Is simply having a good looking roof over your head enough? If we lived in a world where there was no bad weather that would be the case. But unfortunately, with heavy rains, strong winds and other threats, you need a strong roof. Also, a new roof is expensive, and you don’t want to waste thousands of your hard earned money on the wrong one. Here are some guidelines on what to look for in the roof when buying a property.
4 Things to Look For in a Roof When Buying a Property
1. Materials
Materials are a good place to start when you want to know what to look for in the roof. Here are a few materials to consider when looking at new properties.
Membrane. Membranes are used on flat roofs because it is the most durable material for flat roof torching application. The thickness and density is what determines the strength and longevity of the roof. Check if there is cracks in the membrane sheets, if the sheets are slipping up or if there is piles of water in certain locations. That will help to tell the quality of the roof. If the flat roof in Ottawa has gravel on it, then it is much harder to see if there is holes in the membrane and roof. In that case see if there is water build up or tar over the gravel that has been used to patch up existing holes on the flat roof.
Asphalt Shingles. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing materials when it comes to new roofs for residential properties. They are very affordable and not all that hard to install. You can easily reinforce them with organic materials or fiberglass while keeping their overall look intact. Check to see if the shingles are curling up, if they are that means it will be time to replace them soon.
Wood. For centuries, people have relied on wood shakes and shingles when it comes to roofing materials. When wooden shingles weather, they turn into an appealing gray shade that many homeowners simply love. Wood shakes are tougher than wood shingles and are handmade (this gives them a nice aesthetic appeal).
Metal. You can expect to find them in two forms: shingles and panels. Metal roofs are probably the strongest and can withstand a lot of harsh weather conditions. They can find them in various metal material such as stainless steel, copper, zinc and aluminum.
Clay and Concrete Tiles. If you need to add a touch of texture and elegance to your new roof, then go for clay tiles. Ribbed, scalloped or flat clay tiles require professional installation. But they are very sturdy and weigh a lot. Concrete tiles also weigh a lot, but they are more versatile and cheaper than clay tiles.
Slate. Slate comes in a variety of colors lie purple, gray, black, red, blue, brown, orange and green. They give your roof a boost in aesthetics by making it look unique and elegant.
2. Proper Ventilation
You will have a major problem on your hands if you purchase a roof that doesn’t provide adequate ventilation. A roof with proper ventilation makes reduces the moisture in your home and the energy bill. During winter, it prevents snow from melting and freezing. If there is no proper ventilation, your property is susceptible to roof warping.
3. Durability
If your roof can handle its fair share of wear and tear, then you’re good no matter where you live. Further peace of mind comes when an extended warranty covers your roof. Ideally, a good roof can withstand fungus, insects, fading, cracking, curling, mold and algae, to name a few things.
4. Impact Resistance
If you reside in an area where you experience strong storms, a strong roof offers peace of mind. Strong winds during harsh storms are fond of caring around debris. This debris includes tree branches and various other loose items that can fly around in the storm. If they come into contact with a roof that can’t handle the impact, they will devastate it.
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