If you are simply replacing an old or damaged roof, you will probably just work with the existing style. If, however, you are building an addition, adding a second floor, or enlarging part of the house, you might be considering changes to the roof style. A home addition needs to have a roof that matches the rest of the house in style and pitch. The roofing material also needs to match to have a pleasing appearance from the outside.
The pitch of your roof is an important element in calculating the size of the roof surface (for estimates and for calculating materials needs). Roof pitch is the angle of slope of the roof. The slope will be determined by one of two factors: the architectural design of the home and the location of the home. Steeper-pitched roofs are common in the northern part of the nation. Their specific function is to allow snow and ice to slide off the roof more quickly and easily. The pitch is calculated in terms of rise and run. The rise is the distance from the top of a wall to the peak of the roof. The run is the distance from the outside edge of a wall to the center of the house. Pitch is how much the roof rises for every horizontal foot of run.
You will also need to check the roof deck for condensation damage, replacing boards where necessary, and ensure that the roof will be properly ventilated either through installation of adequate ridge vents and soffit vents, eaves, and/or a vent fan. Remember that one of the main causes of roof damage is rotting of the roof deck because inadequate ventilation has allowed condensation to collect and destroy your roof.
The final thing you will need to decide is the roofing material you will use for your new roof. You will want to evaluate the quality and durability of the material you are replacing, as well as energy-efficiency and environmental concerns. Once you decide on the materials you will use, you will be ready to proceed.
If you are installing the roofing yourself, be sure to do your research about the correct installation of the roofing material on the style and construction of your roof. If you are hiring professional roofers, you are ready to talk pricing and scheduling.
