|
By: Michael Clem
It’s that time of year again - the weather is getting
a bit cooler as the fall and winter seasons begin. The dropping
temperatures will inevitably affect energy costs, and as
you look at ways to keep your energy bill down by winterizing
your home, remember to consider the roof.
Taking steps to keep your energy bill under control, such
as finding drafts and sealing them, replacing old insulation,
and checking your vinyl siding and windows for wear and
tear are all futile efforts with an old, battered roof.
The Cost of Your Old Roof
Just as a hat keeps you warm in the winter, your roof functions
in a similar way for your home – it holds the heat
in. But if your roof is old and worn, if your home has no
“hat,” your efforts to heat your home could
literally be going through the roof. In addition, an old
roof is often leaky, contributing to mold and bacteria overgrowth
in your home.
The end result can be chronic allergy problems and even
respiratory infections for you and your family, because
you are breathing in contaminated air.
A trained professional roofing contractor is best-equipped
to identify problem areas on your roof and let you know
whether minor repairs need to be done, or if there is enough
damage, wear and tear to warrant a roof replacement instead.
The Value of a New Roof
Replacing your roof is an investment, helping to cut your
energy costs and increase the value of your home. A 2005
annual report by Remodeling Online Magazine reported the
average cost of replacing a roof can range anywhere from
about $11,500 to $17,000, depending on where you live in
the United States.
And your new roof can prove to be a lucrative investment
if you ever decide to move. GAF Materials Corp., (a manufacturer
of residential and commercial building supplies including
roofing materials) reports that, according to a group of
realtors surveyed, up to 40 percent of your home’s
curb appeal is your roof. Though its impact is more subtle,
the appearance of your roof can attract buyers to your home
and increase the resale value of your home when you’re
ready to sell.
Before You Shop
Often, a poor-quality roofing job does not show any signs
of a problem for years. Getting a new roof is a major investment
in your home, so be very careful when you begin to look
for a contractor. In addition to making sure you see a portfolio
of their previous work, ask for references and make sure
you call them.
When looking for a roofing contractor, you want a qualified
professional who will use the best materials and back up
their work with a good warranty that doesn’t just
cover the roofing materials, but also covers the labor to
repair those roofing materials should you need repairs done.
If you have a roofing contractor in your local area that
is a Certified Master Elite Roofer – only 2% of all
roofers in the U.S. carry this distinction – you can
rest assured that the work done on your home is excellent
quality and is covered under a strong warranty.
Roofing Accessories to Consider
As you talk with contractors, keep in mind that the installation
of a new roof involves more than just nailing in your shingles.
A good roofing job will include at least a waterproof leak
barrier, and ideally an additional layer of protection from
the elements, sometimes called “roof deck protection.”
Once this foundation is laid, then your shingles will be
laid down.
Also discuss attic ventilation with your roofing contractor
– without it, in the summer, your attic can get so
hot that it actually bakes your shingles. And in the winter,
the hot moist air heating your home can get trapped in your
attic, soak and diminish the effectiveness of your insulation,
and increase your energy bill.
Lastly, if you were ever thinking of getting skylights
for your home, now is the best time to plan for them.
Many homeowners wait until their roof is leaking, there
is major, visible damage or there is a complete catastrophe
before replacing their roof. What these homeowners don’t
realize is they are wasting money on their energy bills
in the meantime. A new roof will increase the beauty of
your home, cut your energy bills, and play a major role
in your ability to sell your home at your asking price.
Find out the condition of your roof before the winter weather
sets in so that you can be aware of its condition and avoid
the headaches that come when catastrophe pushes you into
the emergency purchase of a new roof.
About The Author
Michael Clem is Operations Manager of Creative Energy of
Richmond, Virginia, a home improvement expert in Central
Virginia. A Certified Master Elite Roofer, the company is
a roofing contractor and also specializes in vinyl siding
and vinyl replacement windows. Learn more at: http://www.creativeenergyexteriors.com/roofing.htm.
|
