When making a big investment like a brand new roof, it's all in the details. Money-saving methods, big modifications, and basics that protect your home all contribute to the final product and are well worth looking into with your roofing professional. Find out more about roofing installation below.

Additional Layer vs Total Replacement

If you currently have an asphalt shingle roof, you typically have two options. You can have the current layer removed and completely replaced, or you can have a second layer installed on top of the first. The latter option is usually used to save money, as you won't need to pay to have the first layer removed. There are some downsides as well: your roof won't typically last as long, and it adds significantly more weight to your roof, which can be a problem if it's old or has any structural issues. If you've had issues with termites in the past, this could be one source of trouble. If your budget isn't very flexible, however, this can be a good option for you. The best thing to do is talk to your roofer after a thorough inspection to see what option might work best.

Using a Different Material

One of the best times to make a change to another roofing material is when you're having your current one replaced. There are several different factors to think about when looking at different roofing materials, such as cost, average lifespan, weight, and energy efficiency. Your options can also be influenced by the area you're in, such as whether you can expect months of intense and direct sunlight or whether you live in a moist area that is conducive to algae growth. 

Upgrades and Extras

This is also a good time to think about any modifications you might want to make to your roof. One example is preparations for solar. If you intend to put solar panels on your roof in the future, certain modifications may need to be made, such as moving some vents to leave enough space for panels. You might also consider something more aesthetic, such as a skylight. These can add to the total cost, but if you've ever wanted to make changes like this to your roof, now is the best time.

Gutters

Gutters are responsible for the management of water, but this is useful for more than just convenience. Water that falls freely off a roof can pool near your foundation and start to weaken it, which is why it's so important that rainwater be safely diverted away. To that end, making sure you have functional gutters is a helpful thing to do while you're working on the rest of your roof.

It's also a good time to get a gutter upgrade, such as going from traditional gutters to seamless ones. What kind works best can depend on the shape of your roof, so ask about gutters when finalizing your plans with your roofer.

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