Where you live dictates what style of roof you should get.
It’s a roofing fact: some roof types just work better in certain regions and climates. Gable roofs, or roofs formed with two triangles at a 90-degree angle, work best in colder, snowier climates or when homeowners want to build attics or have vaulted ceilings. Hipped roofs, which have four slopes of equal length on all four sides that meet at the top to form a ridge, are more wind resistant than gable roofs and might work best in windy areas. Water tends to pool more easily on a flat roof, which means this type of roofing system might be best in a drier, less rainy climate.
A roof is a lot more than shingles and wood.
A good roof system has no fewer than seven necessary components. There’s the roof decking, which has to support all the weight of the roofing system. Next comes the ice or water barrier to help prevent damage if ice damming occurs. A roof also needs a waterproof or water-resistant underlayment that will protect the deck directly from moisture creeping in. Then there’s the metal flashing, which ensures the water runs off the edges, and a drip edge, which has a similar function. Finally, a roof has to have shingles. And don’t forget the ventilation system–the soffits, eaves and vents which allow air to circulate.
It’s not okay to cover an existing roof.
While it may seem like an inexpensive, quick fix to a roofing problem, double-layered roofs can cover up big roofing issues that need to be addressed. In addition, a double-layered roof adds weight and just hides the corroding material, allowing the problem to get worse. If previous roofing materials were installed over the top of your existing roof, you should replace the entire roof as soon as possible.
My roof will last forever.
Almost, but not quite. The typical lifespan of a roof really depends on the materials and installation. A simple, 3-tab shingle roof may be warranted for 20 to 25 years. Shake style shingles can be warranted for up to 50 years. The SureStart PLUS warranty offered by Long Roofing will pay for the replacement of the entire roof if any manufacturer’s defects occur in the next 50 years and it’s transferable to new homeowners.