The best material to sheath a roof will depend on your budget and if you require the strength of more robust materials. For most homes, the added strength is unnecessary, and oriented strand board, or OSB, makes sense. It’s inexpensive and robust enough for most roof types. Another popular but slightly more expensive option is plywood.

You cannot replace granules that have been lost off shingles. The granule embedding process is part of shingle manufacturing, and once the bond holding the granules to the shingles has been lost, the granules are gone for good. Shingles with granule loss must be fully replaced to continue offering adequate protection.

The ideal color for your roof depends entirely on your preference. If you’re looking for something classic, gray, brown, and black will rarely steer you wrong. A roof with a pop of color like green or red can be sophisticated and elegant when paired with the right colored siding. Decide what vibe you’re looking for and choose a color palette that suits you.

The proper specifications for furring strips can vary, so you should always consult the roofing manufacturer's guidelines or your roofer. However, general recommendations are as follows:

• Thickness: Furring strips are typically 1 to 1-1/2 inches thick, meaning standard 1-by or 2-by lumber works well. In areas with extreme winds, a thinner strip may be preferred to limit how much air can get under the roof and cause uplift. A thicker strip can add slightly more insulation but will also increase installation costs.

• Spacing: The recommended spacing for furring strips is between 12 and 24 inches apart on center. Proper spacing is crucial for ensuring good airflow, adequate drainage, noise reduction, and better energy efficiency. The ideal spacing can depend on the roof's pitch and the specific type of metal roofing being installed.