Buying a New Roof: Energy, Fire, Design, and Weight

July 29, 2017

Buying a New Roof MiddleSouth Systems

There is much to consider when buying a new roof for your home. You will want to protect all that your home contains, and protect your investment. Here are 4 important things to consider when making your roofing purchase decision.

It may seem a disparate list…but it all comes together under the right roof.

4 Things to Consider When Buying a New Roof

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a great thing to consider when buying a new roof, though many homeowners never even think about it. The primary time when a roof can help save energy is during hot summers. The right roof can reduce attic heat gain which then saves energy and lowers air conditioning costs. This energy efficiency can be achieved through solar reflective roofs, light-colored roofs, and/or various forms of ventilation and thermal breaks. For example, metal roofs with heavily formed thicknesses include an integral airspace which achieves a thermal break between the rooftop and the roof deck – very similar to how the two panes of glass in a thermal pane window function. This will enhance energy efficiency and savings.

Fire Safety

Fire resistance can be an important thing for you to want in a new roof. Think in terms not only of initial fire resistance but also fire resistance after the product has weathered for a few years. Products that dry out over time will be increasingly less fire resistant with age. Also, in the event of an interior fire, low weight roofing can help protect your home while allowing firefighters to enter the structure and extinguish the fire at the source.

Design and Beauty

About 60% of the visible exterior of most homes is the roof. Today’s roofing options offer a wide variety of looks, styles, and colors. Classic Metal Roofing Systems even offers the option of custom-colored roofs. Choosing the right product can enhance your home, adding curb appeal and value. Visualizer tools can help you in advance to compare what different roof styles and colors would look like on your home. The amount of value added to a home by a new roof depends largely on the aesthetics of that roof, and the ability of that product to maintain its beauty even as it ages.

Weight

If you have an older home, one of your roof criteria may be a low weight roof. Roofs can weigh from less than a half pound per square foot for aluminum up to around 4 pounds for dimensional shingles, all the way up to as many as 20 pounds for very heavy tile roofs. Low weight roofing can be beneficial to aging structures as well as to homes in areas prone to seismic activity.

To learn more about buying a new roof, we invite you to learn about all of the ways we want to help you permanently protect your home.

QUESTIONS?
Ask An Expert: Steve Stouder

Steve Stouder, roofing expertSteve Stouder is the owner and operator of Middle South Systems, a leading provider of metal roofing in Southeast Louisiana.

Steve has more than 35 years of roofing experience and has been the recipient of a number of awards based on his experience and expertise in the industry. He is passionate about using his experience to help homeowners make the best roofing decision for them, he can help you navigate the issues encountered in roofing or reroofing your home or commercial property.

Use the form below and you'll receive a response directly from Steve or his team.

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I am extremely happy with my new metal roof, and would not hesitate to recommend Middle South Systems to everyone... Wanda Metairie, LA


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