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Are you currently in the market for a new home? If so, there are probably more than a few things that you have questions about. Fortunately, we can help with at least one of those things — roofing.

We’ve gone ahead and compiled this helpful little guide with facts and tips for new homeowners. Whether this is your very first home or your third, we think that you’ll be able to glean some great info here.

And remember, if you have any questions left at the end of this read, you can always reach out and ask us directly. The staff here at Austermiller roofing is more than happy to go the extra mile for you and your family. We can answer any question you have and offer some recommendations to address your specific needs.

Roofing Facts And Tips

Here are some great facts and tips for new homeowners:

Owning a home comes with maintenance responsibilities.

Some first-time homebuyers might not be aware of this, but owning a home is very different from renting. A house requires regular maintenance and upkeep to keep it in tip-top shape. This includes things such as these:

Gutter Cleaning

Gutters are one of the most important parts of your roof. They’re responsible for catching rainwater and draining it off the side of the house into a safe area. This way, the water doesn’t get a chance to pool and cause leaks or ice dams. It’s important to clean out the gutters at least a few times a year (more so if you live in a particularly leafy area). Leaves, branches, rocks, and other debris should all be removed to allow water to flow through.

Removing Snow From Roof

During winter, snow can occasionally pile up too thick, causing excess weight and risking damage to your roof. That’s why you should keep an eye on snow levels and clear it off when it gets too tall. You can either DIY it using a snow removal rake or call a roofing professional to do it.

Trimming Trees

During strong winds or storms, tree branches that are very close to your home can come loose and blow onto your roof. This can damage shingles or even break one off completely. Roofing aside, however, a tree branch could even damage your windows or loose objects left out on the deck. This is why trimming nearby branches can be good practice. Do keep in mind, though, that you should only trim branches that can be reached safely. If you need to remove heavy or particularly tall branches, call a contractor and request an appointment.

Not all shingles are the same.

different types of shingles

Whether you are building a home from scratch, purchasing a home, or simply replacing your roof, it’s good to know a little bit about different types of roofing.

The most common roofing material that you will encounter on the US market is most likely asphalt. Asphalt shingles are cost-effective for first-time home buyers. Even within this category, however, there are 3-tab shingles, dimensional shingles, and luxury (premium) asphalt shingles.

Now, asphalt aside, here are a few other common roofing materials you should know about:

Metal Roofing

Probably the next most common roofing material aside from asphalt shingles, metal is another great option. Seamless metal panels, in particular, are extremely durable and require little maintenance on the homeowner’s part. They can also last twice as long as asphalt shingles. This means that although the upfront cost of a metal roof is higher, it may be a better value in the long run.

Slate Roofing

Due to the weight and material cost of slate shingles, this option tends to be less common than asphalt and metal roofing. Having said that, it definitely has its appeal. Slate is unique and beautiful whilst being incredibly durable. Slate roofs can sometimes last well over 100 years.

Clay Roof Tiles

Aesthetically speaking, clay tends to be heads and shoulders over most other types of roofing. It creates a bright, colorful appearance for the outside of your home. Clay and slate tiles also have the potential to be recycled, adding an environmentally-friendly factor to this option.

A new roof is an investment in your home.

We know that a roof can seem like a costly repair, and it’s true that a quality job can potentially cost thousands of dollars, but you should always consider the long term.

The biggest reason you may want to repair or replace your roof is simply to prevent larger and more costly roofing problems down the line. A missing shingle may not look like it makes a big difference, but even that small gap can let some rainwater leak through. This water can then burrow into your home and allow mold to grow. The result can be extensive repairs to your shingles, as well as to your ceilings and walls. That’s why you’ll want to repair even small issues sooner rather than later.

In the case that you plan on selling your home, you may also want to consider the aesthetic impact of a new roof. Better curb appeal may mean a higher selling value for your home. Do keep in mind though, that the exact ROI of a new roof varies by situation.

Roofs should be inspected 1-2 times per year.

When initially purchasing a house, you will most likely have an inspection done. This protects you from large unexpected issues. Think things like a damaged foundation or a large roof leak. During this time, your inspector will most likely look at your roof as well. This, however, won’t be the only roofing inspection you ever have.

Roof maintenance is one of the first few things that a new homeowner learns about. One of the things to keep in mind is that your roof should receive 1-2 roofing inspections per year. These inspections give you an opportunity to search for missing shingles or small leaks that need to be repaired. It’s much better to fix small roofing issues before they grow into a large and costly problem down the road.

Last Notes

house with question marks above it

We hope that this guide had some helpful information for you today. Just in case, however, here are a few last answers to commonly asked questions.

How Much Does A New Roof Cost?

The exact cost of a new roof depends on a variety of factors, including the area of the roof, the shingles/material you choose, and the location of your home. As a point of reference, Angi reports that in 2023, the average cost of a new roof clocked in at about “$5,725 – $12,401”. Keep in mind that these numbers can be a lot higher for very large homes with a lot of roofing area to cover.

How Long Does A Roof Last?

The lifespan of a roof can be shorter or longer depending on the material it’s made of, the environment, and how well it’s maintained.

How To Install Metal Roofing?

Installing metal roofing panels can be a complex process. It requires not only expertise but also a lot of heavy equipment and machinery. Moreover, it requires getting on top of the roof for many hours. This requires training and should only be done by a professional roofing company or licensed contractor.

Roofing In Mt. Juliet

Looking for an experienced roofing company? We’re the team for you! Here at Austermiller Roofing, we offer not only high-quality roofing work but a helpful team of roofing specialists that are happy to answer your questions. Our staff is not afraid to go the extra mile. We’ll even come to your home to assess the repair area and generate a free quote. If need be, our staff can even come to meet with your insurance adjuster when you file a claim.

Austermiller roofing offers a variety of services for both residential and commercial roofs. We offer roof repairs and replacements, flashing installations, leak detection, and much more.

Have a question about your new roof? Don’t hesitate to call and ask. Our office can be reached at (615) 553-2041 or via our online contact form.