What every new homeowner should know about their roof

If you're a new homeowner, you'll need to protect your investment by knowing about your roof to keep your property in excellent condition. Here are some tips to prevent and repair any damage.

Whether you've recently purchased a new property or are planning on building your dream home, your roof serves an essential purpose by keeping water, snow and ice away from your home's structural elements. In the residential industry, a wide variety of materials are used by roofers. Depending on the size and slope of your home, you may have asphalt shingles, cement tiles or cedar shakes. Each material offers a host of benefits, and the lifespan and cost of a particular product varies.

If you're re-roofing your current home or considering your options for your new home, choosing the right material is important. When you're looking for a cost-effective product that lasts for two or more decades, asphalt shingles may be the best option. Asphalt shingles are one of the most commonly used materials, and you can easily spot when the shingles are nearing the end of their life because they will turn brittle and begin cracking and peeling. Installing a product designed to last a lifetime, like cement tiles, may be more costly up front but could be cost-effective over a longer period of time.

Along with your foundation, your roof can be one of the largest expenses of home maintenance. Addressing issues while they're still minor could reduce the need for large repairs. If you've noticed missing roofing materials or spotted stained drywall from the interior, you may want to have a roofing professional inspect your property for hidden leaks.

Over the course of the aging process, your home may shift and settle, which could lead to problems where roof and wall lines intersect. Your roof relies on flashing to prevent water and snow from running down a wall, chimney or plumbing pipe. Depending on the size and design of your particular roof, your home's flashing may be made from copper, aluminum, lead or steel. If you've noticed discoloured drywall around a skylight or other areas, the problem could be as simple as replacing and resealing your home's flashing.

When you're a new homeowner, knowing what's on your roof and how to identify problems could ensure that you're equipped to keep your property in excellent condition.