(BPT) – Home improvement projects continue to evolve in interesting ways. Do-it-yourself projects are shifting toward professional projects, according to a report from the Home Improvement Research Institute. While some home improvements are discretionary, others — such as replacing a damaged roof — are urgent. However, the urgency of a roof replacement should not take away from an opportunity to enhance performance and curb appeal. Four questions can help guide a satisfying roof replacement decision.
1. What weather conditions affect my home?
Depending on the region, a home’s roof must stand up to wind, snow and ice, wind-driven rain, heat and hail. Homeowners in the West may want to consider shingles engineered to have high solar reflectance and thermal emittance properties that can help reduce a home’s cooling load in extreme heat.
As roofs in the Midwest are subject to storms and frigid temperatures, homeowners may consider an SBS modified shingle. These shingles are made with a polymer blend that produces a rubberizing effect, creating a shingle that is more flexible and more capable of absorbing the impact from hail and other debris.
Wind-driven rain can occur anywhere and is a common problem in coastal areas. A shingle reinforced to protect against “blow off” from the roof is a good option for these regions.
Shingles in the Owens Corning® Duration® Series are designed to withstand these weather challenges.
2. How will the roof perform?
The components in a home’s roof work as a system. Under the shingles, underlayment defends against moisture infiltration. In areas where snow can melt and refreeze, an ice and water barrier guards against ice damming and water accumulation that can work its way back underneath the shingles, sealing and protecting vulnerable areas. Hip and ridge shingles help protect against wind while contributing to the roof’s overall aesthetic. Starter strip shingles ensure an effective seal to help prevent shingle blow-offs.
Compatible elements that make up a branded, high-performing roofing system are designed and engineered to work together. The Owens Corning Total Protection Roofing System includes components that help seal a home against water infiltration, defend against wind and the elements and allow the home to breathe through balanced intake and exhaust ventilation. As air is always flowing through a home, adequate levels of insulation play a big role in keeping the conditioned areas comfortable. Attic insulation works in tandem with the roof system’s ventilation intake and exhaust components to keep hot and cold air in the attic and away from the conditioned parts of the home. Considering system performance, it’s clear that a roofing system is more than just a roof.
3. How can the roof add curb appeal?
A roof can represent up to 40% to 50% of a home’s exterior. Coordinating the color of a roof’s shingles with other exterior elements like siding and porch furniture can help reflect the homeowner’s personal style. Viewing the roof as a design element, Owens Corning created a collection of style boards featuring a broad palette of shingle colors to inspire the shingle selection process.
4. Who can I trust to install and service my roof?
Beyond properly installing the roof, a contractor must be trustworthy and respectfully address customers’ questions. Contractors selected to join the Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network are vetted using stringent criteria. Additionally, members receive ongoing technical and customer service training. Visit the Owens Corning website for a checklist of 13 questions to ask when selecting a roofing contractor.
A roof replacement is more than a collection of random roofing products atop your home. It’s an engineered system investment that can bring years of protection and enjoyment.
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