It is important for every home or business to carefully plan for replacement roofs since this involves a sizable monetary investment. Keeping a roof in good condition also means keeping the property in its best condition. Yet sooner or later, renovations are needed. To save time and avoid experiencing a disaster, it is best to be educated about roofing systems as done by a Houston roofer so that an enlightened decision can be made when putting a new roof on a home or a business.

What is a roofing system?

A roofing system refers to how the roof components are assembled and designed so that the roof surface of the home or building is weather-proof, insulated and properly ventilated. A roofing system aims to provide effective comfort as well as protection and shelter against the worst weather conditions in the area.

One important aspect of a roofing system is durability; properly installed ventilation adds durability to the roofing system. There are several ways to provide ventilation under the roof to prevent moisture from accumulating that could cause rot and buckling of the roofing materials. Ventilation could include louvers and ridges or soffit vents. Also, vents may be designed for a particular roofing system and manufactured for durability and weather resistance.

Another important aspect of a roofing system is the insulation. A gap-free installation of insulation in the attic floor will prevent the room heat from increasing or decreasing. As insulation complements ventilation, it will provide the rooms below with comfort. Also, installed under insulation is vapor retardant that helps stop the moisture from rising.

Roofing System Factors to Consider

Listed below are several factors that should be considered when talking to a Houston roofer about a new roofing system.

Style - When it comes to material selection, it is recommended that it should match the building's style; this is now becoming a current trend to match the style of the roof with the style of the building. For example: shakes or wood are best for homes with wood exterior design; slate is best for homes with brick exterior design; and for stucco homes, a concrete/clay tile will suit best.

Color – There are two considerations when choosing color for roofing: color and energy efficiency. The first factor of choosing the correct exterior design color seems to be self-explanatory as the wrong color could make the whole home or building look incongruous. The second factor is selecting a color that is appropriate to the climate and does not detract from its energy efficiency; select darker colors for cooler climates and lighter colors for hotter climates.

Material – When it comes to material section for replacement roofs, it is recommended that local building codes are checked before selecting a specific material. The following are some considerations about building materials to help in the selection.

• Shingles – It is the most popular material in the United States. It is cheaper in cost, easily installed; but typically offers a short life span.

• Clay – It is predominately used in the Southwest United States. It is more expensive, harder to install but does have a decent life span when compared to shingles.

• Metal roofing – This can be from copper, steel or aluminum. It is perhaps the most expensive material, noisy when raining but it will not burn.

• Slate – It is popular for expensive homes. The material itself is not terribly expensive but installation requires skilled craftsmen so the total cost is quite high. It is very sturdy and long-lasting.

Material Weight – The weight of the material being used is another important consideration to not overlook. The replacement roofing material selected should not exceed the weight of the old roofing material. Additional strengthening of the roof frame would be required to compensate for any additional weight.

Cost – Total cost varies significantly depending upon the desired replacement material for a roofing system. For comparison purposes, the least expensive material is asphalt shingles that cost $25 to $30 per 100 square feet, while slate costs $100 square feet. As mentioned above, material cost may be higher; longevity of the material will enter into the entire consideration.

Lastly, a home should look beautiful without being more than what can be individually afforded. It is recommended to look for a Houston roofer who offers the best deal for any replacement roofing needs. Hopefully, this article has presented a bird's eye view of how to find the best roofing system!