When it comes to getting new roofing, it’s quite common for people to use the terms “new construction roofing” and “roof replacement” interchangeably, when in reality, they are quite different. While both new construction roofing and roof replacement give you new roofs, they have different processes. When you’re building a new home or commercial property, you want your roofing to be perfectly compatible with your building. Here’s what you need to know about new construction roofing so that you can understand the process as a whole.  

#1. It’s Different From Roof Replacement

As mentioned before, people often assume new construction roofing and roof replacement are basically the same thing, when they aren’t, at all. Roof replacement involves, as the name implies, replacing a roof that was already installed on a building. While you can have an entirely new roofing system installed on an existing building, roof replacement is just ensuring that your new roof works with your existing building.

New construction roofing is different from roof replacement because the process is much more involved. It requires a lot more planning and strategizing than roof replacement, because you’re trying to find roofing that works with a building that is currently being built. The building as a whole will need to be analyzed in order to determine the optimal roofing type and system. 

Roof replacement is working with an existing framework. New construction roofing is starting from scratch. While roof replacement is just removing the old system before having the new one installed, new construction roofing necessitates the installation of your roof’s framework, underlayment, and covering. 

#2. You Have Options 

The same as roof replacement, you have options when it comes to new construction roofing. You want the best roof for your new building, after all, so you want to ensure that you select the best option for your needs. Some of the roofing systems available to you include:

• Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are among the most popular roofing materials on the current market, thanks to the fact that they have excellent durability, elemental resistance, long lifespans, and are lightweight.

• Flat Roofing

Flat roofs are a common choice for commercial properties, as well as modern and contemporary homes. These roofs are convenient, accessible, easy to maintain, look sleek, and give you additional space for your solar panels and air conditioning units.

• Asphalt Roofing

Asphalt roofs are cost-effective, require less maintenance than other types of roofing materials, are easy to install, durable, and lightweight. They’re also quite versatile, coming in a number of different designs, so that you can ensure they match your building.

• Wood Roofing

Wood roofs may need more maintenance than other types of roofs, but they’re classic and look great. They can protect your building and last 20-40 years, so long as they are properly installed and maintained. 

#3. You Can Expect It To Cost More

As you can expect, new construction roofing costs more than roof replacement. This is because the process is much more involved, as you’re having the roof built from scratch. The price of your new construction roofing can vary based on a number of factors. 

Some of the things that impact the price of your new construction roofing include:

• The size of your roof
• Its pitch
• The time spent on the project
• The materials used

If you have any questions about how much your new construction roof will cost, contact your local roofing contractors. They will need to know the square footage of your project and will be able to help you determine the best options for you. 

#4. You Want To Hire The Professionals 

It’s essential that you hire professionals, such as the contractors at Lifetime Roofing, for your new construction project. The installation of a roof greatly affects how it performs. If your roof is properly installed, then it will be secure and last for years to come, as well as function as it should. If your roof is poorly installed, your maintenance will increase exponentially, as will how soon you’ll need to have it replaced. 

When you hire professionals for your new construction roof, you can rest assured that it will be installed correctly. A properly installed roof is one that will last, will require far less maintenance, and make your property so much more secure and comfortable. 

Do You Need New Construction Roofing?

Lifetime Roofing offers professional new construction roofing services. If you have a new construction project and need help with your roof, we’re the ones you want to call. To learn more about our services, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

Since wood roofs are one of the less common types of roofs, it makes sense that many people wonder if wood roofs are even a good roofing option or if it would be better to go with another material, such as metal or asphalt shingles. Are wood roofs good? Why do roofers even do wood roofs if people have to ask what makes wood roofs good or if they’re not at all, and having them installed would be a massive mistake. 

Wood roofs do indeed have their drawbacks – but so does every other kind of roofing material. Wood roofs can indeed be an excellent choice for your roof, depending on your needs. Here’s what you need to know about wood roofs. 

The Pros And Cons Of Wood Roofs

Same as everything else, wood roofs have their pros and cons. The cons of wood roofs are what make them less common and cause people to ask, are wood roofs good? But it would be a mistake to overlook their pros, especially since wood roofs have a unique look that sets your home apart from the rest and give it a beautiful, traditional look. 

It’s always good to know the advantages and disadvantages of anything you’re going to invest in, to ensure that you’re making the best choice for you and your needs. Let’s get into the pros and cons of wood roofs so that you can make an informed decision about whether wood roofs are the right roofing material for you. 

The Advantages Of Wood Roofs

Wood roofs used to be the most popular type of roof, so if you have an older building, wood roofs are excellent for maintaining that more historical appearance. As such, you’ll mostly see wood roofs installed in these kinds of buildings and for historical restoration purposes. 

If you want a natural aesthetic for your home, wood roofs will provide this for you, especially as they fade over time in a way that adds even more character and charm to your home. If you have a home that is already made of natural materials, such as stone, wood roofs compliment these beautifully. 

Wood roofs are mostly made out of cedar, as well as other woods, such as: western red cedar, pine, spruce, redwood, Atlantic white cedar, and cypress. While it’s most common for wood roofs to come in light colors, they can be darker, or age to be darker. Cedar is the most common wood since it is naturally weather-resistant, durable, energy-efficient, and give a lovely natural aesthetic.

Aside from their appearance, wood roofs have many other advantages to satisfy your question: are wood roofs good? Some of the other advantages of wood roofs include:

• Sustainability
• Resilience
• Lightweight
• Energy efficiency
• Impact resistant – the thicker the shingles, the more so
• Weather resistant
• Easy to install
• Easy to repair
• Though wood roofs do change color, they do protect your home from UV rays. 
• With proper care and maintenance, wood roofs can last 20-40 years.

