Ask the Expert: The Roof Over Your Head

It’s Labor Day, and even if you’re dreaming of one more beach day, it’s also the perfect time to think about the onset of autumn and the home-improvement questions you have about taking your house into the next season, and beyond. And the experts at Line Home Improvement in Southampton help make clear, there’s really no better place to start than at the top.

Our Reader Asks: What is the best type of roof for my house?

Our Line Home Improvement Expert Says: It really depends on where your house is located and the different variables that surround your house in terms of winds and weather resistance. The most popular shingle for about 20 years and the one we recommend the most has been the architectural 30 year shingle, because it is geographically compatible with Long Island in every way: they reflect sunlight to help reduce attic heat buildup, save energy and may even qualify you for a tax credit. [expand]

The shingles meet Class F wind rating—the highest rating possible—so they are resistant of wind up to 110 miles per hour. The shingles are also Class A rating for fires, which is also the highest rating possible. Best of all, the shingles are now High Definition, which means they have shadow bands that give the shingle depth and dimension, giving your home a beautiful and elegant look. The new architectural shingles also have color lock, which means the color will stay vibrant longer and weigh less, causing fewer problems with your house’s structure as it gets older. All in all, 30 year architectural shingle will give you the best bang for your buck.

Is your roof flat? We recommend an EPDM Flat roof system. The Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer or EPDM is a high performance synthetic rubber membrane developed in the USA over 30 years ago and designed to withstand extreme climates. It offers outstanding durability and suits all types of flat or gently sloping roofs. Originally designed for the commercial market, EPDM is now proving to be the more popular option for domestic projects when customers are considering the replacement of their flat roof. It is the safest flat roof available because the installation no longer requires the use of the dangerous bitumen burning pots with flames and fire.

Also, for those seeking eco-friendly roofing the EPDM rubber roofing system substantially reduces the carbon footprint of residential or commercial buildings in several ways. The lifespan of a rubber roof is up to 5 times longer than a felt roof. It lasts as much as 3 times longer than an asphalt roof. The installation of an EPDM roofing system is significantly more eco-friendly today. Add to those benefits the fact that the EPDM rubber roofing provides outstanding thermal properties and is the most reliable sealant against water penetration, and you’re left with a fantastic choice in roofing systems with an eye on limiting the environmental impact.

Have your own questions about roofing or other home-improvement issues? You can contact Line Home Improvement Roofing & Siding Specialists at 631-287-5042. You may even see your question answered right here at Ask the Expert.