The roof is the helmet for your home so it needs to be strong. The highest part of the house, your roof catches the brunt of the most extreme weather conditions; It needs to keep water out, stay on top of your house, and not collapse. Therefore, your roof needs to be carefully selected, installed properly, and last the test of time without fail. If you are hoping for a great return on your investment, or are looking to increase the value of your home - investing in your roof now can genuinely pay off later.
Choosing the right roofing material is an important decision because it will determine its durability and the cost to install or replace. Selecting a roofing material depends on a number of factors, including the pitch of your roof, the size of your roof, the style of your home, and budget.
There are many options available in roofing materials, each with its own pros and cons.
Asphalt shingles are the most common types of roofing materials for a reason: They are designed to protect a home through decades of exposure with minimal upkeep. They also come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find one that complements your home’s exterior.
Shingles with higher asphalt content are known to last longer due to their increased density. Although fairly durable, asphalt shingles are still subject to damage, so your roof should be assessed after a major storm.
There are three major categories of asphalt roofing shingle products available: Strip (3-tab) shingles, Dimensional (Architectural) shingles and Luxury shingles. It is important to understand the difference in order to make the best decision for you and your home.
Strip Asphalt Shingles
Also known as three-tab shingles, strip shingles are the most basic asphalt shingles. Prior to the 1970’s strip shingles were the predominant roofing shingle on the market. Today, strip shingles are primarily used on inexpensive home builds or by homeowners who are replacing roofing shingles on homes that already have strip shingles on the roof.
Strip shingles are made from a single layer of asphalt and have a flat appearance. The exposed portion of the shingle is notched to create three tabs. The tabs are lined along their lower edges, making them look like they are one large piece.
Pros:
Lightweight
Most economical means to cover a roof
The flat profile makes it difficult for the wind to get underneath the shingles or catch and lift a shingle
Damaged shingles can be easily replaced
Wide variety of colors and styles available
Cons:
If strong wind gets underneath, their lightweight design makes them more susceptible to damage
Over time, the oils contained in the shingles rise to the top and are washed away or dried out by the elements (which makes them weak and brittle)
Largely obsolete, replaced by Architectural shingles on modern homes
Dimensional (Architectural) Asphalt Shingles
In the 1970’s manufacturers began producing thicker shingles that came to be called dimensional, or architectural shingles. Dimensional shingles have become the most prevalent asphalt shingle roofing material and feature a thicker layer of asphalt. The effect is a shingle with a thicker, “3D” appearance.
Dimensional shingles are engineered to replicate natural slate or wooden shake.
Pros:
Stronger and thicker than strip shingles
Longer service life span than strip shingles
6 nail installation method provides durability
Most dimensional shingles are rated for 110-130 mph, which makes them suitable for use in high wind and storm prone areas
Improved warranty protection
Cons:
On low sloped roofs the higher profile makes them more susceptible to wind damage
Asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan than slate tiles
Luxury/Premium Asphalt Shingles
Luxury shingles are the highest quality laminated shingle available because they offer a differentiated, multi-dimensional appearance. In recent years, ultra-dimensional shingles have become a popular option for many homeowners because they are much thicker and offer premium protection and present a high-quality aesthetic.
Pros:
Offers the most realistic representation of the old-world wood shake and quarried slate roofing materials
Very durable because of their thickness
High quality shingles can last a lifetime - up to 50 years
Cons:
Expensive
Specialty Asphalt Shingles
Thanks to modern technology, many manufacturers now offer a variety of specialty products that exist across all asphalt shingle types. These include shingles that offer enhanced resistance to hail, cool roof color technologies that reflect the heat of the sun to keep homes cooler, and shingles that fight algae.
If you are interested in learning more about any type of asphalt shingle roofing products, give us a call anytime and we would be happy to meet with you and discuss options to fit your home and budget.
Wood Shingles And Shake Roofs
Wood shingles have been used on homes for hundreds of years because a wood roof is well-known for its protective qualities. Crafted from cedar, spruce, hardwood, cypress or treated pine.
While wood shingles and shake roofs are beautiful, they require more maintenance compared to an asphalt roof. We are often asked about the difference between wood shingles and wood shakes:
Wood shakes are split from the log and have a rough, random texture for a more rustic look, while wood shingles are machine cut to a specific size and tapered for a smoother appearance.
