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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.
Read more articles by: Michael Clem