Roof Replacements are a pretty big investment for your home. Making sure that you use suitable materials for your project is crucial to ensure that your roof is durable and lasts a lifetime. This article will talk about what you need to know when choosing roofing materials for your home.

You should first call a reputable roofing contractor to come out and assess your roof to get a better understanding of what is needed on your roofing system. Understanding the current state of your roof is important before deciding what roofing materials are needed. There are also some environmental factors to consider when choosing materials as well such as weather in your area and the climate.

While shingles are the primary material for your roof replacement, your roof will require much more than just shingles. Here is a list of materials that are needed for a shingle roof replacement:

Shingles, these come in various types such as asphalt (most common), wood, metal and slate.
Roof Decking, this is the foundation of your roof and will be what provides the structural support for your roof.
Underlayment, this will provide a layer of protection between your decking and shingles to help prevent water intrusion.
Leak Barrier, this is also called ice & water shield and is installed in areas like valleys and eaves as an extra area of protection against water intrusion.
Flashing, these are metal pieces that are used to waterproof areas around chimneys and skylights.
Hip & Ridge Caps, these are used to provide an additional layer of protection and give a more polished look.
Drip Edge, this is metal flashing that is installed at the edge of the roof to direct water into the gutter and help prevent water damage.
Ventilation, this can include soffit vents, ridge vent or even attic fans to allow proper airflow in your attic and help prevent moisture build-up.
Gutters, these are installed on the face boards at the roof edge to collect rainwater and divert it away from the roof and foundation to prevent water damage to the home.

When you think about roofing there are wide variety of materials available. They all have their own features and benefits. Making sure that you pair up with a reputable roofing contractor is one of the most important things other than the materials that you choose. Make sure when working with any contractor that you ensure that they are licensed and insured. Asking for references for people that they have worked with in the area is not a bad idea either!

If you are in need of a roofing contractor to come out and assess your roof and help determine what is best for your home, please give Middle Creek Roofing at call at 717.949.2414 and we would be happy to come out and assist you!