Pros:
Curb appeal
Environmentally friendly
Energy efficient
Resistant to wind
Certain wood shingles (e.g. cedar) are natural pest deterrents
If chemically treated, offers resistance to moisture and are fire resistant
Does not lose form or structure in high humidity or moist conditions
Versatile (can be installed in countless ways)
Cons:
Certain woods absorb and retain moisture (which can cause mold and mildew to grow)
Wood, by nature is flammable and even when treated may still pose a fire threat
Over time, can become faded or discolored (which some people like)
May crack, which can lead to water damage
Susceptible to pests
Can be more expensive than other types of roofing
Requires special skills to install
Repairing and installing new wood roofs is something we do on a regular basis. If you are interested in learning more, give us a call and one of our skilled roofing professionals will be happy to help.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofing carries a long history on houses, farm structures and commercial buildings and is specifically engineered to last decades longer than most other roofing materials. Because they consist of large, interlocking panels, metal roofing resists uplift caused by high winds. With a lifespan of 50-100 years, metal roofing can be used in any region and easily stands out as the strongest and most durable option compared to other roofing materials. When installed properly, metal roofing is designed to withstand:
Rain and Moisture
Pests
Snow
High Winds
Hail
Mold, Mildew and Algae
UV Exposure
Pros:
Durability
Low maintenance
Eco-friendly (metal roofs are recyclable)
Multiple styles, colors and materials available
Fire resistant
Energy efficient (metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat)
Can be installed directly over an older roof without removing the old roofing material
Cons:
Expensive in short-term
Not suitable for complex or curved roofs
Can be loud (especially in heavy rain or hail)
Falling branches and large hail can cause dents (which is costly to repair)
Metal expands and contracts (panels can loosen over time)
Older metal roofs may be difficult to color match
Water collections may cause rust (if installed improperly)
Slate Roofs
The king of all roofing materials, slate is a unique and highly valued material due to its luxury aesthetic and durability. Slate has been held in high regard by architects for centuries thanks to its classic, clean lines and timeless look. Depending on the size of the roof and type of slate used, slate roofs can vary in price.
The longevity of slate roofs is unmatched by any other roofing material used today. It’s important to understand that the lifespan of a slate roof depends on several factors, including the type of slate used and the quality of workmanship. Slate roofs can last up to 100 years when maintained properly. When not regularly cared for, slate roofs may begin to deteriorate after 30 years.
Pros:
Increased Home Value
Curb appeal
Eco-friendly
Durability
Cons:
Expensive
Requires Regular Maintenance
Complex and Lengthy Installation
Slate pieces can break if handled improperly prior to installation
Limited Styles and Color Options
Heavy (many homes don’t have the structural support to take the weight)
Other Roofing Types:Energy-Efficient Shingle Roofs
ENERGY-STAR rated shingles provide all the protection you expect from a roof while also helping to increase the energy-efficiency of your home.
An ENERGY-STAR qualified shingled roof can lower the roof’s surface temperature by as much as 50 degrees and is designed to reflect solar energy, decreasing the amount of heat that is transferred to the home’s interior and the amount of air conditioning required to keep it comfortable.
An energy-efficient roof can reduce UV damage and extend the life of the roof. Many cool roof products qualify for energy rebates and incentives.
Clay Or Concrete Tile Roofs
Clay and concrete roofing materials are often grouped together because they are both masonry materials with similar installation methods. The clay or concrete tiles overlap and/or interlock with adjacent tiles.
Clay and concrete tile roofs are well-suited for warm climates that do not have a high level of rainfall. Typically associated with Spanish style homes, clay and concrete tile roofs are not recommended for areas where freezing temperatures and regular rainfall is common.
Composite Shingle Roofs
Composite roofs consist of a number of different materials used in the manufacturing process. One of the most common types of composite roofing material is created to simulate the look of slate.
Composite shingles carry some of the industry’s longest warranties due to their durability and longevity.
Flat Roofs
When roofs are below a certain pitch a flat roofing material is required to prevent leaking. Rubber membrane roofs are often used to seal flat or low sloped roofs over garages and porches where traditional roofing types won’t work. There are a number of different types of other flat roof material such as rolled asphalt, TPO, EPDM and Torch.
