6 Great Upgrades When Replacing a Roof

18 Oct 6 Great Upgrades When Replacing a Roof

Your home’s roof needs to be replaced periodically to keep it looking great and protecting your home. When it comes time to get the job done, there are a number of upgrades you can consider to increase your roof’s durability, save energy and keep your home safe and dry. A few of the top picks you should ask your roofing contractor about are:

Install better insulation.

High quality insulation in the roof of your Palatine home can significantly decrease your heating bills in the winter and your cooling bills each summer. Plus, better insulation means that your roof doesn’t heat up under winter snow. This can help avoid the melting that leads to ice dams and damage to your shingles.

Install low maintenance gutters.

Old style gutters can easily get clogged with leaves and debris. Newer styles with curved hoods keep them from getting inside. Plus, updated gutters can significantly improve the look of your home.

Add an airtight chimney cap.

Talk to your roofing company about updating your chimney cap. Airtight models can help prevent warm air from escaping up the flue when your chimney is not in use. This can cut down on heating costs in the winter and make your home far more energy efficient.

Add eave flashing to your roof.

These additions add a water-tight seal to your roof that can protect against damage from ice dams. They are also a good idea around skylights, dormers and other vulnerable areas of your roof.

Add better ventilation to your roof.

In the summer, heat that is trapped in your roof can make it much harder to keep your home cool. Ridge vents allow that hot air to escape while allowing cooler air to make its way in. This can mean that you spend far less on air conditioning during the hotter months.

Upgrade your shingles.

You are not stuck with the type of roofing materials you had before. Different materials can give you different looks and can improve the energy efficiency and durability of your roof. Switching from asphalt to wood shingles can mean that your roof lasts an extra 10 years. A metal roof lasts even longer. If you are concerned about cooling costs in the summer, look into reflective shingles; these come in a wide range of colors and allow you to explore different looks that fit your personal style. Your roofing contractor can help you decide what color & material is best for your roof and your home.

There are a number of options to consider when you talk to your roofing contractor about what you want. Aspen Exterior in Palatine has years of experience with a number of materials. We’d be happy to discuss your budget, your tastes and your needs to come up with exactly the right roof for you.