Residential Roofing: Everything You Need to Know

Feb 1, 2023

WRITTEN BY:

Viking Contractors

CATEGORY:

Uncategorized

POSTED ON:

February 1, 2023

UPDATED ON:

May 10, 2024

Got Questions?

While it’s important to find attractive materials for your residential roofing, choosing one that fits your needs is equally vital. You should also know when to repair and replace your roofing system.

So, continue reading to learn everything you need about residential roofing, from common types to maintenance tips and when to repair and replace it!

What Is Residential Roofing?

Residential roofing is a general term that encompasses roofing services that have to do with people’s homes. It involves roofing your home, replacing your roofing system, and repairing your roof. 

Common Types of Residential Roofing

You’ll find various kinds of residential roofing on the market. However, these are the most common ones and why you should choose them:

  • Metal Roofing: It requires repainting to retain its glow. Thus, it’s your best option if you need roofing materials that are easy to maintain.
  • Wood/Cedar Shingles: They’re harsh weather-resistant. Therefore, wood/cedar shingles are your best bet if you live in an environment that’s not friendly to roofing systems. 
  • Slate Shingles: They’re perfect for keeping moisture away because they don’t rot. So, the materials are great for you if your roof is often exposed to moisture. 
  • Asphalt Shingles: You’ll find them in most homes because they’re cheap and readily available. Thus, get them if you don’t want the stress of finding roofing materials.
  • Ceramic Tiles: They can last for as long as 70 years with good maintenance. So, buy them if you prioritize longevity and durability. 
  • Rolled Roofing: This is the best fit for low-slope roofs. It’s also great for sheds and shops.
  • Built-Up Roofing: These materials are great for low-pitch and flat roofs.

Residential Roof Maintenance Tips

Prevention remains the best remedy in every situation. So, it’s best to do everything possible to maintain your residential roofing system. The following tips will help you in this endeavor:

Reduce the Need to Walk on Your Roof

It’s uncommon to find people walking on the roof, but some individuals have reasons to do it. For example, some people climb and walk on their residential roofing surface to access gutters and eaves. It’s best you use ladders to reduce the frequency of this roof-damaging action.

Deal With Your Trees

Felled trees near a residential roofing of the house

Trees improve the atmosphere of your home because they add oxygen to the environment. Yet, it’s essential that you curtain them. Trim them as much as possible to prevent them from rubbing against your roof.

Clean Your Gutters

Leaves and twigs in the downspouts, valleys, and gutters will have consequences in the long run. They’ll damage your roof by collecting moisture, especially during autumn, which rots the roofing materials. Thus, it’s best you clear them out regularly.

Open Roof Vents

Leaving roof vents open facilitates ventilation. It’s an act that’ll preserve your residential roofing system. It’ll prevent heat and moisture buildup, thereby protecting your roof. Therefore, you need to have this culture even during the winter season.

Professional Checkups

Most homeowners are reactive when it comes to their roofs. Consequently, they only repair and replace their roofing systems. But this isn’t the best approach.

Instead, ask professionals to carry out intensive and extensive checkups once in a while on your roof. This method will help you detect damages long before leaks, saving you money.

Residential Roof Repair and Replacement

Felled trees near a residential roofing of the house

Regardless of your ability to maintain your residential roofing system, it can’t last forever. Thus, you’ll have to repair or replace your roof once in a while. However, how do you know which of the two options is best for you?

Repair

Repair your residential roofing system when:

  • The materials have only sustained negligible damage, such as shorn shingles and loose flashing.
  • It’s easy to remove the torn shingles and replace them, especially based on your contractor’s recommendations.
  • Only a part of the roof is leaking, which your contractor can replace.
  • Your contractor can trace the source of the leaks and replace the affected parts. 
  • It’s a new roofing system of fewer than five years.

Replacement

You can tell you need to replace your residential roofing system when you see the following signs:

  • The roofing system has been around for close to 20 years.
  • The shingles are cracking, curling, and buckling, showing it’s past its prime.
  • It can no longer protect you against extreme heat or cold.
  • Large parts of the roof are leaking.
  • Significant parts of the shingles are missing.

Factors to Consider When Replacing Your Residential Roofing System

When replacing your residential roofing system, consider the following to get the best out of your investment:

Color

It’s crucial that you choose a color that’ll sync with the remaining parts of the home’s structure. Otherwise, the whole residential structure will appear distorted, which will affect its aesthetic quality. 

Material

Select a roofing material that can stand the test of time. If not, you’ll need a new residential roofing system quickly. 

Warranty

High-grade roofing materials usually have extensive warranties. It’s a sign that the manufacturer is confident in the quality of the product. Thus, choosing a model with this perk is vital.

Contractor’s Professionalism

An inept contractor can waste excellent roofing materials. So, it’s best to employ a reputable professional’s services. Such experts will offer you consultation services and also satisfy your roofing needs. 

Learn From Professionals

No amount of money you spend on your residential roofing system is excessive. Thus, it’s best that you prioritize quality instead of price when buying a new roofing system. Moreover, if you need to replace an old model, invest in materials that can stand the test of time. 

Remember to contact a professional today if you need high-grade repair and replacement services.

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