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More people today have an interest in sustainable living than before. With advances in building technology, sustainable living has become a more practical and affordable concept. As a homeowner, you have multiple ways to upgrade your home and make it more sustainable. An upgrade to your roof is one such idea, though it’s often overlooked in green home improvements.

A sustainable roof is more durable, energy-efficient and safer and requires minimal maintenance. Sustainable roof systems use renewable materials such as wood shingles and shakes, slate, tile, and synthetic materials.

For many years, wood was the primary type of roofing used on homes. The material was accessible, affordable, and effective at a time when commercial products were not readily available. While the average homeowner these days has a lot of roofing choices, wooden roofing still serves as an attractive and preferable option for many.

Whether you plan to build a new home and need to consider roofing options or are looking for a suitable roof replacement, wood roofing may be worth your consideration. But first, take a look at a few common questions about wood roofing.

If you live in the northern regions of the US, you’re probably used to ice and snow and all of the issues they can cause. Whether you’re a homeowner, a landlord, or someone otherwise responsible for a building, you’ll need to make sure you keep up to date with repairs and handle problems as soon as they arise — especially if those issues have to do with the roof.

Today, take a look at what potential roof problems you’ll have in the winter, when to handle them yourself, and when to call in an expert roofer to take care of things for you.

When money is tight and you have time on your hands, you may think you’ll be better off fixing problems around the house on your own rather than paying for a professional to come in and do the job for you. While some fixes can be simple enough that even an amateur would have no issues, you’ll want to call in a pro for most roofing repairs and replacements for a few simple reasons.

1. Expertise

No matter how much of a repairperson you may be, the roof of your home is likely not where you spend most of your time. Different dangers and risks come with working on the roof, and if you’re not used to the slope or height of your house, you may experience some trouble with the repairs you need to do.

Also Serving Barrington, Crystal Lake, IL, and all of Northern Illinois

Are you looking for a reliable roof repair contractor in Northern Illinois? For over 40 years, Jerry Newman Roofing & Remodeling Inc has been serving the residents of Barrington, IL; Marengo, IL; and the surrounding areas to provide for their roofing needs. We are reliable, efficient, and professional. We use our experience and expertise to provide you with roofing solutions that meet your specific needs.

When it comes to protecting your home from the elements, your roof is the first line of defense. Taking steps to keep your roof in good shape now can save you hundreds in repair costs in the future and will also help your home keep its curb appeal. Here are four tips that can extend the life of your roof.

1. Remove Leaves and Other Debris

If you live in a forested area, you’re likely familiar with the sight of leaves falling and piling up on top of your roof. However, you may not be aware that leaves and other debris can cause damage if they are left on your roof for too long. Inspecting your roof occasionally and cleaning off any accumulated debris is the first step to make it last longer.

Asphalt shingles are one of the most commonly used roofing materials in modern home construction, and for good reason. These versatile roof shingles are durable, inexpensive, easy to maintain, and an ideal roofing material choice for both new home builders and homeowners seeking to replace their existing roofing.

However, not all asphalt shingles are created equal, so make sure that you choose the right shingle material for putting a roof over your own head. Consequently, many homeowners who opt for asphalt shingles choose architectural asphalt shingles.

The U.S. is home to several types of termites with varying ranges and habits, so chances are your area has termites just waiting to invade your house. Other than keeping chemical termite treatments up to date, what can you do to avoid them?

Some common sense rules apply, such as not keeping any untreated wood near your house (you should keep brush piles and firewood at least 20 feet away). But you should also focus on keeping your house well-maintained, since neglect and damage can often make the situation more desirable to termites.

Discover three roof problems that can encourage termites and damage your roof’s integrity that you should avoid.

If you need a new roof and have grown tired of the appearance of asphalt shingles or just want to learn about more roof types that work well for Illinois homeowners, then you should learn all about cedar shake roofs. These roofs have an attractive, rustic appearance; provide great home insulation; and have an average life expectancy of 30 years or longer. 

Read on to learn more about cedar shake roofs to determine if this roof type is right for you and your home. 

Wood Shake Roof Facts

Wood shakes are thick, hand-split wood panels that are typically cut from premium-grade wood. Wood shakes are similar in size and shape, yet not all the exact same size or shape. These slight variances in shape and size are desirable and what provide a shake roof its unique appearance. In addition, wood shakes protrude from the roof surface slightly instead of lying completely flat to provide a multi-dimensional roof appearance. 

There are three main types of wood shakes: tapersawn, medium-split and resawn, and heavy-split and resawn shakes. While tapersawn shakes have relatively smooth surface, medium-split and resawn shakes have textured surfaces, while heavy-split and resawn shakes are heavily textured and heavier in weight than other wood shake types. 

The right wood shake type for you depends on your personal roof appearance preference, the weight load your roof frame can support, and your budget.

When you’re researching the best installation, design, and materials for your new roof, you can’t stop at surface level knowledge. In fact, many roofing contractors, even experts, can disagree about which roofing techniques are likely to be the best and most cost-effective, and you may need to dig deeper to discover what’s best for your roof.

Here are a few controversies you may discover as you research your next roofing project.

1. Drip Edge Flashing Installation

Drip edge flashing, although inexperienced roofers may not install it at all, can cause disagreements between and even confusion among experienced roofers. Should the drip edge be installed over the ice and water shield (also known as ice-barrier membrane), or beneath it?