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roof

Make a More Educated Decision About Your Next New Roof

Your next new roof should be a major decision, and one that should not be made lightly or without a bit of thought, brainstorming, and comparison. Making a more educated decision can help you to feel comfortable with and confident that the choice you make is right for your home or commercial property. Comparing various types can help you to make an informed decision, even if you have never worked with roofing in the past.

Asphalt Shingle

Asphalt shingles are the most common solution not only throughout the U.S. but also around the world. Some of the advantages of working with asphalt shingles include affordability as well as ease of installation. Unfortunately, although asphalt shingle are affordable and easy to find and to install, they often have a shorter overall lifespan and are much more susceptible to high winds, storms, and other natural disasters.

 

Wooden

Opting for wooden is much more uncommon than going with traditional asphalt shingles. However, wooden roofing lasts much longer than traditional asphalt, sometimes upwards of 25 years in total. It is important to note choosing wood is much more expensive than alternatives on the market, including both asphalt shingles as well as metal solutions. If you are living in an area that is prone to wildfires or any type of fire, it is best to steer clear of choosing a wooden roof for your home or place of business.

 

Metal Roofing Solutions

Metal roofing options have become increasingly popular and in-demand in the past few decades alone. Choosing metal may not be the first solution you think of when you are considering investing, but it may be the right choice depending on your property as well as your roofing needs.

Metal roofing solutions are extremely appealing and attractive to homeowners and property investors as they have a lifespan of 60 years or more, depending on the type of metal roofing you have chosen. Additionally, metal roofing can help you lower insurance rates because they are less likely to catch fire or to become damaged in high winds, storms, and other natural weather disaster instances. Investing in metal is optimal if you are interested in getting creative with your roof choice since there are hundreds of color swatches and options available.

Before opting for metal roofing, it is important to note that you may require specialized roofers. Additionally, metal roofing is costly and will require much more investment than standard and traditional roofing jobs.

Understanding the different types of roofing can help you to make your next roof decision that is right for your home based on your current location, your home’s structure, as well as your budget and long-term plans you have for your home. With the knowledge and education of roofing and types, select the roofing that provides the highest return on investment for your home and future plans. Call Steele Restoration for help with this important decision.

Design a Rich-Looking Roof on a Budget

A rich looking roof would be great! Roof designs face limits of budget and imagination. With enough money behind the idea, almost all plans are possible. However, it will take a bit more planning to achieve the look you want with a smaller budget.

Six factors are essential for choosing a new roof design:

  • Aesthetics and your personal preference
  • Total cost
  • Roof functionality
  • Building geometry/design
  • Adjacent building and surrounding geometries
  • Zoning and planning regulations

Keep these in mind when deciding on your next roof.

Gable Roofs With Fake Dormers Pack a Punch

One design that looks fantastic but doesn’t break the bank is a gable roof that’s augmented with fake dormers. Gable is a traditional roofing style known for its versatility and low cost. Using this design and adding aesthetic touches like the faux dormers give any home a classic appeal.

 

A Flat Roof Is a Rich Looking Roof

Most people who think of roofs picture soft sloping materials that finish at a peak. However, modern designers are moving away from that aesthetic and turning towards cleaner lines. An example is the current flat roof, which is gaining popularity. A flat roof is becoming very popular and is definitely rich looking.

Naturally, this type of roof works primarily with modern homes and is not a suitable replacement for many. However, for new builds, it’s worth considering how a flat roof can benefit the homeowner.

 

The White or Cool Roof Is an Option

White roofs, or very light-colored ones, are considered to be cool roofs. They significantly reduced the average roof temperature by reflecting the sun rays away from the home. That keeps the roof itself and the interior of the house cooler.

 

Cooler temperatures are fantastic for reducing energy bills during the summer months. Fortunately, white asphalt shingles are inexpensive, making this type of roof an excellent choice for multiple reasons. Depending on the budget, it’s also possible to purchase white metal roofs that are more durable but that offer similar advantages.

A Sustainable Wood Shake or Shingle Roof Makes Sense

Consider wood shake or shingles if you’re looking for an eco-friendly roofing material with strong curb appeal. These wood shingles come from sustainably managed forests and are biodegradable and natural. They provide a classic cottage look of shingles and make your home stand out.

 

Sustainable materials may cost a few extra dollars initially, but having them is a strong selling point. If you plan on getting the most out of your house when you put it up for sale, it may be worth using more in-demand materials.

Rubber Roofing for a Rich Looking Roof

An affordable and eco-friendly option is rubber roofing, which is gaining mass acceptance among homeowners. This material comes from recycled vehicle tires, which once all went to landfills.

Now, contractors can use recycled materials to create attractive roofs for clients. An average roof uses 250 to 1,000 rubber tires and can look like many different traditional roofs. The shingles look like a wood shake but last up to 50 years under warranty. Roof roofing systems are worth a look for people who want to gain the most from their long-term investments. Contact Steel Restoration for a rich looking roof today!

3 Common Roof Problems and DIY Ways to Fix Them

Keeping your roof in excellent shape is important in avoiding costly repairs in the future. However, your roof may eventually have a few problems, so it is a good idea to understand how to fix these problems yourself before they turn into more significant issues. Here are a few tips for how to repair common roof problems yourself.

 

1. Leaky Roof Problems

 

A leaky roof is an all-too-common problem for many homeowners and businesses. Getting the leak fixed as soon as possible is essential in limiting damage inside your home or building. A roof can be leaking due to a variety of reasons, whether it is due to damaged shingles, flashing issues, or curled shingles. You can re-secure a curled back shingle by coating it with asphalt roofing cement, and you can replace a damaged shingle. You can easily repair the metal flashing around your chimney by using a caulk gun to reseal the joints to prevent additional leaks.

 

2. Missing Shingles

 

Severe weather conditions can cause your shingle to blow off your roof. These missing shingles can cause significant damage to the structure of your roof if you do not replace it in a timely manner. All you need to do to replace a shingle is to purchase a new one and put it in the place of the missing shingle by using roofing nails. Applying a small amount of roof cement is also important to help you seal the shingle to the roof.

 

3. Roof Punctures

Fallen tree limbs during a storm can create significant punctures in your roof. Getting a tarp to cover these holes is critical in limiting further damages to your home. You can nail several pieces of lumber to secure the tarp on the roof to keep your home temporarily protected. Typically, it is a good idea to reach out to a professional roofing contractor to handle significant damages to your roof unless you have experience working in the roofing industry.

 

Understanding how to handle these common roofing problems is important for extending the lifespan of your roof and avoiding costly repairs. The average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is around 20 years, a wood roof can last up to 30 years, and a metal roof can last nearly five decades. While it is a cost-effective investment to fix minor roofing issues yourself, it is always a good idea to reach out to a professional roofing contractor for more complex repair work. Contact Steele Restoration for more information.