Roofs 101: The Essential Steps to Finding the Perfect Roof for Your Home

It’s finally time to replace that old, leaky roof! But where do you start? There are so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to begin. In this blog post, we will walk you through the essential steps for finding the perfect roof for your home. We’ll discuss everything from materials to installation, so you can feel confident in your decision. Let’s get started!

Whether you are constructing a new home or simply replacing the roof of your existing one, there’s an abundance of materials that require thoughtful evaluation. These include asphalt, metal, and more. Appearance can be the deciding factor, however, it should not be the only one. Your selection should also be guided by product cost, material weight, and installation requirements. Here’s what you need to know:

Before we discuss the supplies needed, let’s clarify some roofing terminology. Rather than “square feet,” roofers tend to use alternative measurements for their projects. Instead, they talk in squares. The square is the fundamental unit of measurement used, with one entity equalling 100 square feet. To put it in perspective that’s a 10-foot by 10-foot area – side to side and top bottom! The roof of a two-story, 2,000-square-foot house with a gable design will require approximately fifteen squares of shingle and under 1,500 square feet overall.

Numerous factors will influence the price of your new roof. If you’re planning a remodel, one factor to consider is the current condition of your roof. Stripping off old materials and repairing the underlying structure will add costs to your project that should be factored in from the start. The design of the roof is another essential element to consider. A gable roof with little to no interruptions along its planes (like chimneys, vent pipes, or dormers) makes for a straightforward roofing project. Roofing a dwelling with several chimneys, intersecting rooflines (valleys), turrets, skylights or any other extra components will undoubtedly lead to increased costs.

It’s important to choose the right roofing material for your particular roof, as not all materials are compatible with every type of rooftop. If your roof has a shallower pitch, you may need to use a different material than if it had an incline. Hefty materials such as slate and tile can be difficult for the average structure to bear, leaving many homes unequipped to manage their weight. Here we’ll focus on two roofing materials that Crossover Roofing specializes in:

Of all roof materials, asphalt shingles are the most widely utilized due to their affordability and ease of installation. Crafted with a fiberglass core that has been fortified by asphalt and finished off with sand-like granules, this material is sure to last.

Investing in a roof can be costly, but durable surfaces such as steel, aluminum, copper-and-asphalt and lead all promise lasting protection. Lead and the copper/asphalt varieties are typically installed as shingles, but others are manufactured for seamed roofs consisting of vertical lengths of metal that are joined with solder.

As you embark on your remodeling project, the roof of your house will usually dictate which type of roofing material is best suited for your home. If you are evaluating other choices, it is essential to consider not only the cost but also their color, texture, weight, and durability of the material. Moreover, take into account what has regularly been used on homes comparable to your own.

Once you’ve selected the material that best suits your needs and budget, get it installed professionally. Without professional installation, there is a risk of poorly fitted material or improper attachment that might lead to water damage down the line. If you’re looking for an experienced residential roofer in North Carolina with excellent customer service, contact Crossover Roofing today! We are more than happy to provide you with an inspection and guide you through the process of getting your home ready for a new roof.