Building Your Dream Home a Roof to Last

admin • Oct 22, 2019

When planning out your dream house, the roof may not be the most glamorous consideration, but it is one of the most important aspects. The roof is responsible for protecting your home and belongings from hazards such as weather, wildlife intrusion, and debris. Here are some considerations when you’re planning a dream home roof that will last.

ROOFING MATERIALS

When you think about building or replacing a roof, the part you probably think of first is the shingles, panels, or tiles that make up your roof’s surface. While they’re far from the only important part of your roof, these materials are still one of the most important factors in how long your roof will last.

Whether your priority is the best lifespan for the price or whether money is no object and you want your roof to last over a century, you’ll find many options available. When comparing product lifespans, consider the quality of the manufacturer’s warranty, expected lifespan for that material, and your contractor’s assessment of whether the product is well-made.

GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS

Did you know that well-functioning gutters and downspouts are crucial to protecting your roof? Even the most expensive roof materials won’t be able to repel water damage if gutters are clogged and allows water to intrude under the roof’s covering. A system of gutters and downspouts is designed to carry rainwater safely away from your roof, walls, and foundation and should be cleaned regularly.

If you want your roof to last, you’ll need to have high-quality gutters and downspouts installed. Consider installing gutter guards as well to help reduce debris buildup

STRUCTURAL SUPPORT

Underlayment, decking, and rafters are all critical roof components that you usually don’t hear much about. The structural components of your roof (such as trusses and plywood decking) usually don’t need to be replaced during a simple roof replacement, so you’ll typically only deal with them when building a home from the ground up.

Your contractor will need to ensure the roof’s structural components are strong enough and will require proper engineering. The roof needs to easily bear the weight of your chosen roofing materials as well as anything else the roof might carry, such as air conditioning units and roofing personnel.

ROOF SLOPE

Like the roof covering itself, the slope of your roof can greatly affect the home’s final appearance and aesthetic. You’ll want to keep in mind your desired finished product when considering how steep to pitch your roof. Hurricanes in Florida require extra bracing if you choose a gable style roof.

The roof pitch or slope can affect your roof’s longevity. For instance, a roof with a low slope (sometimes called a flat roof) is uniquely susceptible to leaks because rainwater doesn’t roll down the slope quickly. Talk to your contractor about the best roof slope and design for the roof material that you’ve chosen.

CONTRACTOR

Deciding who will construct your dream home and its roof is a momentous decision. After all, how could you construct the highest-quality home without the highest-quality workmanship? An inexperienced or untrained contractor could end up installing a roof that has important pieces missing and isn’t fastened well.

To prevent such potential catastrophes, take extra care in choosing a building contractor. The first step is to make sure the contractor you’re considering is properly licensed and qualified and has plenty of experience in similar projects.

These considerations can help you choose, plan, and execute a roof that can stand up to nearly anything, last for over a century, and avoid common problems.

Here at Genuine Home Builders, Inc., we provide both remodeling and new construction services to help you achieve your dream home either through renovation or by starting from scratch. To learn more about us, our previous projects, and what we can do for you, get in touch with us today.

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