Your roof makes up about 40% of your home’s exterior and is one of the most visible features, so it’s important to take care of it. A sagging, leaking or stained roof sends the message that you don’t care about your home and may turn off potential buyers. Plus, it can lead to serious damage and costly repairs. A new, energy-efficient roof can also increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to prospective buyers.

Roofs perform two major functions: insulation and drainage. The insulation keeps cold or hot outdoor air from escaping your home, saving you money on heating and cooling costs. The drainage system keeps water and snow from building up on your roof and causing structural problems or leaks. The type of material you choose is critical: It needs to be durable and appropriate for the climate in your area, and it should suit the style of your house.

The most common roofing material is course asphalt shingles, but there are many other choices as well. You can also get slate shingles, metal or tile. It’s a good idea to check with your municipality and homeowners’ insurance company before settling on a material. Some materials aren’t permitted in fire-prone areas, and your chosen material will need to meet the local building codes and adhere to the regulations for your region.

Another key factor in choosing aceroofingandbuilding.co.uk/roofers-ilford a roof is the pitch, or slope of the roof. The more steep the pitch, the better a roof will drain rain or snow. For example, the longhouses of Papua New Guinea feature roofs with very steep pitches. The flat roofs of Middle Eastern homes, on the other hand, have a very slight slope.

When it comes to pitched roofs, the most common shape is a gable, but there are countless variations on this theme. For instance, you can have a gambrel or mansard roof, and you can even have a curved roof. In any case, a roof with a ridge will have an upside-down V shape at the top.

Other components of a roof include gutters, vents and the supports (purlins) that hold up the roof. Guttering is a must for all pitched roofs, and it’s a good idea to add them to flat roofs as well.

A well-designed roof can help you conserve energy, prevent water damage, and keep pests out of your house. A sagging, leaking or damaged roof can cause structural problems and increase your energy bills, so it’s crucial to have any issues taken care of as soon as possible. An experienced roofer can help you find the right roofing materials for your home. He or she can explain the different types of roofs and help you decide what’s best for your unique situation. He or she can also help you with other aspects of your home, such as siding and trim.