It is typically a bad idea to disturb an existing, properly functioning roof. They’re not waterproof, but they are water shedding, and any sort of disruption of the roofing shingles can lead to water leaking into the house.
Multiple roof-related upgrades to the home can be done safely and effectively. But if a contractor doesn’t know how to properly do them, they can lead to damage. And typically the upgrades will be more expensive.
However, when it’s time to get a new roof, the rule to never disrupt the roof no longer applies, because all the roofing material is being removed in order to install new materials.
This is the opportune time to include roof-related upgrades. In this article, we’ll discuss the best four.
Gutters and downspouts
Because all the old roofing shingles need to be removed and all the new ones installed, gutters can sometimes get damaged during a roof replacement. Also, by the time a roof needs to be replaced, the gutters are usually in not great shape to begin with.
Combining these two projects is a fantastic idea, because the roofers will be able to remove the old gutters straight away. Then after the new roof is installed, the new gutters will be installed. This avoids unnecessary damage and the gutters always make a new roof look so good because they’re perimeter trim.
Fascia and barge boards
Along the same lines as with gutters, these boards have aesthetic function as trim. They can get rotten or discolored over time.
Some barge boards can be more easily replaced or repaired, but fascia usually needs to have the gutters removed and replaced in order to access them. Combining replacement or repair of these boards with a roof replacement makes for an all-around better project and better finished product.
Skylights and solar tubes
A lot of contractors try to install these, but not that many know how to do them correctly. Anytime a roof is being cut into, extra special attention needs to be paid to how to make it so the area won’t develop a leak later. What you want is a roof that is so well-installed that it never leaks at any of the penetrations, because then it means the shingle integrity will be the deciding factor on when new work should be done. Since high quality shingles last a long time usually, this can mean that you’ll likely get the true full life out of your roof before needing to repair or replace it.
Whether the skylights are existing and just need to be replaced, or if whole new ones are to be cut in through the framing, it is always easiest to have the project coupled with a roof replacement.
Attic insulation
Most older homes do not have adequate insulation. This leads to worse temperature control in the house, and greater risk of condensation damage in the attic and on the roof – which can lead to big and expensive problems down the road.
Adding insulation to the attic is a cumbersome and invasive job. It requires a lot of traffic and machinery going in and out the house.
But if your roof is being replaced, all that traffic and machinery comes in through the top. The roofers can access the attic after having torn the old roofing off, and then add all the necessary insulation. It is a streamlined and effective process. One of the best things you can do if your home has too low of attic insulation is get it added by your roofing contractor during the time of roof replacement.
If you live in the south Puget Sound of Washington State and you need a roof replacement or any of these upgrades, please give us a call at (253) 544-3651 or fill out our quick estimate form.
