Things To Consider When Getting A New Roof

The roof is an integral part of the home. Get a bad one and the entire home can end up damaged. Roofing is the main way the elements are kept at bay. Good roofing will prevent water damage, help keep the temperature in the home steady, and will hold up to storms and other environmental stress. Whether a home's roof is new, needs repair, or needs to be replaced there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration.

Climate

The climate in Canada is incredibly varied. Depending on location, the temperature can range from 35 degrees Celsius during the summer months to -25 Celsius during the frigid winters! The south is characterized by 4 seasons with warm summers and mild springs. The north has frigid winters and permafrost. These drastically different weather conditions can mean very different roofing is required depending on where the roof is being built. The more temperature southern zones have less limitations however the cold north requires a lot of thought for new roofing. Metal and asphalt roofs work best in areas that have lots of snow. Metal is more durable but asphalt works well also and is less expensive. Things such as skylights also need to be designed carefully since they can encourage ice accumulation.

Pests

Another thing that should be considered is what type of pests are common locally. A well built roof is a great defense when it comes to household pests. Termites are more common than many people realize throughout much of the south. Looking for signs of termite damage and treating the wood are important parts of keeping a new or recently repaired roof termite-free. Other pests such as birds, bats, rats, mice, and squirrels are also commonly found in roofs. If these are a major problem, then roofing repair or a full roof replacement may be the best options.

Algae And Fire Resistance

Algae on roofs is a common problem in the humid parts of Canada. The good news is that there are solutions to this problem. Contractors can now install zinc strips to help prevent the buildup of algae on the roof. For homeowners who are considering new roofing, this should definitely be an addition. Fire is something that all homeowners worry about. Fire resistance is very important when it comes to roofing. Roofs with an A-rating are the most fire resistant while C-rating indicates the least resistant. Roofing with higher fire resistance can help keep the occupants of the home safer in case of fire.

Getting a new roof or repairing an existing one is a great time for homeowners to consider making a few changes. Things such as climate, local pest populations, as well as fire and algae resistance are always good to take into consideration.  

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