5 things you REALLY need to know about your roof

By DaVinci Roofscapes.

Your home is an important investment. Use this guide to better understand your roof.

Whether you’re building a new home or thinking about re-roofing your current home, there are five things every homeowner needs to know about their roof.  

1. Roofing has its own language. In order to “talk the talk” with a roofer and understand your roof, you need to speak the language. Pitch. Valley. Square. Flashing. These all have different meanings in the world of roofing. Check out this fast Guide to Roof Vocabulary to understand your roof. 
2. There are ways to tell if you need a new roof. It’s not a mystery. There really are very specific signs that tell you if your roof needs to be replaced. Everything from asphalt granules accumulating in your gutters to curling shakes. Look for those signs and pay attention. And, if you’ve experienced weather-related damage to your roof, know how to work with your insurance adjuster to maximize your benefits. 
3. Asphalt shingles are not always the best choice. For many years homeowners have simply gone with the same old roofing choice. Asphalt shingles. The marketplace has made many advancements in the past few decades. Advancements that offer lower maintenance, longer product lifespans, and better warranties. Do yourself a favor and consider the options. A fast comparison of products will show you why composites beat asphalt every time.  
4. How much weight can your roof hold? If you live in an area that has any kind of snowfall at all during the year, this is an important issue. Snow, even lightly falling pretty snowflakes, accumulate on your roof. The weight of snow can be a heavy burden on your home’s infrastructure. And, if you have a steep roof, or one made of composite roofing, you’ll need to consider a snow retention system, so the snow doesn’t slide off the roof all at one time. Learn more at How Much Snow and Ice Can a Roof Hold?  
5. Is it possible for my roof to burn? The answer lies in what roof system has been installed on your roof. Notice we said “system.” A roof is made up of the sheathing, which are the boards or sheet materials fastened to the roof rafters to cover the structure. Then there’s the underlayment that protects the sheathing from the weather. Then comes the shingles, tile, slate or metal that are exposed to the weather. 

Different roofing materials are tested and have different ratings for fire resistance. Class A fire resistance, like you’ll find with composite roofing tiles from DaVinci Roofscapes, is the highest rating. Class C is the lowest. See how comparison testing takes place and learn more at Class A Fire Rated Roofing: Understanding Roof Ratings. 

Learn more about DaVinci Roofscapes in their Coffee Shop Directory or visit www.davinciroofscapes.com.