The roof of a home, in many ways, is like a superhero. It protects the inside of the home and takes the brunt of the elements and harsh weather: heavy rain, harsh winds, hail, and piles of snow.
No matter what it is, the roof is there, keeping everyone safe.
Unfortunately, it can often get overlooked. Not everyone is aware of the maintenance that comes with having a roof.
Here are some great roof upgrades to consider and other information to keep in mind.
Things To Consider When Replacing A Roof
Before you start replacing things or making roof modifications, it is important to take some time to understand certain things. Some of the things to consider when replacing a roof or doing roofing upgrades include:
The Condition Of Your Roof
You also want to consider the condition of your current roof. Are shingles cracking or curling? If there is damage, you need to repair it. If your roof is in fairly good condition, maybe just making some improvements is enough.
The Look You Want
Before spending money on upgrades, consider what look you're going for. Do you want your roof to make a statement or for it to be more subtle? Upgrades can be big or small, so knowing how big you want to go is important.
Consider Your Budget
Roofs are an investment. Whether doing a full replacement or just roofing upgrades, you should choose the best materials that your budget will allow for.
Average Cost Of Roof Upgrades
Upgrades like roof replacements can vary in price depending on factors like the size of the roof, its pitch, the materials, and labor. Replacement costs range from around $4.35 to $11 per square foot. Generally, the steeper your roof's pitch, the more expensive it will be.
Other upgrades, like adding or replacing roof vents, can cost anywhere from $200 to $600. Other popular roof upgrades like new soffit and fascia are more expensive, costing an average of $2,700.
Reasons To Install Roof Upgrades
There are many reasons to consider different options for upgraded roofing. The biggest reason is for the curb appeal; an upgraded roof will make your home more attractive, especially if you're installing a whole new roof system. This increased curb appeal can also add value to your property. Other reasons to get upgraded roofing include:
Increased Energy Efficiency
Changing your roof material for a more energy-efficient option can help significantly reduce your energy costs. Other upgrades, like new roof vents and insulation, can also help increase your home's energy efficiency.
Replace Old Materials
If you have an older roof, replacing it is a matter of safety and protection. You never know when your roof may fail; replacing it will ensure you don't end up with expensive damage.
Show Your Style
The typical roof is boring and doesn't let you show your style and personality. Upgraded roofing can change that, because you can pick the materials, colors, special features, and more.
Types Of Materials Used For Roof Upgrades
When considering replacement roofing materials, you have many options. Popular, energy-efficient options include:
Natural Cedar Shakes And Shingles
Natural cedar is a classic option that is especially popular for many colonial-style homes and those looking for a more rustic feel. You can paint or stain it in a variety of colors, which makes it easy to customize the look. However, natural cedar is a maintenance-heavy material that requires regular cleaning and treatments to ensure longevity and fire resistance. It is not allowed everywhere because it is a fire hazard and it is relatively expensive.
Metal
Metal is another popular roofing option, and it is available in sheets, shingles, and many different metals. You can get metal roofing in various colors, textures, and patterns, including options that mimic other materials, like barrel tiles. Metal roofs are durable and fire-resistant but can become dented, and some metals are prone to rusting and corrosion. It is also an expensive option.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are a popular option for those looking for a Mediterranean look, with many natural colors available. Clay tiles have one of the longest lifespans and offer decent durability, including fire resistance, but they can crack easily if walked on. They are also expensive and heavy, and require additional structural support to avoid a roof collapse.
Slate Tiles
Slate tiles are a beautiful roofing material that can add a sleek, elegant look to a home with many natural color options. Like clay tiles, slate can last a long time and is fairly durable and fire resistant, but it is also expensive and requires additional structural support due to its weight.
An Alternative Material
Composite roofing is another option that is becoming increasingly popular with homeowners. Composite roofing is an environmentally-friendly material made from recycled materials and processed to create an extremely durable product. Brava Roof Tile is considered the leader of the composite roof industry by offering Cedar Shakes, Old World Slate, and Spanish Barrel Tiles, molded and colored in a way that creates an authentic tile that is almost indistinguishable from its natural counterparts.
These tiles are far more durable, with Class 4 impact ratings, Class C and A fire ratings, wind resistance up to 211 mph (resistance dependent on installation method), and a wide range of colors and customization options that allow you to express your style.
With Brava composite roofing, there is no need to worry about maintenance or treatments aside from rinsing the tiles off occasionally. Best of all, they are lightweight, affordable, and extremely energy efficient.
Roof Upgrades To Consider
Here are thirteen roof upgrades that can help improve your home's health, increase your comfort, and add more value to your home:
1. Install Roof Ventilation
Roof vents are a common part of a roof, even if you may not know it, and they play a vital role in keeping your home safe.
