When it comes to our homes, there are certain parts we want to splurge on, like the foundation, framing, windows, and the roof because cutting corners or costs in these areas can be detrimental to our home’s structural integrity.
Although the roof as a whole isn’t an area we want to skimp on, there are parts where we can choose to splurge and others where we can save. Read on to learn where to save and where to splurge on your roof.
What Are the Various Parts of a Roof System and What’s Their Value?
The roof system has far more parts than what initially meets the eye. Typically, when it comes to residential roofs, we think of either asphalt shingles or metal. For our purposes today, we’ll focus primarily on an asphalt shingle.
When you look at a shingle roofing system, 95% of what you see are shingles. However, there are other parts like the roof vent, ridge vent, attic fan, drip-edges, fascia, gutters, soffit, nails, and decking. Here’s a breakdown of these materials along with their cruciality.
Roof Vents, Ridge Vents, and Attic Fans
Observant people will notice that not all roofs have ridge vents, ridge caps, and/or attic fans. Does this mean that these parts are optional? Yes and no. You can technically get away with not having any of these parts and save on upfront costs. However, having at least one of these parts will save you money in the long run. These components serve the following purposes.
- They increase the longevity of your roof by dissipating heat from the roof surface.
- They help keep your attic cooler.
- They help you save on cooling costs.
Excess heat damages your roofing system from the bottom–up, decreasing your roof’s lifespan. Gaining a few extra years of roof life will save you from having to replace your roof as often. A cooler attic space will also lead to greater energy efficiency and lower energy bills. Therefore, spending a little extra money on at least one of these components is worthwhile.
Shingles and Decking
The shingle type and brand you choose are important — you don’t have to select the most expensive shingles in the world, but you also don’t want to buy the cheapest. Choosing dimensional shingles that have a longer lifespan and qualities like algae resistance are best. The North Central Florida climate is tough on roofs, so you want to go with a durable product that can stand up to the heat, rain, wind, and humidity.
When replacing a roof, it’s important to identify any areas where there’s soft or damaged decking. If any is found, it should be replaced prior to having the new roof installed. Again, longevity and durability are important when it comes to a home’s roof. Although it’s easy to just re-shingle over old decking, the best practice would be replacing or repairing these areas before laying the new shingles.
Drip Edges, Fascia, Soffits, and Gutters
Every part of a roof system is important and serves a purpose (or it wouldn’t be there). However, with drip edges, fascia, soffit, and gutters, there’s a little more flexibility. Buying any standard versions of these products will generally be sufficient. Some aspects of these components come down to preference.
For example, these components come in various colors, brands, and material types. These factors generally play into the aesthetic value more than functionality. However, if you had to choose between splurging on these areas versus the others, you want to splurge on the components like the type of shingles, ventilation, or decking.
When it comes to gutters, you can go with seamless options and guards. Seamless options and gutter guards are desirable because they make gutter maintenance easier. However, seamless gutters require customization and are usually cut on-site. This adds costs. Choosing seamless gutters and gutter guards comes down to preference, not necessity, however.
Consider McFall Roofing in Gainesville, FL
All parts of your roof system are important. However, there are some areas where there’s more flexibility when it comes to cost. The benefit of working with a local roofing contractor like McFall is that you get the knowledge and expertise you need to make the best decisions for your home. We follow industry best practices and use high-quality roofing materials to give our customers beautiful roofs that will last.
Contact us today to get started on your residential roofing project.