The Disadvantages Of Wood Roofs

The cons of wood roofs are what have made them die down in popularity as other roofing materials have entered the market and are what make people ask, are wood roofs good or not worth the investment? While wood roofs are beautiful and have many benefits, there’s a lot of work that goes into maintaining them which can turn people to other roofing options. While wood roofs are generally treated with flame-retardant chemicals, they’re still flammable, which is why some jurisdictions prohibit them.

Here’s what you need to know about the disadvantages of wood roofs.

• Wood roofs require a lot more maintenance than other roofing materials. They need to be treated with flame-retardant chemicals every few years, and they are more susceptible to mold, mildew, and fungus than other types of roofing materials.
• They’re vulnerable to insects such as termites and wood borers that can eat away at your shingles.
• They fade over time, so if you want your roof to maintain its color, wood roofs won’t do this for you.
• Higher cost over time, especially with all the maintenance requirements to keep them in good condition.
• They can lead to higher home-insurance costs, since they’re more susceptible to fires than other types of roofing materials.
• Wood roofs are more likely to leak than other kinds of roofs, as they can deteriorate and crack over time, exposing the interior of your home and its structure to water damage. 

Are Wood Roots Good For Your Needs?

Are wood roofs good for you? It depends! If you’re willing to put in the effort to maintain them, yes, they can be a wonderful choice for you. If you want something easier to maintain that doesn’t have the same drawbacks as wood roofs, you would be better off with asphalt or metal roofs. Whether or not wood roofs are good for you and your needs is entirely up to you. One of the professional roofing contractors at Lifetime Roofing can help you determine what kind of roof is best for you and your home. Contact us today for any questions and to schedule an estimate for your roof!

Are you making New Year’s resolutions for your roof? Most people don’t even think about their roofs unless they start showing signs of damage or causing problems, let alone make resolutions for them. The fact of the matter is that making New Year’s resolutions for your roof is a fantastic way to ensure that you’re protecting your home and keeping it in good shape. While you should strive to take care of your roof all year round, at the start of the new year when you’re already looking at all the ways you can improve your life, why not include your roof in that?

Taking care of your roof is a priority in order to keep it in good working condition, protect the interior of your home, and ensure your home looks put-together. Here are seven helpful New Year’s resolutions for your roof you can make to better your roof. Though we say New Year’s, these are things you can and should strive for at any time of the year. 

#1. Keep It Clean

As with anything else, keeping your roof clean is essential to maintaining its condition and keeping it looking spiffy. Cleaning your roof doesn’t mean dusting, but rather, cleaning off any leaves or branches or other such debris that can build up on it. Left alone, these can cause problems in how water drains from your roof and result in expensive repairs over time. You don’t want any standing water on your roof. 

Simply checking for any leaves or branches or debris and cleaning them off when you notice them will prevent damage and improve the overall appearance of your home. 

#2. Schedule Regular Inspections

While your roof may seem fine to the naked, untrained eye, the truth is that there can be damages you don’t even notice. Even if you get up onto your roof, if you aren’t a trained professional, you’ll likely miss signs of damage that can domino into bigger problems down the road. Scheduling regular roof inspections should definitely be part of your New Year’s resolutions for your roof. Getting professional eyes on your roof so that any repairs are taken care of before they get the chance to cause major issues is more than worth it. 

#3. Keep An Eye On Your Gutters

This plays into our first recommendation for New Year’s resolutions for your roof. Leaves, branches, and debris can build up in your gutters, preventing water from draining from your roof. This leads to standing water and water damage to the interior of your roofing system and your home. Be sure to check your gutter and keep them clear so they can do their job. If they’re broken, have a professional come out to either repair or replace them. 

#4. Stay On Top Of Repairs

It’s easy to notice something that needs fixing and to just put it off if it isn’t a significant issue. However, left unchecked, little repairs grow into big repairs that can even necessitate replacement. Make it part of your New Year’s resolutions for your roof to keep an eye out for anything on your roof that could use repairs and have the problem taken care of before it gets the chance to cause more trouble. 

#5. Replace Missing Or Broken Shingles

Missing and broken shingles impact the appearance of your home, making it seem shabby. These affect more than just the curb appeal of your home, though. Your shingles are what help weatherproof your home and protect it from pests. If they start breaking or go missing, this impacts the protection of your home. Having missing or broken shingles replaced is a simple and easy New Year’s resolution for your roof to both make and keep. 

#6. Pay Attention To Your Roof

So, we mentioned how there are a lot of potential damages that the average person won’t be able to notice in your roof. But this doesn’t mean you can’t tell when there are problems or potential for problems. For example, if you notice buildup on your roof, clearing it away will help maintain the quality and functionality of your roof. Noticing how water drains will tell you if there are issues with your gutters. 

You don’t even need to get onto your roof, simply keeping an eye on it as you come and go can help you catch these sorts of issues. 

#7. Learn More About Roofs

So many preventable problems happen because people just don’t know much about their roofs. This isn’t your fault – we aren’t really taught about roofs in our day to day life. But making it part of your New Year’s resolutions for your roof to learn more about them will help you know how they function, how they can be damaged, and what you can do to extend their lifespan. 

Let Us Help You Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions For Your Roof

Lifetime Roofing wants to help you keep your New Year’s resolutions for your roof. We offer roof inspections, maintenance, repairs, and replacements. If you need any help with your roof or simply want to learn more about them, please feel free to contact us today!