The roof on your residence has a distinct purpose: to protect everything else about your home. But your roof can do more when it is made with quality materials and installed properly. That said, do you know the characteristics of good quality roofing on your DE home? Whether you are shopping around for a new address or need to replace your old roof sooner than later, understanding what makes a quality roof is essential. Today, we are going to take a look at those characteristics and give you some helpful advice, so you can choose the best roofing materials for your home.
Proper Installation
One of the first characteristics of good quality roofing on your DE home is that it was installed by an experienced and reputable roofing company in Delaware. Hiring a professional contractor is important because they use the correct materials and tools to get the job done. You know that they will also work on the underlayment, flashings, and other components that have to be either inspected, repaired, or replaced when installing the roof.
Here are some clues for spotting proper roofing installation on your DE home:
- Straight, even lines: One of the characteristics of good quality roofing is the lines. Your roofing should not have any bumps or waves in it.
- Neat and tidy workmanship: A reputable roofing company in DE will work to ensure that the roof looks the best it can be. You should not see any mess.
- No exposed nails: Nails should be properly driven and should not be exposed on the surface of the shingles. This indicates that the roofing contractor used the correct number and length of nails and that they were properly placed.
- Properly aligned shingles: You should not see any visible gaps or overlapping over the shingles. Every shingle on the roof should lay flat. Any curled or lifted shingles endanger your roof.
- Correctly sealed flashings: Flashings are an important component of a well-installed roof, and should be properly sealed to prevent water from entering the home. Flashing should be installed around chimneys, vents, and other roof penetrations, and should be sealed with caulking or roofing cement.
Durability
A quality roof should be able to withstand harsh weather conditions. The materials used in the roofing should be strong and durable enough to resist the impact of wind, hail, and heavy rain. Some of the most popular materials for roofing include asphalt shingles, metal, tile, and slate. Proper installation is also crucial in ensuring the roof’s durability, as poorly installed roofing can lead to leaks and other problems.
If you want a high-quality roof, be sure to look for shingles with higher grades of fire and wind resistance.
Fire Resistance
Fire resistance is an important consideration for homeowners, particularly in areas with a high risk of wildfires. Asphalt shingles, for example, are typically rated Class A, B, or C for fire resistance, with Class A providing the highest level of fire resistance. Class A shingles can withstand exposure to flames and have a high degree of resistance to burning. Class B and C shingles have lower levels of fire resistance but are still able to resist flames to a certain degree. Some types of roofing materials, such as metal and concrete tile, are also highly resistant to fire.
Wind Resistance
Wind resistance is another important consideration for homeowners, particularly in areas prone to hurricanes or other severe weather conditions. Shingles are rated for wind resistance based on their ability to resist wind uplift, which is the force that can lift the shingles off the roof during high winds. Asphalt shingles, for example, are typically rated for wind speeds up to 90 mph or higher, depending on the product. High-wind-rated shingles are typically designed with a higher level of adhesive strength and are more resistant to damage from wind-blown debris.
Adequate Ventilation
A well-ventilated roof prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to damage, rot, and mold growth. Proper ventilation allows air to circulate under the roof, which helps to regulate temperature and prevent moisture buildup. Moisture buildup can also reduce the effectiveness of insulation and increase the risk of ice dams during cold weather. If you live somewhere that generally sees a lot of rain and snow, you want your roof and attic to be properly ventilated.
Adequate ventilation can be achieved through the installation of ridge vents, soffit vents, or other ventilation systems.
Energy Efficiency
An energy-efficient roof is designed to help reduce the amount of energy required to heat and cool a home, which can lead to lower energy bills and improved comfort for homeowners. The roof should be designed to reflect heat and light, reducing the amount of energy needed to cool the house during hot weather. This can be achieved through the use of materials that reflect sunlight, such as white or light-colored roofing materials, or through the installation of reflective coatings.
When a roof is energy-efficient, it is also more cost-effective. High-quality roofing materials are built with better, more resilient materials that last longer and insulate better. Since you are spending less on utility costs throughout the year, you may be able to save enough to recoup the cost of the roof.
Aesthetics
Another characteristic of good quality roofing on your DE home is the aesthetic appeal of the roofing materials. You will know your asphalt shingles are of the highest quality when they have dimension and texture, boosting the curb appeal of your home. Even if you do not plan on selling your home right away (if ever), having a good-looking roof does more for the exterior of your home than you’d think. As such, the choice of roofing materials and color should be carefully considered to ensure that they match the architectural style and color scheme of the house.
