Get matched with top roofers in Henderson, KY

You can damage your shingles if you use the wrong type of paint on them. You should always use acrylic latex paint specifically formulated for shingles. Other types of paint may trap moisture, which can cause bigger problems like rot and mildew. Considering that roof replacement costs $9,100 on average, it’s definitely best to avoid making this mistake.

Besides using the right paint, remember that painting your shingles will require increased maintenance.

There should be small gaps between your roof and the walls of your home, and other buildings. These small gaps let building materials shift, expand, and contract with weather and other outside forces, and they prevent moisture from wicking down walls from roofing and gutter systems. Without these strategic gaps, your home’s exterior and its finishes can sustain water damage, decay, peel, delaminate, and crack. However, there is a fine line between a smart gap and a problematic gap—all  gaps should be small, intentional, and covered or filled in with foam insulation to prevent pests from using them as access points.

The minimum recommended slope for a porch roof is 1/4:12, which means 1/4-inch of rise every 12 inches of run. Slopes of 3:12 and 4:12 are more common and provide faster drainage for runoff. Make sure to choose a pitch that’s appropriate both for the climate in your area and the type of roof material you install. Hire a roofer if you need help determining what the right roof pitch is.

Thatched roofs last for between 30 and 50 years in most cases, which is longer than most asphalt roofs. However, getting that life span from your thatched roof requires more maintenance than you’d need for most other materials, including fireproofing, brushing, cleaning, and rethatching as the material gets worn down. You’ll also need routine inspections to ensure you’re not at risk of leaks.