Innovative Roofing Upgrades to Consider During Your Replacement

During the roof replacement process, many homeowners take the opportunity to upgrade materials to enhance the durability, energy efficiency, and value of their new roof. Experienced insurance restoration contractors may offer material upgrades as part of their replacement process, in some cases for no extra charge. These upgrades can reduce long-term maintenance costs and the likelihood of future insurance claims.

Homeowners planning a roof replacement should consider these innovative roofing upgrades to improve the longevity and functionality of their new roofs. These key enhancements will not only make the home safer but also increase the value of future insurance claims by upgrading aging or discontinued materials for little to no extra cost.

High-Performance Underlayment

Underlayment is placed between the shingles and the deck, where it provides necessary protection from wind, snow, and rain. As underlayment ages, it can allow moisture to rot the decking beneath. Traditional underlayment is made of asphalt-saturated or rubberized felt, but modern synthetic materials are more effective at protecting the structure from the elements and preventing the need for a roof replacement. 

Upgrading to synthetic underlayment provides these key benefits:

• Improved water resistance, reducing the risk of leaks, wood rot, and sagging
• Increased durability, leading to more resistance and longer-lasting protection from wear and tear
• Easier installation, since it lays flatter than traditional materials, allowing for faster installation and better roof integrity

Especially in areas prone to rain, wind, and snow damage, synthetic underlayment is a more effective safeguard against moisture-related damage.

Improved Shingles

Cracked, curled, damaged, or missing shingles can usually be repaired or replaced. However, if shingles become damaged and cracked faster than expected, homeowners should consider improving the materials they use. Shingles are the primary barrier protecting a building from environmental elements such as wind, precipitation, and sunlight. An upgrade to more resistant materials can provide better durability, longevity, and energy efficiency year-round.

Consider these shingle types when assessing your home’s roof:

• Traditional asphalt shingles are less expensive in the short-term, but they retain heat and damage more easily than other materials. 
• Lightweight metal shingles reflect sunlight, which can lower energy bills in the summer months by making temperature regulation easier.
• Slate, composite, and impact-resistant shingles can reduce the likelihood of storm-related repairs by standing up to hail, wind, and debris better than conventional shingles.

In some areas, shingle material upgrades may even be eligible for insurance discounts. Contractors may offer material upgrades at little to no cost to improve their client’s roof protection and help them make successful insurance claims.

Enhanced Gutter Systems

Efficient gutters are significant upgrades since they redirect water away from the roof, preventing foundational damage, leaks, and material erosion. Homeowners replacing their roofs should take the opportunity to upgrade their gutter systems for better water management.

Key enhancements could include:

• Seamless gutters custom-fitted to the design of the home with fewer joints, reducing blockages
• Improved downspouts with better drainage efficiency
• New gutter guards to prevent debris buildup and minimize maintenance

In areas with heavy rainfall, a gutter upgrade can extend the longevity of the new roof and reduce the need for further repairs.

Better Ventilation

Proper ventilation helps maintain the health of the new roof and protect the home from common causes of wear and tear. Without adequate airflow, moisture and heat can build up in the upper levels of the house, leading to deterioration, mold, and higher energy bills.

A ventilation upgrade such as new ridge vents can help funnel hot air out of the upper portion of the house, preventing the structure from overheating. Better ventilation prolongs the lifespan of the roof while reducing strain on the HVAC system.

Custom Skylights

Skylights provide a modern way to improve energy efficiency and comfort, and a roof replacement is the perfect opportunity to consider adding them. They are aesthetically appealing, which can raise the value of the home, as well as functional, since natural lighting reduces the home’s reliance on artificial lights, lowering energy costs.

Skylights can also improve ventilation while paving the way for solar energy installations down the line. Adding natural lighting and solar elements to the new roof can help homeowners future-proof their energy bills and home value while improving sustainability.

Partner with the Roof Replacement Experts

Roof replacements are investments in the longevity and value of the home, and by incorporating innovative roofing upgrades, homeowners can maximize its benefits. High-performance underlayment, improved shingles, better ventilation and gutters, and natural light sources are just some of the upgrades that can improve the durability, functionality, and energy efficiency of the home.

When planning your roof replacement, an experienced insurance restoration contractor can clarify your options and provide upgrades at little to no extra cost. Contact our team at Expert Exteriors today to learn how you can save money on your energy bills, lower your insurance premiums, and improve your home with a roof replacement that includes no-cost upgrades.