Re-roofing your home is like giving it a fresh haircut—the structure remains the same, but this one change can completely alter the look. When you get a haircut, you might look more refined, feel cooler, and spend less on hair products. When re-roofing your home, you enhance its functionality, improve curb appeal, and potentially increase its value.
Upgrading your roof when you are already having work performed makes sense. Replacing your roof with the same materials is like sticking to a dated hairstyle stuck in a previous decade. You miss the opportunity to upgrade and improve. Instead, take this opportunity to consider your options and add elements that improve on what was there before. Here are some top re-roofing upgrades to consider to get the most out of your home improvement dollars.
Keep it Cool
Sure, a new roof may upgrade your home’s style from dated to something much cooler aesthetically, but that’s not what we are talking about when we say “cool.” Imagine stepping into a house that feels like a cool oasis on a sweltering summer day. Cool roofing materials reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, which keeps your home’s temperature lower in summer and reduces energy bills. You’ll be the neighborhood trendsetter with a roof that’s not just stylish but eco-friendly, all while making your home’s interior more comfortable.
When your curb appeal skyrockets and your summer electric bills plummet, you will feel great about upgrading to a roof designed to keep your home cool.
Spend your Cash on Flash(ing)
Flashing is a component of your roof system’s water and weather barrier. It prevents water infiltration, keeping your home dry and protected. Flashing is thin strips of waterproof material that your home roofing company places along joints and seams in your roof. This protective layer can be made of aluminum, galvanized steel, plastic, or other materials.
Many homeowners choose to upgrade their flashing as part of a roof replacement. Upgraded flashing may last longer, preventing damage and repairs in the future, when cheaper materials might fail. Galvanized steel is a popular choice thanks to its durability. You might even consider going with copper flashing, which creates a distinct, beautiful architectural feature.
Need to Vent
Your roof’s ventilation system is what allows it to breathe. Your home needs to exhale warm, damp air and replace it with fresh outside air. If it can’t accomplish the air exchange, your house will be warmer and more humid during the hot summer months. You could also end up with mold or mildew from damp air that can’t escape.
Re-roofing is the perfect time to evaluate your vents. If your roofer feels they aren’t sufficient, you can add additional breathing points for your home.
There are two kinds of roof ventilation systems. The first is a basic passive system. This is a series of openings through which air can pass. The second type of system is active ventilation, which encourages more air movement with motors, turbines, or fans to create negative pressure. These active systems help prevent drafts, regulate temperature, and control moisture by drawing in fresh air and pushing out warm, damp air.
Tip Your Cap
While a fireplace is something you use to heat your home, it’s also an opening that allows warm air to escape and cold air to enter. That’s not helpful when you’ve lit a fire because you need additional heat.
A typical chimney cap prevents some of this warm-air loss while also keeping out some rain and most critters. However, it is far from perfect.
When you have a crew out to re-roof your home, changing them to a more energy-efficient chimney cap won’t be a considerable expense. An airtight cap can cut your energy bills by keeping inside more of the air you’ve paid to heat. The fact that it prevents windblown snow and rain from coming down the chimney and keeps out creepy crawlies and other undesirable guests is a bonus.
Skylight, Sky Bright
Imagine lying in your bed admiring the stars on a clear night. Or picture walking into your kitchen in the afternoon without needing to flip on a light switch because the sun provides all the illumination you need. Adding a skylight can transform your home by flooding it with natural light and views of blue skies or fluffy clouds.
Skylights aren’t just about natural light and beauty. They reduce the need for artificial lighting, which means you use less energy. Some skylights open, improving ventilation and airflow. When crews are already working on your roof, consider adding a skylight to your new roof.
Insulated Against High Energy Bills
Re-roofing presents the perfect opportunity to assess and address your home’s insulation. Insulation is like a cozy blanket that keeps your home warm in winter and an effective barrier that keeps out oppressive heat in summer. Both of those functions mean that insulation can reduce your energy costs and increase your comfort levels.
Talk to trusted residential roofing contractors about insulation. They will know what types of insulation works best for the weather conditions in your area and can discuss options for improved insulation. No more drafty rooms or sky-high cooling bills? That’s an upgrade well worth considering.
Re-roofing your home is a significant investment, but the right upgrades can be a game-changer for your home’s appearance, longevity, and energy use. Whether you’re looking to improve energy efficiency, enhance your home’s aesthetics, or increase its durability and comfort, these re-roofing upgrades offer various options to suit your needs.