When is the best time to start redoing your roof? Long before the winter and rainy seasons arrive. And while you’re at it, why not redesign it using a different material or design? There are various styles and types of roof that you can apply to your home. Some options are eco-friendly, while others are just plain eye-catching. If you are trying to upgrade your property with a bit of exterior remodeling then changing the roof is the way to go. The following are some of the different ways we see homeowners improve their roofs.
Consider a reflective roof liner
If you are simply looking for a way to reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the structure of your home, then you should opt for reflective siding. This will bounce the sun’s UV rays, which in turn will keep your home cooler. You can buy reflective coatings in a variety of colors, thicknesses, and surfaces. The great thing about this option is that it can help you save money on your cooling costs.
There are two ways reflective coatings work to keep your home cooler: they block UV rays and they radiate absorbed heat back into the atmosphere, so it doesn’t seep into your home. The technology with which it is designed includes high solar reflectance and thermal emittance.
Those who live in a hot climate can see energy savings of up to 70 percent during the hottest months. Otherwise, your savings should be between 20 and 70 percent. Now this is also determined by the type of reflective coating you buy. There are options ranging from 50 to 90 percent reflectance levels. Pay attention to this when you are shopping.
The highly reflective ones tend to be between 60 and 70 percent, which looks like paintable aluminum siding. However, if you are interested in something that is more attractive, you can opt for colored coatings, but these come in reflectivity levels between 15 and 35 percent. The best thing about this option is that you can get a tax exemption as it qualifies as an Energy Star rated roof. If you have a new home construction project you are working on, keep this in mind.
The pros and cons of hip roofs
Hip or hipped roofs are designed with all of their sides sloping toward the eaves. You won’t find vertical sides, as you would with a gable roof. There are also no flat sides. There are different shapes you can implement such as a square or rectangular hip roof. The reason most people go for this style of roof is because it is solid and practical. You’ll typically find this included in exterior remodeling projects for ranch and cabin-style homes.
The main advantage of having a hipped roof is that it has an aerodynamic design that makes it capable of withstanding strong winds caused by storms. It also reduces structural damage done to your property. It usually does a good job of draining the water, but is prone to leaks. It also doesn’t do a great job of ventilation. When it comes to style, many people still go for this roof, given the durability it offers. If you’re considering this for your exterior remodeling project, check with an expert to see if it’s right for your home.
Resist the weather with gable roofs
Another popular option among roofs is the gable roof. This is known for its resistance to weather conditions, such as rain and snow. It can also reduce structural damage to your home, which is great if you’ve recently done other exterior remodeling work. These come in different pitches, which can range from very steep to gentle inclines.
Redesigning your roof can really improve the exterior of your home. Consider using one of the options above for your next roof change.