Flat roofs are complicated to install properly, so it is important to hire an experienced professional whenever one needs to be repaired, replaced or installed.
Roof Designs
A home’s roof design is generally contingent on the region’s climate. There are hundreds of types of roof designs that exist today. The following contains some of the most common roof designs:
Gable Roof
Gabled roofs are one of the most common types of roof designs. This type of roof has two slopes on each side and meets at its peak. Gabled roofs can be steep or shallow, depending on the structure of the building.
In addition to classic gable roofs, there are other popular variations such as a front gable roof, cross gable roof and dutch gable roof.
Pros:
Low Maintenance
Weather-Resistant (suitable for regions with snowfall)
Cons:
Energy-Efficiency (not as energy efficient as other types of roof design)
Gambrel Roof
Similar to a gabled roof, a gambrel roof has two slopes on each side, with a shallower slope above each one. Gambrel roofs are also known as “barn roofs”
Pros:
Additional space in attic or on top floor
Weather-Resistant (suitable for regions with snowfall)
Cons:
Complex Construction
High Maintenance (versus gabled roofs)
Mansard (French) Roof
Mansard roofs have slopes on each side with a shallower pitched or flat roof area on top.
Pros:
Larger Appearance (the steep slopes make the home appear much larger)
Added Space (that can be used for storage) Curb Appeal
Cons:
More expensive than other roofing types
Not ideal for areas that receive heavy snowfall
Hip Roof
Hip roofs are simple in form and are available in several variations. Standard hip roofs consist of two trapezoid-shaped roof faces on the long sides of the house, along with two triangle-shaped planes on the shorter sides. All four sides slope towards a central ridge and away toward the exterior walls of the house.
Pros:
Stable Construction
Wind Resistance
Drainage
Versatile (can be used on any style of home)
Cons:
Expensive
Complex Installation
Risk of Leakage
Shed Roof
While commonly found on barns, this type of roof design has become popular with modern/contemporary style homes and on home additions. A shed roof is essentially a flat roof on a single profound slope.
Pros:
Contemporary Aesthetic
Cost Effective
Effective Water Shedding (because of the steep slope)
Natural Sunlight (the tall wall at the front of the house can support tall windows or multiple rows of windows)
Versatile Roofing Options
Cons:
Susceptible to High Winds
Little (or no) Attic Space
Lower Interior Ceiling Heights
Limited Style Options
Roof Maintenance
Many believe that maintenance isn’t required on a roof - nothing could be further from the truth. Proper care and maintenance of the roof on your home helps to prolong its life and preserve your valuable investment. Regular roof maintenance may save you thousands of dollars in future costs.
Soft Wash
Periodic roof cleaning is one of the most important ways to ensure your roof’s health. Soft wash roof cleaning is a safe, cost effective way to clean your roof without damaging gutters or shingles and can extend the life of your roof.
The purpose of a soft wash is to gently remove dirt, algae, mold and other biological growth from the surface of your roof using a powerful biodegradable liquid soap formula. Soft washing can also be used on driveways to kill moss buildup or to clean other areas of your home such as siding and decks
Honey Do Men highly recommends that you never use a pressure washing method to clean your roof (or Aluminum siding) as it can cause significant damage. In addition, pressure washing is not an effective deterrent against mold, mildew and algae growth.
Pros:
Does not damage roof
Curb appeal
Helps keep algae and moss from growing back
Uses 90% less water than pressure washing
Can extend the life of your roof by preventing deterioration
Less expensive than replacing roof prematurely
Cons:
If not done properly, can damage roof and vegetation
Requires more time and effort than pressure washing
Not suitable for all types of roofs
COMMON ROOFING PROBLEMS
Common roofing problems include:
Roof Leaks
Roof leakage is common in regions with fluctuating weather conditions and temperatures, such as New York and Connecticut. Roof leaks can be caused by a multitude of factors including:
Ice dams
Neglect
Age
Loose of Missing Shingles
Clogged Gutters
Blistering
A blistering roof is the result of water damage to an asphalt shingle. The heat from the sun can cause shingles to expand and contract, which can lead to stretches and tears.
Ponding
Water accumulation can lead to damage when not drained. It can also lead to algae growth, which can cause even more damage.
