Roofing Upgrades – Enhancing the Functionality and Aesthetics of Your Roof
Your home’s curb appeal is what makes it unique and adds to its value. Several elements can contribute to your property’s aesthetics, but your roof and front door are especially important.
Choosing the right roof material and design can enhance your home’s character and add curb appeal. Roofing accessories can also enhance your home’s aesthetics and protect it from moisture, debris, and pests. 1. Lighting
While re-roofing may not seem like the most glamorous of home improvement projects, it can actually boost your home's value and add a new sense of enjoyment to your life. A well-executed roof can protect your house from water damage, improve energy efficiency, and increase the overall lifespan of your home.
To help homeowners get the most out of their new roof, a roofing contractor can offer valuable upgrades that are not often included in typical roofing installations. These include soffit upgrade options, skylights, airtight chimney caps, and eave flashing.
Soffit upgrades can enhance the look of your roof and help prevent water leaks. These thin strips of waterproofing material are installed along the walls, chimneys, and roof valleys to block moisture infiltration. The most common soffit upgrade option is galvanized steel, but some homeowners choose to upgrade to copper accents.
In addition to protecting the soffit from moisture, upgrading to seamless gutters can reduce the risk of water overflow and backup. Unlike sectional gutters, seamless gutters have fewer joints and are less prone to leaks.
Another soffit upgrade that can protect the health of your roof and make it more attractive is the installation of underlayment. This waterproofing layer is applied to the attic deck prior to shingle installation, and it helps to create a watertight seal. The underlayment may be a simple polymer, like IKO RoofGard-Cool GreyTM, or more upscale, like a copper accent.
An airtight chimney cap can keep rain and critters out of your attic, while saving you money on your energy bill by preventing warm air from escaping up the chimney when it's not in use. This is an especially good upgrade if you have a chimney that you rarely use. It can also be an option for homes with older masonry chimneys, or for those looking to save on heating costs in the winter. 2. Color
Your roof is a major architectural feature of your home, but it also plays a vital role in the overall aesthetics of your property. It should complement and coordinate with the colors of the exterior walls, doors, windows, and trim. This ensures a seamless and visually pleasing look for your home’s exterior.
While re-roofing isn’t usually the most glamorous home improvement project, it is an essential one that can help you save energy and reduce maintenance costs for years to come. The right roofing materials, shingle style, and color can enhance your home’s appearance while providing a long-lasting, durable roof.
If you’re re-roofing your home, the first thing to consider is the color of the new roof. The color should be appropriate for your neighborhood and should blend in well with other homes in the area. You don’t want your roof to stand out like a sore thumb, especially if you live in a tightly knit community with strict housing association rules.
Light-colored roofs reflect the sun’s rays, whereas dark-colored roofs absorb the heat, which helps to regulate your home’s temperature. Dark-colored roofs are also better suited for cold climates because the absorbed heat can help melt snow and ice.
However, the type of roof material you choose will play a bigger role in your roof’s functionality and aesthetics than just its color. The type of shingles you select, the underlayment, and the ventilation system will also impact your roof’s performance and longevity.
Similarly, gutters, fascia, and soffits can make or break your roof’s aesthetic. A gable vent is a great way to add some visual interest to your roof’s edge, while well-installed and matched gutters can provide a finished look to the entire roofing structure. Additionally, a chimney cap keeps rain and (if screened) critters out of your chimney and can also elevate your home’s curb appeal. 3. Landscaping
The roof is the first line of defense against the elements, but it also plays a significant role in the overall aesthetic of your home. Choosing the right roofing materials, accessories, and colors can elevate your roof’s appearance to match your home’s architectural style and enhance its curb appeal.
One of the best ways to enhance your roof’s appearance is through landscaping. By carefully selecting your trees, shrubs, and grassy areas, you can create a harmonious landscape that complements your home’s roofline. Moreover, your choice of plants can help shield your home from the sun’s glare, reducing energy costs.
When you reroof, it’s important to protect your landscape from damage during the work. Ensure that your contractor drapes tarps over your gardens and grassy areas immediately surrounding the re-roofing area, especially for those planted close to the house walls. This prevents debris, such as nails and shingles, from being kicked around in the wind.
Another area of the roof that often gets overlooked is the soffit. However, by adding a decorative soffit that coordinates with your roof and siding, you can add an attractive accent that elevates the look of your roofline. For example, you can choose a wood or metal soffit, which comes in a variety of colors and materials, to complement your roof. 4. Ventilation
Roof ventilation helps to keep the interior of your home comfortable. Proper ventilation allows cool air to circulate throughout the house and prevents excess heat from building up in the attic area. This keeps your home cooler and helps reduce energy bills during the summer. It also helps extend the lifespan of your shingles, insulation and HVAC system. edinburghroofingcompany.com
If your roof is lacking adequate ventilation, it may be time to consider an upgrade. There are several different types of vents that can be installed, including soffit vents and ridge vents. Another popular option is gable vents, which are installed in the gables (the triangular sections at either end of your roof) to provide efficient attic air flow and can be painted to match the rest of the home.
Excessive heat buildup in the attic can lead to moisture damage that affects the drywall, wood framing and other areas of the house. Poor ventilation also causes ice damming, where melted snow on the edge of the roof re-freezes and forms thick chunks of ice that can tear off gutters, downspouts and shingles. Upgrading your roof to better ventilation can help prevent these issues and significantly prolong the life of your shingles and other roofing components.
One of the most important upgrades that can be made is to replace the static box vents with ridge vents. This simple upgrade converts the ventilation system from passive to active and can dramatically reduce your energy bills. Another common ventilation upgrade is to replace ridge vents with baffle or turbine vents, which are more energy-efficient than static ridge vents and keep out bugs, animals and other pests.
Other roof ventilation options include fascia and drip edge vents, which are built into the attic side of the soffit and feature holes that allow air to enter. These vents can be easily painted or stained to blend with the surrounding attic area and can be used to complement gable, soffit and dormer vents.
While re-roofing isn’t usually the most glamorous home improvement, it’s a vital investment that can enhance your home’s comfort and beauty and add value to your property. Adding features like lighting, landscaping and a more durable and attractive roof will make your home a standout on the street.
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