Between rising heat and the Sun’s intense UV rays hitting the roof's surface, attics can get extremely hot, much hotter than any other part of your home. If this heat is trapped in the attic space and cannot escape, it can cause serious issues. From your cooling system having to work harder to moisture buildup that leads to mold and mildew, it can become an expensive problem.
By installing reliable roof ventilation, that hot air will have a way to escape. This will result in lower energy bills and help prevent excess moisture buildup and any ice damming that may occur during the winter.
2. Replace Old Soffit And Fascia
The soffit and fascia, for the most part, can often go ignored, more so than most parts of your roof. This can make it seem like a pointless roof upgrade, but it has many benefits.
For one, replacing these parts of your roof can provide an immediate facelift to your roof that creates a brighter, cleaner appearance. With the various colors, materials, and textures available, your options are endless, and will allow you to make accent pieces that stand out against the rest of the roof.
It isn't all about aesthetics, however. The fascia, that vertical board along the edge of the roofline, helps with water drainage by supporting the gutter system and shingles. The soffit also helps with drainage and airflow by helping to reduce moisture buildup and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
3. Make An Energy-Efficient Switch
One of the biggest roof upgrades you can make is changing your entire roofing material. Brava's composite roof tiles are a perfect alternative, with styles that mimic natural slate, cedar shakes, and classic Spanish barrel tiles. They also offer energy-efficient, California Title 24-compliant "Cool Roof" options, which help lower cooling costs, reduce heat island effects, and improve overall indoor comfort. Aside from Cool Roof color options, Brava is also insulating, which helps to maintain consistent temperatures inside.
4. Change The Color
If you're upgrading your roof, you don't have to use the same color you had before. Look at the different color options around the neighborhood and find out what your desired material comes in. You want to choose a color that speaks to you and matches your home's exterior.
5. Improve Your Roof's Insulation
Improving your roof's insulation is one of the smaller roof improvements that can make a big difference. Ensuring that your roof is properly insulated will help you save on heating and cooling costs. According to the EPA, homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs simply by improving their insulation.
6. Find The Balance Between Ventilation And Insulation
Ventilation and insulation are worthwhile roof upgrades, but there must be balance. Too little ventilation will leave hot air trapped in that attic, which creates a hotter home with higher cooling costs, and excess moisture that can lead to mold and mildew growth. On the contrary, too much ventilation will allow too much hot air to escape which can increase heating costs.
The same can be said about insulation. An overly insulated home can trap heat and moisture, and lead to mold and mildew growth. Conversely, too little insulation will make your heating and cooling system work harder, which increases the utility costs.
7. Add A Rooftop Deck
Rooftop decks aren't necessary, but they are one of the top roof modifications to consider if you want a more usable living space with a view. Rooftop decks are easy to add to flat roofs, but are also possible with sloped roofs with a little engineering.
Covering the deck with rooftop deck pavers, like those from Aspire by Brava, can help bring the space to another level by creating an elegant space to relax alone or with friends and family.
8. Install Low Maintenance Gutters
You can never overlook the importance of your home's gutter system. Maintaining them is important; you want to take the time to clean them, clear them of debris, and ensure that the screws and other hardware are secure. However, if you are considering roofing upgrades, consider replacing your old gutters with a high-quality, low-maintenance option. One with a guard will help deflect leaves and debris while also allowing water to pass through easily.
9. Be Bold And Change Your Roof Style
If you want to go bold, consider changing your roof style, even the shape. A less extreme style change can be adding dormers.
To make a more extreme change, go for the shape. There are so many options; gable roofs are one of the most popular and common styles, but so are hip, and hip and valley roofs. For a more modern look, options like skillion and butterfly roofs are worth considering.
10. Add Security Cameras
Security is becoming a bigger concern for homeowners, and security cameras are a popular upgrade. They are a worthwhile investment that will provide added protection, deter criminals, and allow you to check on your property, even when you aren't home.
12. Install Solar Panels
Solar panels are a popular way to upgrade roofing and use renewable energy while reducing your carbon footprint. It can be expensive upfront, but there is a 30 percent Federal tax credit on the total cost of solar panel installation available until 2032. Some states also offer tax credits and rebates for additional savings.
13. Install A Skylight
Skylights are a great way to get more natural light indoors, and reduce your reliance on electricity. It can also create more heat during cooler months to lower utility bills. Skylights also add ventilation and increase the overall value of your home. Of course, choosing a reputable company and high-quality glass is important to truly get these benefits.
Build Your Roof Upgrades With Brava
Your roof is important, and it deserves some attention and roofing upgrades. These are thirteen upgrades to refresh your roof and make it stronger and more attractive. One of the best upgrades you can do is upgrade your materials to an energy-efficient option, like Brava's composite roofing tiles.
Whether you go with just changing the tiles or upgrading your roof to the shape and style, Brava tiles will significantly impact beauty and function.
Contact Brava today to learn more about our composite materials!
