“With great power comes great responsibility,” says Uncle Ben in Spider-Man. For a lot of homeowners, this quote is a little different: With a Great House Comes Great Responsibility. Owning a house has a lot of benefits – it brings stability, it’s a great investment, plus you can make it your own however you want. But a home also brings many responsibilities; more specifically, they require a lot of maintenance.
With all the other parts of the house you’ll want to upkeep, roofing maintenance is a must. When it comes to doing roofing on your property, you want to have the highest quality contractor do the best work so that your roof serves you for the the next 50 years (whether you plan to live in that house for that long or not).
If you are researching roofing options and maintenance tips in the greater Los Angeles area, then you will find these roofing facts interesting.
1. Metal roofs are lightning resistant
If you live in an area that gets a lot of storms and rain, then a metal roof is a good idea. Unlike other materials, metal is noncombustible, so it can protect you from lightning. Moreover, metal shingles are lighter than wood shingles, which is an extra benefit.
2. There are environmentally friendly roofing options available
Roofing requires a lot of materials, and it’s safe to say that during the building process, a lot of waste is created. The good news is there are environment-friendly roofs, or so-called green roofs. Some architects even add grass on the roof that maintains the temperature in the house. There are also “cool roofs” that keep the house cool during hot days, and if you’re going to install a new roof in Los Angeles, definitely ask your local licensed roofing company about these options!
3. Roofs are decisive factors in closing a sale
We all know that roofs are expensive, so a lot of homeowners will look at a roof’s condition as a main criterion when buying a home. If you want to sell your house, then make sure your roof is presentable and doesn’t have serious damages.
4. Energy-efficient roofs
If you have a big house that uses a lot of electricity monthly, then an energy-efficient roof will be your savior. We already touched on “cool roofs” but it’s worth mentioning again. It is estimated that “cool roofs” save thousands of dollars in energy costs throughout their lifespan.
5. Roofs need air
In order to not generate humidity and damage, roofs need a proper ventilation system. Without proper air circulation inside and outside the roof, you may experience extra unwanted heat in the house, and this can also cause the roof to age quicker on the outside.
6. Building your own roof can be dangerous
DIY home repairs are very common among homeowners, and it seems like building a roof can also belong to this list. While it’s technically possible, it is not recommended. Roofs protect your house and in case of serious damage, it will fall of hurting your house and your family. Better be safe than sorry, so in case of roofing or repairs, always consult with a professional roofing contractor in your area. Check out our tips on how to identify a good, organized roofing contractor.
7. You shouldn’t cover an existing roof
More often than not, homeowners choose to cover an existing damaged roof rather than replace it. This seems like a convenient and cheap option; however, it comes with risks. If your roof constantly needs repairs, it means something is fundamentally wrong with the entire roofing system, and when you simply cover it with new materials, you don’t solve the problems, you leave space for new ones.
8. Climate is important for roofing
In choosing your roof, you need to consider the weather conditions of your location. Certain types of roofs work better in certain weather conditions. For example, gable roofs are for the best in snowy climates, while flat roofs are for the best in dry areas. Consult with a professional as to which type is the best for you.
9. There are roof cleaning companies
One of the big reasons why homeowners don’t like roof maintenance is they don’t want to clean it. The good news is that there are professional roof cleaning companies that will bring the original color of your roof back and clean it from any leaves or snow.
10. Flat roofs are not completely flat
Did you know that flat roofs are not completely flat? In reality, they have a slope of at least ¼ inch per foot.
Your roof sets the tone of your house, it’s the first thing that grabs attention, so have fun choosing its style and color with these facts in mind.
