Congratulations! After years of saving and planning, you’ve finally purchased your first home. As a homeowner, you now carry the great responsibility of protecting your investment in this property. In your first few years of homeownership, you’ll likely learn a lot about how homes work – from the HVAC system to the plumbing to the roof over your head. Today we’re exploring what new homeowners should know about roofs so that you understand the basics of roof maintenance and the importance of hiring a professional roofer for repairs.

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As a homeowner, choosing the right roofing material is a high-stakes decision. After all, quality roofs aren’t cheap, and your roof affects the integrity of your entire house. But how do you know whether to go with wood or simulated shake shingles? Or how about traditional asphalt or laminate? Before selecting your shingles of choice, research your options and decide the look you want to achieve. If you want a classic, affordable, and understated roof, go with asphalt or laminate. Just be sure to take the pros and cons of laminate shingles into consideration.

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There’s something timeless about a roof with wood shingles. From European-style cottages to historic colonial homes, different types of wood shingles can give your roof depth and dynamic texture. When it comes to choosing the right type of wood shingle for your home, be sure to keep durability and style in mind. This is a big investment, after all, and your choice will live on for decades to come.

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Along with algae, mold, and moss, you can add curled shingles to the list of unsightly roof problems. Curled shingles aren’t just eyesores; they are also detrimental to the integrity of your entire roof. The curled edges expose the vulnerable layers of your roofing system, leaving it susceptible to ice and even harsh sunrays. But why do asphalt shingles curl? Learn what causes the damage so you can get to the root of the problem and prevent future issues.

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A self-adhered roofing system is one of the most cost-effective, environmentally friendly roofing options on the market today. If you’re looking for a mess-free roofing system that performs well in cold weather, this might be the system for you. However, like any major home investment, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of self-adhered roofing.

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From three-tab asphalt shingles to flashy copper roofs, there are a staggering number of roofing materials available. Depending on your desired roof aesthetic, you can choose from dozens of colors, styles, and materials. If you’re a first-time homeowner, you’ll likely want to start with either asphalt or fiberglass shingles, which are two of the most common shingle types. Deciding between asphalt vs. fiberglass shingles requires weighing the pros and cons of each material, including durability, longevity, and affordability.

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A slate roof is a hallmark of a historical house. Its gorgeous gray color and thick, rugged edges give even new houses a timeless European feel. But let’s not forget the major downside of slate roofs: They are pretty pricey. Luckily, you can get the same classic look of slate shingles for a fraction of the cost thanks to composite slate shingles. Let’s take a look at how composite slate shingles compare to slate. We’ll give you a hint: Composite shingles have the same great look and quality of slate, but they won’t destroy your renovation budget.

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If you live in a house with a roof, you can benefit from learning common roofing terminology. After all, regardless of whether you rent or own your home, there is a good chance you’ll have to deal with a roof repair at some point in your life. Being able to communicate well with your roof repair company can save a lot of time and confusion when your roof requires an inspection, needs a cleaning, or begins to leak.

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Metal roofing is widely known as a durable, stylish, and low-maintenance roofing option, and the benefits of metal roofing make it a great choice for both residential and commercial roof designs. So if you haven’t explored metal roofing, we encourage you to check out the different types of metal roofs available. You can typically choose from copper, zinc, aluminum, and steel, which each have unique pros and cons.

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If you’re looking to repair your roof, you may come into contact with roofers who advertise “waived” insurance deductibles. These contractors claim that they’re able to skirt insurance deductibles during repairs, saving the homeowners money. Some may even offer to “absorb” the deductible into their repairs, steeply discounting their services or even paying the homeowners for their business. While tempting, this practice is problematic – and not strictly legal. It’s a tricky scenario, and a tough one to navigate if you’re unfamiliar with insurance logistics. If you have questions about how roofing repairs impact your insurance deductible, read on to find out more.

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