Guides & Resources
Roofs And Gutters 101
A solid roof and sturdy gutter are perhaps the top two features of any home, business or type of building. Without a roof, the rest of the structure would be right in the middle of the elements. Since a sturdy roof is what protects you from the outside, keeping the rain, sleet, snow and sun off of you and your possession, when you are choosing the roof and gutter for your building, you need to take your time and make sure you get them strong enough to stand up to what Mother Nature dishes out.
You need to make sure they will be water proof as well as fire resistant. They need to be strong and durable to handle harsh elements such as sleet, hail, as well as the sun’s bright light and intense heat. As most roofs that are installed today are dark in color, which makes them get hotter with the suns light then say a light concrete sidewalk. Heat can play a major role in breaking down the materials that hold a roof together.
There are many different materials and styles of gutters and roofs that you can choose from. Materials such as: slate, asphalt, metal or even concrete tiles can be used for your roof. You can also add optional items such as a chimney to help take the heat from the inside out. Gutters have become a standard part of roofing as they help to protect the roof from water damage from water or snow that can collect and sit on top of the roof.
One of the top choices in roofing material you may see is slate. Slate is both attractive and it is very long lasting. This is also one of the best fire resistant choices on the market today. If you choose a slate roof, be prepared to pay a higher price as they are harder to install.
If you opt for a concrete roof, then you will have the option to have the roof molded to what ever size or shape you need it to be. The downfall of a concrete roof is that it can be damaged by hail and snow. Hence these types of roofs are best used in areas that are not likely to have hail.
So if you are planning on installing a roof and gutter to your home or business, then make sure you do a bit of homework. You want to make sure you get the roof that is right for your needs as well as one that is within your personal budget.
