A roof replacement is a massive undertaking. That’s why it’s essential to do your research on every aspect of the project. Whether you’re picking the colors of the shingles, or you’re more focused on the price, consider these do’s and don’ts to help with your decision.

Do:

Consider the material options

You don’t have to settle with the material you had before. There are multiple options, including clay, concrete, and asphalt shingles. When choosing one over the other, consider their benefits and disadvantages. Clay and concrete can withstand damage from winds and hurricanes up to 125 miles per hour. However, they are heavier than asphalt and need extra support, which makes them an expensive option.

Check the fire ratings

Roofing materials all have a fire rating, which indicates how well it performs in a fire on the exterior of the property. The highest rating is Class A. Concrete or clay, asphalt shingles, fiberglass asphalt composition, and metal roofs all belong in Class A and can withstand severe exposure to fire. Multiple states ban Class B and Class C because they pose a risk to the homeowners’ safety. Some B and C fire rating materials are plywood, particleboard, wood shingles, or shakes.

Don’t:

Pick a color that clashes with your siding and trim

A dark neutral shingle or roofing material is the best color for a roof replacement because it won’t clash with most homes. As most siding and trim are painted with a light color, like canary yellow, white, baby blue, or beige, the dark roof won’t be challenging to match with the trim and siding. If you’re opting for lighter shingles or something bold like red, green, or blue, you’ll need to be more creative. 

Work with the color wheel and avoid colors that are too similar, like orange and red, because the roof and the sidings will bleed into one another or clash. Use complementary colors, those across from each other on the color wheel, like red and cyan, yellow and indigo, or black and white, to make the siding stand out from the roof.

Add layers unless the roof can support it

Lighter materials, like asphalt or vinyl, can be layered on top of one another because they’re light. You may want to consider this to extend the life of your new roof. Clay, concrete, and slate are among the heaviest roofing materials and require extra support, so a second layer isn’t possible without paying a significant amount of money to reinforce the surface. Metal slabs can be installed on top of most roofing materials as extra protection against rain, snow, and hail.

 

To receive a full, cost-effective roof replacement, contact the experts at All Tite Roofing in Elizabethtown, KY. Their experienced technicians will conduct roof replacement or repair with a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all products. Call (270) 307-5366 today for a free estimate, or visit their website to view a gallery of their past work.