When it’s properly maintained, the roof over your head can last for many years and even decades. Properly maintained is the key, of course. In order to last, any roof will need occasional repairs, and eventually, even the most well-cared-for roof will have to be replaced.
Repairing or replacing a roof requires a full understanding of its history, including the materials and techniques that were employed in its construction. This, of course, requires a certain amount of knowledge about the difference between old roofs and modern roofs since roofing technology has evolved a great deal over the past century.
Modern Roofs Are Lighter Weight
Asphalt shingle technology has improved over the years. Newer shingles are much lighter weight than the shingles of the past.
Old Roofs Need More Maintenance
Another advancement in roofing technology is in durability. Remember that a roof has to be built to take regular beatings from the elements; rain, wind, and solar radiation regularly do a number on your roof. Over time, inclement weather can wear out shingles, underlayment, and other parts of the roof requiring them to need replacement.
Modern roofs are constructed from advanced materials. This renders them a great deal more durable and longer-lasting than older roofing materials. They are designed in such a way that they are significantly more water resistant and able to withstand the punishing radiation of the sun’s rays. This means they will need to be replaced far less often than older roofing materials.
If you have an older roof, be prepared to spend a lot more money regularly maintaining it and replacing materials. As roofs approach the end of their lives, maintenance and repair costs increase. You should budget for a new roof in the Portland metro area every 20 years.
Modern Roofs Add Value to Your Home
There’s certainly a place in this world for older homes: many people prefer the look and feel of vintage-style buildings. Nevertheless, few people want to live in a building that is run-down, with a roof that is missing shingles, has faded colors, and leaks here and there.
The fact is that a newer roof will add a great deal of value to your home. New roofs simply have more curb appeal and are much easier to maintain, a fact that will not be lost on prospective buyers.
Note, however, that having a newer roof doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice that vintage feel. Many materials used for modern roofs are designed with aesthetics in mind and can be made to look like something with an older style if that is your preference.
Old Roofs Are Less Energy-Efficient
These days, energy efficiency is an important consideration that every homeowner should keep in mind. When it comes to rooftops, energy efficiency refers to their ability to retain heat energy, helping to keep the home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The more energy-efficient the roof, the less money you’ll have to spend on your energy bill since your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Modern roofs can come with the government’s Energy Star certification, meaning they utilize more advanced technology to save on energy usage. They do so through a number of methods. For example, they can be constructed with materials that reflect more of the sun’s rays. This helps to keep heat energy out of the building on hot days, lessening the need for air conditioning.
Both Old and New Roofs Require Regular Maintenance
Regardless of what type of roof you have, you can extend its useful life through regular maintenance and care. While a well-constructed roof can endure a great deal of punishment, over time, it can develop leaks. A leaky roof can be catastrophic, both from a financial and structural sense, as water damage inside the home can result in thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs. Not only that, it can foster the growth of mold and other major issues which can not only lead to expensive repairs but jeopardize the health of the home’s inhabitants.
Regular maintenance and care can help you to avoid these problems. As shingles wear out, they should be replaced. As metal roof flashing begins to rust, it should be replaced. As underlayment begins to allow water to seep in, you may have to have that replaced as well.
The Key to Effective Roof Maintenance
It’s true that modern roofs are easier to repair than older ones. This is due to the use of less expensive, more durable materials. For example, that roof flashing that needs to be patched? Modern roofs make use of rust-resistant materials such as aluminum, while older ones may use steel or something else more prone to corrosion.
Regardless of whether your roof is old or new, however, you should have a dedicated and experienced roofing company on retainer to provide the maintenance and care your roof needs. Look for a business like Interstate Roofing that offers emergency services. While regular maintenance is important, sometimes problems will occur without being caught ahead of time. If this happens, you’ll need a roofer who can be on site quickly in order to prevent a small problem from escalating to a larger one.