Gaithersburg Roofing: Article About Roofing Choice
The roof pitch is the steepness or slope of the roof. Pitch is critical in facilitating runoff and drainage. For example, in areas with heavy snowfall, roof pitches are steeper so that too much snow does not accumulate on the roof and cause damage.
FAQ from Gaithersburg roofing contractors: How much does a roof replacement cost?The size, pitch and materials all factor into replacement cost. Most of the cost of a new roof is in the materials, so the largest cost factor is the roof size. The least expensive option is asphalt shingles. Slate is the costliest material but will last more than twice as long as asphalt. Roof pitch factors heavily in the cost as well because a steeper roof will mean a longer installation due to added safety precautions and the lack of a place to stockpile material for accessibility.
When it comes to choosing a type of roofing material for their home, homeowners have many choices. A Gaithersburg roofing company can assist homeowners in making the right decision. A professional roofer will weigh the options with an eye to the geographical area of the home, the surrounding properties and the lot itself.
While aesthetics are important, it is only one factor to consider. Other things to keep in mind are the material costs, difficulty of the installation and load weight of the materials. Roof pitch is another factor as not all materials will be compatible with all types of roofs. If the underlying structure will not support the roofing material, continuing would be costly and potentially disastrous. Another factor in choosing a material will be the warranty and expected life of the materials. Some will last in excess of 50 years.
If an existing roof is being replaced, the cost of removing the old material and making any repairs must be considered. The full extent of repairs and repair costs, if any, can only be estimated.
The most popular roofing material is asphalt shingles. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, which contributes to the overall cost. The more labor required, the higher the labor cost. The lifespan of asphalt shingles is approximately 20 to 30 years. Most asphalt shingles on the market today earn an Energy Star rating and receive a cool roof rebate. This also helps offset the total cost.
The roofing experts at Seneca Creek Home Improvement of Gaithersburg MD can assist you with any questions regarding roofing, windows or gutters.
Wood shingles enhance the appearance of the home and are available in a variety of types such as redwood or cedar. The life expectancy is between 30 and 50 years for a hardwood variety. Some areas do not allow wood shingles due to fire safety codes, so homeowners should check with their local authorities for confirmation.
Metal roofs are becoming more and more popular for homes. A hundred years ago, homes that featured tin roofs were painted to preserve the metal. Homeowners are rediscovering this material for a home roofing system because of its durability and beauty. Metal roofing comes in a variety of materials including copper, aluminum and steel. Metal roofing can be in the form of shingles or sheets that are joined with solder, and material costs vary by the type of metal used. Galvanized is an inexpensive choice that can last 50 years or more. Flat or roofs with a low slope roof pitch are ideally suited for metal roofing.
Slate is a beautiful choice and popular in the Northeast where most of the slate is quarried. Slate roofs can last up to 100 years, and slate is often reclaimed from older homes to use again. The drawbacks to slate are the cost, which is much higher than other materials, and the weight. Slate is very heavy, so not all roof systems will support it.
Homeowners must weigh the cost against durability and longevity when choosing new roof. Even more important than the cost of the material when choosing a roof replacement is finding a reputable, honest and dependable roofing company because the roof is only as good as the workmanship that goes into installing it.
