Five Roofing Upgrades You Should Consider Making

If you’re in the process of renovating your roof, you have the chance to revitalize its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Whether you are enlisting the help of a roofing contractor or tackling the project yourself, here are five roofing upgrades you should consider making.

Add an Airtight Chimney Cap

While the design of standard chimney caps allows them to keep out rain and animals, an airtight one also offers energy-saving benefits. Unlike a metal or masonry chimney cap, an airtight chimney cap keeps warm air from leaving your home.

An airtight chimney cap is super easy to use. It operates on a spring mechanism that you can control from the firebox of your fireplace.  Plus, airtight caps don’t stick out and become an eyesore. Once installed, they take on a low profile and are unnoticeable to passersby.

Install New Gutters

Your home may have gutters that are stained, misaligned, or are otherwise unattractive or ineffective. Especially if you have an older home, it’s a good idea to think about getting new gutters for your roof.

Consider getting a gutter system with built-in curved hoods. This kind of system requires no maintenance on your part. The design uses the concept of water adhesion to create an efficient flow of water away from your home’s foundation. The water runs down into the curved hoods and deflects leaves as it flows.

This kind of motion prevents stains from forming on your gutters and eliminates the buildup of leaves.

When choosing your gutters, select a design and color that complements your house’s current look. This upgrade to your roof will not only look great but also will save you from needing to climb a ladder to clean your gutters.

Install Ridge Vents

This upgrade is especially relevant if you live in an area that experiences grueling hot summers. Get ridge vents installed beneath your roof’s ridge cap shingles. This upgrade allows for improved airflow. Gable and soffit vents are other options worth considering, as they can provide further enhanced air movement.

These different types of vents will prevent your attic and the rest of your home from overheating, especially in the peak of summer.

Add Synthetic Layers Underneath Your Shingles

It may seem strange to place synthetic material underneath your shingles, but they can benefit your home in the long run. If your roof’s shingles get blown off or otherwise damaged, a layer of material will prevent moisture from infiltrating your house. This layer of protection will grant you some time to get any future roof issues fixed.

Even though these layers go underneath your shingles, they still offer aesthetic appeal. Synthetic underlayment lays flat, so it helps your roof look more polished and complete.

In the past, felt underlayment was the only option available. Today, polyurethane alternatives are more popular because they offer enhanced moisture resistance, durability, and strength.

Roofing Upgrades : Include Ice and Water Protectors

Ice and water protectors, also called ice and water shields, consist of a polymer-modified substance called bitumen. This product forms a watertight seal around a roof’s shingles.

You should consider applying ice and water protector on these specific areas of your roof:

• Overhangs
• Valleys
• Eaves
• Rake edges
• Skylights
• Dormers

You should use an ice and water protector, especially if you have a low-sloped roof. Be sure to lay down the ice and water protector before all other layers, including any synthetic underlayment you decide to use.

In some communities, this kind of application is mandatory. It’s also advisable to perform this upgrade if you live in an area that’s at risk of severe wind-driven rain or ice dams.

When deciding which roofing upgrades to invest in, take your budget, design preferences, and area’s weather conditions into consideration. With the right planning, your roof project will add value and functionality to your home and last for years to come!