  • – Slate is the best choice for sturdiness, as it lasts literally years. The downside is that it is also a significant investment, because of its high cost.

When you are choosing which material to use on your house there are important factors to keep in mind; the weight; the way it will have to be applied; the weather in the area you live; and what has traditionally been used on your house. A good way to answer this question is to simply take a look at what your current roof is.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other things to think about when selecting the right materials are:

  • – How heavy is this material and will it require particular framing?
  • – Does it fit the fire code laws of your location?
  • – Can you find the material in different colors and styles, so that you can find something that complements your home?
  • – Is anything special going to be needed or done to install it?
  • – Once installed are there any particular maintenance steps you should take to keep it in good condition?
  • – What are the costs, life span, and warranty for this material?

Okay, so now you know what you need, but how do you know if it’s the right time to replace your roof? Here are a few signs:

  • – When you have the money. We understand, a new roof is something outside of the budget and depending on the materials used can become costly. You will have to make sure that you have the funds to put the new roof on first.
  • – When the weather turns. Spring is a great time to put a new roof on. You don’t want to do it when there is bad weather such as sleet, snow, ice, or high winds in the forecast.
  • – When your home is not busy. Don’t consider replacing your roof during the holidays, when you have company visiting as you don’t want a lot of traffic around your house. Pick a time that’s quiet.

Evaluate your siding:

Re-roofing your house is the perfect time to evaluate the siding as well. After all, roofing and siding are the first line of defense your house has against weather. Be on the lookout for:

  • – Mold.
  • – Warping or bubbling.
  • – Loose panels or cracking.

Once you’ve evaluated whether or not you need new siding, be sure to choose one that works for you. Consider aesthetics, budget, weatherproofing, and durability. When in doubt consult a local expert who can evaluate your needs and can answer any questions you’re unsure of.

Hire or DIY?

Many people think that DIY is the best option. With the rise in “do it yourself” popularity, many people are tackling jobs that might be out of their skillset. For best results, and safety, roofing is better left to the professionals. Unless you have the help of an experienced friend or are very familiar with construction work, putting on a new roof is an undertaking that should not be taken lightly. Not only is it a large investment, but a simple mistake can lead to having to redo the whole project — costing you unnecessary time, money, and needless stress.

A roof in disrepair is a roof that needs to be fixed right away. A roof that needs to be replaced can lead to more significant problems with your home (water damage, mold, and more). If you believe that it’s time to put a new roof on your house then time is of the essence. Many people put off replacing their roof, not realizing the repercussions that can come from having a roof in disrepair.

Roofing can have a major impact on your home’s curb appeal. Explore what CCL has to offer in roofing and accessories, and our experts can help you get your house in tip-top shape.