9 Valuable Roofing Installation Insights from Your Roofing Contractor

Roofs are so often out of sight, out of mind for many homeowners.

Understood as an absolute necessity for keeping any home warm and dry, roofs are nevertheless some of the most misunderstood building components when it comes to their lifespan, materials, and more.

The roofing contractors from Diamond Home Remodeling Inc. are here today to clarify some common misconceptions and put you on the path to better understanding what’s above your head. Here are our roofing pros' top nine valuable insights about new roof installations.

1.Roofing Material Can Make a Huge Difference in Durability

The most important decision that will be in your hands when installing a new roof is the roofing material. Each roofing material has a different expected lifespan, cost, and ideal climate.

For example:

  • 3-tab asphalt shingles have an expected lifespan of 25 years, cost on average around US $2.70-$3.70 per square foot, and are moderately resistant to strong winds, hail, snow, and sleet.
  • Standing seam metal roofs have an expected lifespan of 30 years, cost a minimum of approximately US $6.00 per square foot, and have superior resistance to hail, snow and rain, fire, UV damage, algae, moss, and insects.
  • Cedar shake roofs have an expected lifespan of 30-35 years, cost approximately US $6.00-$9.50 per square foot, and, while offering exceptional aesthetic value, are vulnerable to humidity and moisture and require regular maintenance.

On average, you can expect around 80 percent of a material’s lifespan worth of wear. So, you can expect your 3-tab asphalt shingle roof to last you approximately 20 years before it needs replacing.

2.Cutting Costs During a Roof Installation Doesn’t Have to Compromise Quality

As indicated above, the quality and durability of roofing materials often directly correlate with price—the more durable a roofing material, the more expensive it will likely be. So, while you likely don’t want to be skimping on materials, there are other ways to make your new roof more affordable.

Time the Work Right: Roofing contractors are the busiest in the late summer and fall. Scheduling your work in the off-season could help you save.

Do Your Research: Know the type of materials you want and what you should expect to pay per square. By the way, a roofing square is not a square foot—a “roofing square” refers to 100 square feet of roofing material.

Get Multiple Quotes: Make sure you get the best price by asking multiple companies for specific quotes. Be cautious of low-ball quotes that could mean bad quality, and make sure they offer a warranty.

3.Nails Versus Staples Is a Question Worth Asking

In some jurisdictions, building codes require using nails instead of staples when installing shingles. This is because, while staples are easier to work with, they don’t offer the same stability as nails.

It’s worth knowing whether your local regulations have any requirements and ensuring you ask prospective contractors about which method they’ll use.

4.Single-Source Roof Manufacturing Is a Good Idea

Because roofs comprise many different components, sourcing everything from a single source can ensure a tight seal and a synchronized roofing system. From ventilation elements to the waterproof underlayment, many manufacturers engineer roofing components that work harmoniously and are warrantied as a package deal.

Investing in a roofing system from a single source can boost your roof’s functionality and ensure you can take advantage of warranties without issue.

5.Weather Conditions and Time of Year Matter When Installing Your Roof

We previously mentioned that scheduling your roofing work in the off-peak season can help you save money on installation costs. You should also consider the time of year for the sake of your roofing contractor’s health and your roof.

It’s unsafe for roofers to work in direct sunlight for too long. At the height of summer, being on a roof for hours with no shade can take a serious toll and even make working conditions impossible. This could slow down the project significantly and expose workers to undue risk.

However, installing roofs in certain weather conditions, such as rain, ice, or snow, is impossible. These conditions make it impossible to ensure the roof is watertight and properly sealed, meaning you could face repairs sooner than you should.

6.There Are Some Things You Can Do to Prepare for Roof Work

While they’ll take every precaution, roofers must use ladders and the ground area close to your house. This could mean standing in your garden beds or stepping on delicate grass.

You should always prepare your property as much as possible for roofing work by covering delicate plants, scheduling roof work before any landscaping projects, and informing the roofing team of any especially vulnerable areas they should try to avoid.

You can also make sure you mow your lawn before roofing work begins, making cleaning up debris from the ongoing construction easier.

7.The Key to a Healthy Roof Is Balancing Insulation and Ventilation  

Many common roofing myths concern insulation and ventilation—namely, how the two should be balanced.

While the right type and amount of insulation are vital to ensuring your roof isn’t leaking climate-controlled air, it’s not true that more insulation is always a good thing. You need your roof to be able to breathe to prevent heat and moisture from being trapped in your attic.

In short, a durable and energy-efficient roofing system depends on the right balance of insulation to keep heated or cooled air inside and ventilation to allow moisture to escape.

8.You Should Have Your Roof Inspected Annually

Without reserve, we recommend having your roof inspected once a year by a professional. This relatively inexpensive service could save you thousands by allowing for timely repairs.

Even if your roof is newly installed, it could suffer damage from extreme weather or show signs of incorrect installation. That’s why we advise regularly inspecting your roof to ensure it’s doing its job correctly.

9.Having a Professional Roofer Is Irreplaceable

If you’ve ever seen your neighbor climb up on their roof with a toolbelt and a hammer, you may be tempted to copy them. We advise against it.

Roofing is a dangerous and highly skilled trade that requires the expertise and equipment of a professional. The team at Diamond Home Remodeling Inc. has spent years acquiring the training, licensing, and expertise to be able to provide premium roofing solutions to homeowners throughout the local region.

If you’re looking to install a new roof or would like to find out more about our pricing, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.