Roofing 101

If you are planning to get your roof repaired or install a new roof you would have innumerable unanswered questions running through your head. Usually a home-owner would want to change or repair his roof if it was in a state of disrepair or if he wanted to improve the visual appeal of his house.

When you are only planning a repair job the first step that you should take is to call a competent roofing services company to carry out an inspection and tell you the options that you have. If the deterioration in your roofing system is minor and requires the replacement of a few shingles or a thorough cleaning job, the work can be completed in a few days and the cost would be minimal.

But, if the condition of the roof is poor and it has outlived its useful life, it would be advisable to install a new roof. Select your roofing services company with care because they will be responsible for guiding you on which is the best roofing option available for your home within your budget.

The most popular option is the one which uses asphalt shingles. These are available in a wide variety of colors and designs and allow you an opportunity to customize your house. Of the other, more expensive options, cedar shake roofing is popular. It will give your house an elegant look and it is extremely long-lasting if adequately maintained. Clay tiles are another great option if your budget is not a constraint.

Most importantly, the shingles only form the topmost layer of your roofing system. Below the shingles there are several layers including the framing, the roof deck and the underlayment. Each of these perform a critical function in your roofing system. You are dependent on the roofing services company to install each layer in the appropriate manner so that the final product not only looks appealing but provides protection to the house and its occupants.

Once your new roof is installed it is crucial that you familiarize yourself with its maintenance requirements. Every different roof type has specific needs in terms of upkeep and repair. Your best option would be to get the roof inspected regularly and strictly adhere to the recommendations made by the roofing services company.

With proper maintenance an asphalt shingle roof should last upwards of 20 years, while a cedar shake roof could function effectively for 30 to 40 years. The most expensive option, a roof made of clay tiles lasts a lifetime and many roofs made of this material remain in good condition for a hundred years or more.