Planning your home is known for being one of the most exciting parts of settling down with your family. Since executing a plan does take a great deal of commitment, effort, and resources to complete, it’s only logical that would-be homeowners take a great way of time thinking things through. After all, great dreams first start with a plan.
One of the essential parts of a home that people will need to consider is the roof since this will protect any inhabitants from intense storms and winds. Usually, roofs will have a lifespan that will last around 20 to 30 years, depending on how well they’ve been installed and the materials used. This is one reason why most homeowners and architects will take a great deal of time planning for roofs and homes. But planning for your roof is easier said than done; many factors need to be considered.
A roof should have a delicate balance between style, function, and durability that can withstand the elements. But there are still some things that you might have overlooked. Here’s what you’ll need to know.
Consider Your Home’s Style
First, you’ll need to consider your home’s architectural style and aesthetics since this will play a vital role in the materials you might want to use. Does your home have lighter colors? You might want to consider using darker shades of gray for your shingles.
Most homes situated close to the beach, and warmer areas will need more “specialized” materials resistant to seawater. Usually, this will come in the form of clay tiles, slate tiles, and metal roofing. If you’re living in a heritage home that has been around for quite some time, you might want to consider using tile roofing instead.
If you’re managing a commercial property, it’s important to remember that some buildings will have a larger size than your typical residential home. That said, you’ll need to be careful and selective with your roofing materials. Most experts would suggest using a flat roof made with BUR. However, some commercial and industrial facilities will also use metal roofing since this is an excellent way of preventing strong winds.
Consider the Weather Conditions in Your Area
Your roof is considered to be the first line of defense against a variety of natural elements. Whether it’s strong winds, heavy rain, snowfall, and even hailstorms, your roof is usually designed to be versatile. However, many homeowners will need to weigh-in on the natural weather conditions in the area since this will play an integral role in the materials you’ll be using for your roof.
Once you have a roof, you should be good, right? Well, that’s not necessarily the case since there are different structures in your roof that you’ll need to keep in mind. If you’ve noticed, many homes situated in the colder regions of the country will usually have chimneys as an outlet for smoke. But since these chimneys are considered entryways for snow, rain, and high winds, people will need to ensure they’re covered.
Still, it’s important to remember that debris and hail can easily damage your roofing system and your chimneys. Fortunately, chimney caps are made with high-quality metal and have been tested in a variety of environments. These chimney caps are a great addition to your chimneys as they can protect them from harsh weather conditions while directing snow and rainwater off your roof.
Consider the Building Codes and Requirements
You need to take into account the building codes in your state or county. Building codes and requirements are there for a reason: they help keep your home in good shape. Specific building codes are carefully thought-out to ensure that homeowners use the most optimal roofing for their homes. For instance, roofing shingles can become flying debris during high winds and storms, which can become potential hazards. Thus, shingles are restricted in areas that are in the path of hurricanes and typhoons. Since building codes help limit the roofing materials you’ll use, most homeowners can narrow down their options on what’s available.
When it comes to planning out your roof and your home’s exteriors, you’ll need to consider various crucial factors. Although you might be compelled to plan things out by yourself, you can always ask for professional help. There are still general contractors and professionals who can give you insight into what you should be doing. Ultimately, you should take your time and try to think things systematically, especially if you haven’t made any final decisions just yet. Remember: function and form the fundamental tenets in having a beautiful and sturdy home.