I am replacing my original, 30yr, fiberglass/asphalt roof shingles (builder grade). My house is two story with semi-detached garage. This is my first roof replacement. Are there any worthwhile energy-saving solutions that I should consider? Is lighter shingle color better and how about the roofer’s felt?
John
Tom: A roof is not supposed to be energy efficient. Now, you do want to put your ridge vents in and have adequate ventilation, which is part of the roof system, but besides that, I wouldn’t go too light on the shingles, because it’s going to get dirty and look horrible over time, so get a good medium colored shingle, if you can, whether it’s a brown or more of a gray. They have different types of shades, unless you’re doing something exotic like the greens and the blues like they do in Galveston, which I find that’s whimsical and fun.
Your roof is supposed to be a real good, high quality product that will hold back the weather, so forget the energy efficiency, forget all this other stuff. You want a good roof, detailed well, good flashing and so it will last thirty years easily with today’s products, and it will hold back all the elements.
Charlie: It’s also worth considering maybe, Tom, your thoughts on this; if you’re going to be doing your roof, it’s a good time to look at your fascia, soffit and that stuff because it’s part of the roof system.
Tom: Detailing the roof edge is very important for the look of the house to keep the fascia boards and everything dry and clean, so talk to your roofer about different types of edge flashing. The DL style is what I would tell you, and the 1 X 2 that goes along it. Then when it’s all done, maybe call Rudy for a paint job on the house and man, you’ve got a nice product.
Charlie: We’ll go one step further. I mean, if this is a good time to consider maybe upgrading to a hardy soffit fascia kind of thing at that time, because you’re doing the whole thing … As you’re doing it at the same time, it’s …
Tom: That’s true. If you have to, but I tell you what, if you don’t have to, don’t. If your fascia’s in good shape, I mean we don’t know, but if you have problems with your fascia board, and you’re going to put on a new roof, it’s fascia board change time at the same time.
Charlie: That’s absolutely right, don’t put it off.
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