Getting a new roof in Albany doesn’t happen frequently. Whether you’re re-roofing or building a new home with a new roof, it is important to know and understand a thing or two about roofs. Here are some basic facts of not only what they do, but how you can maintain a quality roof that covers you and your families home.

Roofs are the foundation to your home.

How does a house stay warm during those bitter cold Albany winters of ours? One may guess the furnace. But, how does an Albany house stay cool during the record breaking heat and humidity in the summer months? You’re probably thinking air conditioning. The truth is, the roofing of a house is the front line when it comes to outside temperatures reaching the inside of your home. A good roof should release, not absorb, cool temperature and the suns rays.

Darker color roof shingles typically don’t last as long as lighter shingles.

Roof deterioration unfortunately does happen and is caused by many factors. Some of these include UV rays from the sun, large changes with outdoor temperatures, and even high rain and wind exposure. Although many people try to match the color of their shingles to the color of their homes, this piece of information is important to know before building a new roof or replacing an old one.

Routinely check your roof and schedule bi-annual cleaning for your gutters.

Over a long period of time, moisture and deterioration can lead to problems with shingles, flashing and leaders and gutters. It can be hard to detect a these, a current or even future problem with your roof. By scheduling both a check and gutter cleaning, or by doing so yourself, this can potentially save you from problems that could arise and become costly in the future.

Allow for proper roof ventilation.

Ever wonder how a roof sustains durability? Ventilation is the key. Without ventilation, heat and moisture will build up in an attic, combining to cause rafters and sheathing to rot, shingles to buckle, and insulation to decrease.

To prevent this from happening, avoid blocking off sources of roof ventilation, such as louvers, ridge vents or soffit vents. Additionally, attic ventilation will help prevent structural damage caused by moisture. In return, this will increase roofing material lifespan, reduce energy consumption and enhance the comfort of other rooms in your home.