The roof is a very important part of your home! Besides protection, it also has the function of providing thermal insulation; retaining heat in the winter and comfortable temperature in the summer. But, what are traits to look for in a roof when buying a home? Well, roofing experts like AM Roofing Company Dallas know the best! With a quality roof design, you will also be able to reduce the heating and cooling costs of the building, thereby reducing harmful emissions and contributing to environmental protection. Let’s see how to do this!
What are the traits to look for in a roof when buying or renting a home
If you are not sure what are the traits to look for in a roof when buying a home, we can help. First, the very shape of the roof depends on the climate in which the house is located. Not all roof shapes are suitable for all weather conditions and all climates! For example, where winters are snowy, the roofs are steep, while in warmer areas, but also because of the storm, they are often flat. A good roof needs good construction, a good cover, but also a handful of additional materials that will allow the attic to be ventilated regularly. Here are some of the traits to look for!
Types of roof covers
A building or reconstructing a roof is a big investment and requires a lot of money and time. In a large selection of roof covers, the most popular are:
- tile (clay or concrete)
- shingles
- tin lid
Each of these types of roof has its own advantages and disadvantages. The decision depends on the building itself, the roof construction, the climate and the choice of the buyer. It also depends if you need to replace your roof as not all covers can fit all houses.
Wooden roof construction
Coniferous wood is used for the construction of the roof structure, such as fir, spruce, and pine. The most common choice of roofing materials is fir wood, which is durable, quality material that is very affordable. Larch and oak are somewhat less commonly used, but primarily because of the high cost.
Whether it is roofing or building a new roof, the choice of roof material depends on some essential elements. Pay attention to humidity – the optimum percentage ranges from 15 to 20%. Also, there should not be too many knots, cracks, and signs of damage. The appearance of damage means that the wood should by no means be incorporated into the roof structure. Of course, Dallas roof leak repair will take care of any problem you may have… but a leaking roof is not among the traits to look for in a roof in the first place.
How to ensure durability?
In order to ensure the durability of the roof structure, it is necessary to ensure adequate impregnation of the wood. Impregnation of wood is a protective coating, which contains biocides and thus prevents the formation of pests in the wood. Impregnation of wood alone does not ensure complete protection of the wood. After applying the impregnation, the wood must also be coated with a surface coating that will protect it from the weather.
Choosing materials for a roof structure can be quite a difficult task. The first step is to follow the guidelines in a construction project. Be sure to consult a roofing master before making your final decision to help you make your selection. The price of roofing material does not play a primary role because it is much more important to build a stable and sheltered roof that will last a long time.
Ventilated roof
The most common type of new roof, especially if the attic is used as a living space, is a ventilated roof. A ventilated roof is a prerequisite for a healthy living and a comfortable stay in the attic. The ventilated roof allows a constant flow of air over the entire surface of the roof surfaces in the layer between the covering material (tile, sheet, shingle, etc.) and the roof structure itself, where the air enters under the roof and exits through the vents at the ridge roof.
This type of roof allows the accumulated heat of the roof not to be transferred to the interior during the summer months but ventilated by the airflow between the cover and the substructure. The same airflow during the winter period allows the moisture in the attic to dry and prevents possible mold damage to thermal insulation.
Roof windows or skylights
One of the main reasons for the renovation and reconstruction of the roof is making attic space into living space. With the redevelopment of space, it imposes itself as a factor in increasing natural light and ventilating the space.
The advantages of roof windows are relatively fast installation, lower cost compared to roof houses, give 2 to 3 times more light than classic vertical windows of the same dimensions, suitable for glazing large roof surfaces with window combinations. Roof windows are an ideal solution for high attics, steep roofs, and buildings that are not allowed to build roof homes.
Rainwater collection systems
Water is the most important resource on Earth and it is important to use it responsibly and rationally. Rainwater collection systems, which are being upgraded to the roof drainage system, are becoming increasingly popular. Such systems store water in special tanks for later use for watering the garden, as process water for sanitary purposes, etc. Installation of such a system will increase the total investment in your house, but in the long run, it will pay off the realized savings and reduction of environmental impact.