Faulty Installation
Eventually, roofs that have not been installed properly will fail. Things such as improper shingle installation or nails put in the wrong place can lead to more costs down the road such as interior leaking, siding damage/rot and loss of energy efficiency.
Damaged Flashing
If not checked annually, your roof’s flashing can become damaged which can become a devastating problem and cause interior leaks.
Wind Damage
Over time, roofs become more susceptible to damage, so it is important to have your roof inspected regularly to ensure that all edges are well affixed.
BENEFITS OF ROOF REPLACEMENT
A roof replacement is an intimidating project for virtually every homeowner. Yet, roof replacement is one of the most important steps you can take towards the structural integrity and safety of your home.
A sturdy new roof offers many other (often overlooked) benefits:
Energy-Efficiency
Curb Appeal
Weather Protection
Increased Home Resale Value
Reduced Insurance Rates
Honey Do Men is an award-winning full-service home improvement contractor. We have extensive experience in repairing, replacing, installing and maintaining roofs of all types.
Our quality workmanship and customer service will ensure that you have a durable, long-lasting roof over your head to protect your family and possessions.
David’s team at Honey Do Men did a fantastic job in our bathroom. Once all the materials arrived they started...Read More
Dave CosmoClient
What an awesome job replacing our front door! Chris, Kip and Silvio were great at managing some of the unexpected...Read More
Paul PlutzkerClient
Thank you Honey do men. I’ve waited 2 years to get my basement redone and couldn’t be more pleased with...Read More
Blair ElefantClient
I had the pleasure of working with Honey Do Men on a tv mount install and hanging multiple items of...Read More
Alejandra KingClient
David’s team at Honey Do Men did a fantastic job in our bathroom. Once all the materials arrived they started promptly and completed everything in the timeframe, as promised. It was unlike prior contractors I experienced, where they don’t show up for days. We knew when they were coming and what they were working on next.
We are very happy with the quality and professionalism of this team. We would be more than happy to do our next house project with Honey Do Men and would recommend them to anyone we know.
Dave CosmoClient
What an awesome job replacing our front door! Chris, Kip and Silvio were great at managing some of the unexpected issues we faced. The team helped us work through them and the installation went smoothly. Excellent communication and support throughout the entire process. Highly recommend Honey Do Men for any home repair/renovation you may have. Thank You!!!
Paul PlutzkerClient
Thank you Honey do men. I’ve waited 2 years to get my basement redone and couldn’t be more pleased with the results. I included a before pic for comparison. It’s night and day. From the beginning working with Vince was great. He guided me through the process, answered all of my questions and concerns. Then Angel came with his crew and did a fantastic job. I am very excited to be able to use my basement as an enticing living space, not just for storage. Thank you again for a job well done! 😀
Blair ElefantClient
I had the pleasure of working with Honey Do Men on a tv mount install and hanging multiple items of varying sizes and weights. They were extremely professional, polite, clean and precise in the work itself and took the stress out of what could’ve been a quite difficult process. I’ll absolutely use them again!
The lifespan of a roof depends on various factors including the material used, climate conditions, and maintenance. Asphalt shingle roofs, the most common type in the US, typically last around 20-25 years. Metal roofs can last 40-70 years, while slate or tile roofs can endure for over a century with proper care.
Some common signs that your roof may need replacement include: missing or cracked shingles, curling or buckling shingles, leaks or water stains on the ceiling, algae or moss growth, and excessive granule loss in asphalt shingles. If your roof is approaching its expected lifespan or shows any of these signs, it's advisable to have it inspected by a professional roofer.
Roof replacement costs vary depending on factors such as the size and slope of the roof, the material chosen, and the region's labor rates. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $5,000 and $15,000 for a standard asphalt shingle roof replacement. However, costs can be higher for premium materials like metal or slate, or if structural repairs are needed.
The decision to repair or replace a damaged roof depends on the extent of the damage and the overall condition of the roof. Minor issues like a few missing shingles or small leaks can often be repaired without needing a full replacement. However, if the damage is extensive, such as widespread shingle deterioration or structural issues, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to opt for a roof replacement rather than multiple repairs. Consulting with a professional roofer can help you make an informed decision based on your specific situation.
Alejandra King ClientDavid’s team at Honey Do Men did a fantastic job in our bathroom. Once all the materials arrived they started...Read More