If you walk around your neighborhood and look at all the roofs around, you’ll probably notice that most of the roofs look the same. If you suspect that your home may be ready for a new roof, be aware that you don’t have to go the generic route. Talk to your Barnegat roofer about what other options may be available for your home. Certain products may not be right for the area of the country you live in, but it never hurts to find out if there is anything outside of the common materials that you could choose.
Questions you should be prepared to ask your Barnegat roofer
- How heavy is the material – Depending on the size of your home, certain products may be too heavy to apply to your home as-is. If it is a very heavy product, it may require special framing which could increase the cost of the roof. However, certain weighted products have a longer life span, so you need to consider if the extended life span is worth the extra cost upfront versus having to replace a lighter product more often.
- Is the product approved for your area – Certain products may not be rated or approved for use in your location. Make sure you are selecting a material that is made for your locale. Check that the material you are considering meets fire codes, permits, and other restrictions with your local government
- What are the options – Does the material you want to be installed come in a variety of colors and styles? Or is it just a generic style? If you are like most people, you don’t just want what everyone else has so found out if you’ll be able to customize your roof to be exactly what you want. If you have a custom home, you may want a roof that matches your home perfectly. If you have a home that may be due for new siding soon as well, make sure you choose a roofing material that is neutral and that will look great with a variety of siding options.
- How long will the roof last – Find out if there is a warranty on the product and how long it is for. Not all materials are created equal, so don’t assume that just because one product is rated for 15 years that that is true of all products. The life span of most roofing materials will depend heavily on your location and weather. Very dry areas may wear certain products quicker than others. If you live in a very moist climate, not all products are made to handle that level of precipitation.
Most people assume that you do not have a lot of options when it comes to options with a new roof installation. This is not entirely true. While not all products are right for every home, educate yourself on your options prior to talking to your Barnegat roofer so that you can select a roofing material that is just right for you and your home.