If you’re in need of a new roof, whether for new home construction or for an existing home or building, your options are far more robust than they would have been for someone in your position even a decade or two ago. Improvements in roofing materials and technology have come a long way in a short time, and you now have a wide range of modern choices for the way you go about installing a new roof.
At The Roof Doctor, we can’t wait to assist you with these and any related needs. We offer roof installations and roof replacements for a variety of homes and structures, utilizing many modern themes and materials that can benefit you in a whole host of ways. What are some of the newer roof advancements that you might consider for any new roof you’re in the process of having installed? Here are several.
Cool Roof Shingles
When we talk about “cool roof” shingles, we’re actually referring to a form of reflective paint that’s applied to your roof’s surface. This paint is specially formulated to reflect solar energy back into the atmosphere rather than absorbing it, which is what typically happens with darker shingles. Your indoor cooling bill can be greatly reduced by replacing an old, dark roof with a newer cool roof alternative.
Early on in its uses, this paint may not have been very cost-effective — it was messy and may have interfered with shingle operations. Today, however, this paint has been refined to a point where it’s an undeniable and sensible option for those who are in need of a new roof. It can lower the surface temperature of your home’s roof by as much as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, which not only keeps your home cooler but is also a major benefit to anyone who lives within its walls.
Synthetic Underlayment
An important but often-underplayed element of any roof is the underlayment, which is the material that’s installed beneath your shingles or tiles. It serves a crucial purpose in keeping your roof watertight and in mitigating the effects of any possible damage between the time when your roof is installed and when you have it replaced a few decades down the road.
Traditional underlayment, though effective, has typically been made from organic felt paper. The advent of synthetic underlayment, however, has changed the game in a few crucial ways. First, it’s much more durable than felt paper, which means it can better protect your roof over the long haul. Second, it’s also lighter and easier to work with, which makes installation quicker and less labor-intensive.
Furthermore, this form of polyurethane underlayment is far better in terms of moisture resistance and any possible water damage, as it can be designed to be waterproof. The result is a longer-lasting underlayment that’s more resistant to mold, mildew, and rot. It’s also resistant to UV rays and other outdoor elements (which means you’ll have less work to do in terms of maintenance) — and maybe best of all, tends to look better than other underlayment options due to its thinness.
If you’re in the market for a new roof, there are several reasons to strongly consider a synthetic underlayment instead of an older felt option.
Architectural Shingles
Another shingle variation that’s exploded in popularity in recent years is the architectural shingle, which refers to a lamination of two or more traditional asphalt shingles together. This creates a 3-D appearance that’s far more attractive, along with a stronger roofing surface that can better handle the elements.
Architectural shingles also tend to be less expensive than their traditional counterparts, and they’re thinner as well — which means you’ll have an easier time installing them and getting the job done in a shorter amount of time. Thus, if you’re looking for a roof that looks great and will also save you some money in terms of installation costs, architectural shingles are definitely worth considering.
In fact, when homeowners are preparing to list their homes on the market for sale, it’s often recommended that they upgrade their roofs by installing architectural shingles. This can not only improve the curb appeal of a home, but it can also raise or restore its resale value — which helps homeowners sell their homes faster, with less hassle and for more money.
Storm Preparation
Especially if you live in any area where severe storms are common, you need to be sure your roof is up to the task of protecting your home against high winds and heavy rains. There are a few different ways to do this, but one of the most effective is to choose impact-resistant shingles for your new roof. These types of shingles have been shown to withstand significant impacts from both wind and hail, making them the perfect option for homeowners in areas where high winds are frequent.
Another way you can make sure your roof is ready for whatever may come its way is to install impact-resistant gutters and downspouts. This can limit the amount of water that accumulates on your roof during a storm, which in turn helps to reduce the likelihood of any damage being done by high winds or heavy rains.
Finally, you should also consider having your roof inspected by a professional before every major storm season. This can help you identify any potential weak spots or areas of concern, so you can address them before they become a bigger problem down the line.
For more on some of the modern roof materials or themes you might consider when installing a new roof on your property, or to learn about any of our roof installation or roof repair services, speak to the team at The Roof Doctor today.