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Roll roofs don’t last as long as traditional roofs, like those made of asphalt shingles. A roll roof typically lasts between five and 15 years, whereas a shingled roof will last between 20 and 50  years. Modified bitumen roofs are similar in look to rolled roofing but have a 12 to 15 year warranty.

You may become so frustrated with the look of moss on your roof that you contemplate whether to clean or replace your roof. Fortunately, you don’t have to go as far as replacing it. After cleaning the moss, you can use a chemical solution to keep it away. For further protection, trim branches that overhang the roof, as fallen seed pods and leaves on the roof allow moisture to collect, encouraging moss growth. Consider adding zinc-coated flashing to the roof, too. As rain washes across the zinc, it leaves zinc particles behind that inhibit moss growth.

Yes, thatched roofs are legal in most areas in the U.S., but you should always check your local building codes to ensure there are no restrictions in your particular area before installing one. Even where they are legal, you’ll usually need to apply fireproofing to the roof to keep it up to code. Keep in mind that a new roof might not increase home value as much if you choose a thatched roof, as they aren’t common in the U.S. and might not be as desirable to many home buyers.

You shouldn’t put a new roof underlayment over an old one for a few reasons. Old felt must be removed in order to assess the condition of your roof decking, such as rotting wood or other structural issues. Also, if your roofer doesn't install a fresh layer of felt as is required by shingle manufacturers, your warranty may be voided. Finally, old underlayment removal is often included in the cost of roof repair or replacement, so there's no real benefit to leaving it on before installing a new layer.