Roofers Have Things Nailed Down

Older Home? You May Need These Updates When Your New Roof Is Installed

8 June 2023

Nora Mcdonalid

Usually when roofers replace a roof, they tear off the old shingles and underlayment, put down new underlayment and shingles, and perhaps replace the metal flashing around chimneys and vents. If you have an older home, however, there are some additional updates that your roofers might recommend having made during the roof replacement process. Read below to learn more.

Replacing Vents

Vents play an important role in protecting your roof. They keep the attic space from getting too hot, which essentially limits the amount of heat exposure your roof has to endure. Years ago, builders were not as aware of the importance of good roof ventilation. So, your older home may benefit from a few new roof vents. They're relatively easy for a roofer to install when they are already doing a roof replacement. And those vents will help ensure your new roof suffers less peeling and granule loss as it ages.

Adding A Drip Edge

A drip edge is a plastic or vinyl sheeting that is placed along the edge of your roof, where ice is most likely to accumulate. It was not always used years ago but is almost universally used when new roofs are put on homes. Your roofer will likely recommend having a drip edge installed if your home does not currently have it, or if you have an old and worn drip edge. It goes right under your shingles and will give you an extra layer of protection, especially during heavy snow and rain.

Hurricane Straps

If you live in an area where hurricanes or even tropical storms are common, then your roofer will likely recommend having hurricane straps added when your roof is replaced. In fact, in some areas, recent changes to building codes may require that the roofer adds these to your roof. Hurricane straps essentially attach the underlying, wooden structure of your roof to your home's frame. They help ensure that if a strong wind blows through, it does not lift the roof off your house. Hurricane straps also help protect your windows because they prevent the rapid change in pressure that can occur when a roof lifts. This change in pressure can cause windows to burst.

If you are getting a new roof installed on an older home, definitely talk to your roof company about these updates. They might recommend one, or they might recommend them all. It will depend on the structure of your home and the climate you live in.

Contact residential roof installation services to learn more.

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