When it is time to replace your roof, there is more to consider than just the cost. There are several upgrades that can improve your home and lead to a longer-lasting roof.
1. Get Reflective Shingles
Reflective shingles are typically lighter in color, and they may also have a special UV reflective coating on their service. They reflect light and heat away from your home, which leads to cooler temperatures inside as well as in the surrounding landscaping. Reflective shingles options are available in a range of materials from standard asphalt shingles to metal and tile options.
2. Update the Materials
You don't have to install the same type of roof that you had previously. Many homeowners take advantage of a new roof installation to upgrade to a material with better longevity or fewer maintenance needs, such as switching from asphalt shingles to a metal roof. Just keep in mind additional work may be necessary depending on the material upgrade. As an example, tile roofs can weigh more than asphalt, so your roofer may need to reinforce your truss system before installation.
3. Install Eave Membranes
Ice dams and water leaks can be a real nuisance on some roofs, particularly along the eaves. There are upgraded eave membranes, like bituminous eave flashing, that create a watertight seal. This seal prevents any moisture that gets under the shingles at the roof edge from making its way into the house, thus cutting down on leaks and ice dam issues.
4. Add Ventilation
Roof ventilation is an important part of a dry roof. Good ventilation allows for consistent air circulation, which prevents moisture from collecting in the attic and works to minimize ice dams in winter. These vents also move collected hot air out of the attic. Adding more vents to the roof during a new roof installation can improve attic ventilation and help keep the roof dry and the home cool in the summer.
5. Upgrade the Eaves
Old wooden eaves are often the weak point on a roof, as they are prone to moisture rot and damage from animal pests like woodpeckers and squirrels. Your roofer can upgrade your eaves to vinyl or metal eaves, which are much more durable because they won't rot and aren't damage-prone. Best of all, you won't have to repaint them periodically to keep the eaves in good condition.
Contact a roof replacement contractor for more information on the new roof upgrades that are available.