Appropriate Insulation
A well-insulated roof helps to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the house and reduces energy costs. Insulation prevents heat from escaping through the roof during the winter and from entering the house during the summer. Proper insulation can be achieved through the installation of fiberglass or spray foam insulation, which a professional roofing contractor should be able to install.
Also, inspect your attic or roof insulation once in a while. It is important to address any signs of wear and tear because insulation that is damaged or compressed will not be as effective.
Low Maintenance
Although you should always perform routine maintenance on your roofing and gutters throughout the year, quality roofing materials shouldn’t require too much work. Ideally, the roof of your DE home will be durable, resilient, and long-lasting. A roof that has shingles flying off every time the wind picks up is not good for your home. Plus, all of those repairs and replacements will impact your bank account.
Some of the more low-maintenance roofing types include:
- Asphalt shingle roofs: Asphalt shingle roofs are one of the most popular roofing materials in North America due to their affordability and ease of installation. They require minimal maintenance and are available in a variety of colors and styles. However, asphalt shingle roofs have a shorter lifespan compared to other roofing materials, typically lasting between 20 to 30 years.
- Metal roofs: Metal roofs are highly durable and require minimal maintenance. They are resistant to fire, rot, and insect damage, and can last for up to 50 years or more. Metal roofs also shed snow and rainwater easily, reducing the likelihood of leaks and other problems.
- Concrete tile roofs: Concrete tile roofs are highly durable and can last for up to 50 years or more. They are resistant to fire, rot, and insect damage, and require minimal maintenance. Concrete tiles are also available in a variety of colors and styles, allowing homeowners to choose a roofing material that complements their home’s style.
Also, make sure you have regularly scheduled roof inspections with a trusted Delaware roofing company. Inspections are a wonderful way to spot problems before they become expensive repairs. Most of the time, roofing inspectors will conduct a visual inspection in which they look for wear, tear, and deterioration. They will check for missing or broken shingles, cracks or gaps in the flashing, and moisture damage around the soffits and other places. The roofing inspector may also look at the ventilation and insulation to ensure things are properly installed and functioning.
Warranty
Supporting the quality and longevity of your roof should be a decent warranty to back it up. The more comprehensive the warranty, the better. There are several manufacturers who offer excellent warranties to ensure the quality of their roofing materials, but some of the best include GAF, which we offer at RGB Construction, and CertainTeed.
For example, GAF’s Timberline® series comes with a lifetime limited warranty, which covers the cost of materials and labor for repair or replacement of defective shingles for the lifetime of the original homeowner and can be transferred to subsequent homeowners. The warranty covers manufacturing defects, including problems with the sealant, granule adhesion, and cracking.
In addition to their lifetime limited warranty, GAF also offers a Smart Choice® Protection Period, which provides additional coverage for up to 50 years from the date of installation. The protection period covers the cost of materials and labor for repair or replacement of defective shingles, as well as tear-off and disposal costs, and the cost of installing replacement shingles.
GAF also offers a WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty, which provides coverage for winds up to 130 mph for the first ten years after installation, and a StainGuard® Plus Limited Warranty, which provides coverage against algae stains for up to 25 years.
With warranties like that, you are guaranteed that your roof is of the highest quality, giving you peace of mind.
Proper Drainage
In order for your roof to work the way it should, you need a well-designed drainage system to accompany it. Make sure that your gutters are in good condition and without any clogs. When gutters and downspouts get clogged up, the pooling water may seep into any exposed wood along the soffits, which could cause damage to the underlayment of your roof. Additionally, gutters that are in disrepair may separate from the roof, breaking off and impacting your home. Lastly, ensure that all the downspouts are pointed away from the foundation of your home. You want the water to sheet off the roof, rush down the gutter, and out the downspout, running as far from the foundation as possible.
Get a High-Quality Roof from a Trusted Roofing Company in Delaware
Now that you know the characteristics of a good roof on your DE home, take a look at the condition of your current roof. If you notice anything wrong with the roof or the gutter system, why not give RGB Construction a call? Our experienced team can conduct an inspection to see what needs to be done to enhance the quality of your roof, whether that means repairs or a total replacement. Give us a call today at 856-264-9093 or fill out the contact form to learn more about our services.
