You may not give your roof a second thought, but it is one of the essential aspects of your property as it provides you with your first line of defence against the elements. And although roofing is constructed to last for decades, particularly severe weather conditions or simply old age may require you to consider roof replacement. For some homeowners, this roof replacement will present them an opportunity to update the aesthetic of their home. Nevertheless, this does not mean just choosing a material on a whim. Here are the main considerations that you should have when re-roofing your home with new materials.

Consider the prevailing climate

You don't really get a say on the location you live or the dominant weather elements that your house is exposed to, but this does not mean you can select roofing materials without considering these factors. The prevailing climate would dictate your choice of re-roofing materials because they will significantly affect the lifespan of your roofing.

For instance, if you live on the coast, a metal roof would not make an ideal choice for your home. You would be tasked with never-ending maintenance to ensure the metal roof is protected from corrosion or you would end up re-roofing your home again in the short-term. Instead, concrete tiles would be better suited to your needs as they will be resistant to the humidity and the salt in the air.

Consider the current structure of your home

Another thing to bear in mind when updating your roof with new materials would be the structural integrity of your property, especially if you are re-roofing with heavier materials. If you previously had shingles on your roof and would like to switch to slate or clay tiles, you should have your roofing contractors reinforce your roof trusses. Failure to do so poses the risk of leaks and even collapse as your structure would not be able to bear the weight of these new materials.

Secondly, it is also important to keep the pitch of your roof in mind. For example, if you have an A-frame roof, the pitch may be too steep for some types of materials. On the other hand, you would have a broader range of materials to choose from when you have a flat roof, as it has no slope. Overall, consult with your roofing contractors about which materials would be suited to your residence to help you narrow down your options rather than stubbornly stick to one material for the aesthetic it will provide.

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