Every homeowner in America dreams of having a roof that lasts as long as possible. And you know what? It’s not that hard if you tackle it step-by-step. Here is how you can get the most life out of your roof replacement. The first thing you need to do is pick the right roofing material.

1. How to choose a suitable roofing material

• Affordability

In order to decide the suitability of a roofing material you need to consider some important aspects. Your financial status is the first factor. The material you choose should be cost-effective. It should suit your pocket and at the same time it should lend the required strength to the roof. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material because of its high affordability and durability. Metal and slate are two other materials that are durable but expensive.

• Weather conditions

While choosing a roofing material, you should select a roofing material that suits the weather of your area. If your weather is on the warmer side, it is better to choose terracotta, slate or ceramic tiles. A comparatively new roofing material called EPDM (ethylene, propylene, diene monomer) is available now. This is a synthetic rubber-like material that reflects the heat because of its light color. In a place where heavy rains are a common occurrence, you have to go for asphalt shingles that are treated for algae. It is extremely important to prevent algal growth on your roof. Metal or concrete are other options.  If you live in a place which is affected by occasional strong gales, laminated shingles, metal roofing, terracotta or porcelain tiles will suit you.

• Beauty

If you are a person who is ready to spend money to accomplish a beautiful home, you need to choose a roofing material that declares your aesthetic quotient. Wood is something that gives your roof an exotic beauty. Slate is another material that can lend your roof an old world elegance. However, both these materials come with heavy expense.

After selecting the roofing material after your heart, the next step is to engage a good roofer.

2. How to choose your roofing company

Since roof is the most important and at the same time the most vulnerable part of your house, you need to select a roofing company that can do the work without glitches. Any mistake that happens while installing the roof will prove to be very costly afterwards. So ask about and find a roofer who is reputed. Meet him and discus your requirements. Find out if he can fulfil your demands before engaging him.

3. Periodic check-up

After installing a roof it is very important to conduct periodic checkups.  After a heavy rain, after an exceptionally spell of hot weather and after a bout of windy weather a detailed roof check is in order. Go on top of your roof and check the shingles for lifts, cracks or displacement. Correct them on an emergency basis. Conduct an attic check to find any sign of moisture accumulation or condensation. Search out the source and rectify them. Clean your vents to facilitate ample ventilation.

4. Periodic cleaning

 Periodic cleaning is as mandatory as the periodic check up. Wind and rain are sure to leave debris on your roof. The stray twigs and leaves should be swept off. The gutters should be cleaned well. The areas surrounding the roof structures like chimney, skylight, dormer windows, vents and plumbing should be inspected and cleaned meticulously. Moss growth is detrimental to roof life. The asphalt shingles are the most vulnerable material in this case. Cleaning the algal growth and applying algaecides will be the most effective remedy for this. Timely spotting of damages in the flashings would evade untimely aging of your roof.

In short, judicious detection of the damages and effective intervention should enhance the longevity of your roof to a great extent.

Paul Petersen