Roofing Extras: What Extras Should You Know About!

Are you looking for information on roofing extras for your home’s roof?

There are many aspects of your home’s exterior that make your house suitable for you to live in, exterior siding, downspout and gutters, and so forth, but not quite put the roof over your head much like the roof itself! Sometimes we forget it’s even up there, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say it is critically important. 

While in the spring cleaning phase, you may or may not have brushed up on your knowledge of your roof, and in most cases, you didn’t, but what if I told you there were roofing extras or extras you can have installed, fixed up, or replaced to be able to fortify the health of your roof down the road? 

You’d probably pay attention more since it can be a pretty expensive part of your home to fix if you ignore it and do the opposite. However, for those looking to become more cognizant of the amenities that improve your roof’s condition or looking to become well-versed in your home’s upkeep, you came to the right place! 

Today, we will be discussing 5 roofing extras you may or may not have heard of that can truly save a life and money, time, and peace of mind that’s for sure. Alrighty, let’s go! 

 Roofing Extras to Know & Keep in Mind!

When you are considering a new roof, you might want to also know all the other “Roofing Extras” that are factored into buying your house. Factors such as roof decking, solar panels, replacing gutters, and so on.

While some are required – like flashing and ridge vents – others can be an add-on such as skylights.

1. Roof Decking (Plywood Replacement) 

The foundation of most roofs is made up of plywood in one form or the other, and as time progresses, that plywood on your roof experiences wear and tear and needs to be replaced. This is due often from the elements as moisture tends to seep in and weaken the plywood. 

If this is the case, keep in mind that a roof installation can not be fulfilled since it’s a critical architectural element in establishing the sturdiness and health of your roof. In most cases, you won’t need to replace your decking, but in the event, that there is a board or two that needs to be replaced – the team here at Legacy Roofing will let you know!

2. Attic Fans

An attic fan is a ventilator that regulates heat in the attic and is not often talked about when it comes to roofs, but it for sure is an important one! Houses that are typically aged beyond the timeframe of 25+ typically recommend a close examination of attic fans so it is in proper functioning. 

Roof installments and attic fan replacements typically occur at the same time in that case, but overall, a replacement of an Attic fan is generally rare. Some people might want to have them replaced anyway if their home is older. In that case, custom pricing can be added to the costs of your new roof!

3. Fascia Boards

Fascia boards are located at the intersection point between the drip edge and an adjacent edge of your home’s roof which is typically fortified by wood or from time to time PVC material. Your gutters are mounted on them, so their health is critical to that part of your home’s exterior.

Wooden fascia boards at some point have an expiration date and require replacement, and are fairly easy to make the right judgment call when replacement is due. 

Improper upkeep of your gutters can lead to water leakages that can be very costly to the health of your fascia boards. to the foundation of your home’s exterior as it can spur the growth and spread of mold. 

4. Skylights

This one is very interesting as it is gaining more popularity as home designs become more modern. A skylight essentially is a green-focused window attachment to your roof which thus brings in natural light, saves energy, and amazingly helps increase your property value. 

Keep in mind there is a high level of expertise required to install a skylight on your roof, which therefore means it will be a more expensive add-on than others. 

What should you know about skylights:

Skylights are generally viewed as an add-on that isn’t required. However, if you are replacing your roof, the perfect time to add some sunlight to your home is during a roof replacement. The knock-on skylights are that they might leak 😫.

5. Flashing

Anywhere your roof meets a vertical surface such as a wall, chimney, or vent, this requires flashing. Flashing is typically priced per linear foot and a common example of flashing is where a townhome’s roof meets another townhome.

Flashing is priced out when you’re getting a new roof and is vital to the health of your roof. The thin material is used to seal your roof where it meets the vertical structure and is key to preventing roof leaks! Some people want to have their flashing replaced when they have a leak OR in the case of a new roof – it is a must!

When do you need flashing? If you have a townhouse, you will typically need flashing. Additionally, if your home’s roof is touching something else – like a chimney for example – you need flashing!

Drip Edge

Without drip edge, water may end up under your roof and shingles, which isn’t good.

In the past drip edges were not always standard, however, now they’re required in almost any new build or remodel of a roof. The drip edge is priced per square foot and is around the edge of the shingles. There are a variety of drip edges you can install but most roofing contractors factor that into their price.

Ridge Vents

The ridge of your roof (where your roof forms a peak) has to be shingled when you’re replacing your roof. This area is where your roof allows for ventilation.

A ridge vent requires more craftsmanship and also more shingles, therefore it is priced accordingly. Remember, roof pricing works as follows:

1. Total square footage of roof (100 square feet = one square). Roof tear-off and pricing and replacement is based on how many squares are required
2. Drip edge linear feet
3. Ridge vent linear feet

So while your roof’s ridge vent is not something you can opt-out of, rest assured the price is included in the new roof price you get!

Related Article: See the Parts of a Roof

Wind Resistance Preparation

Wait, you can prepare for wind resistance? Yes and no.

If you are getting a new roof, you can install asphalt shingles that have higher wind resistance grades and also better roofing warranties. As far as wind resistance goes, heavier and thicker shingles can withstand greater wind compared to older three-tab shingles. Most architectural shingles can withstand 100 MPH winds or more depending on the brand.

That is how you prepare ahead of time. If you don’t have the luxury of installing a new roof and you have an older roof, the other option is regular roof inspections to mitigate wind damage. If you have your roof checked each spring, you will see wind damage (if any) quickly, and can address it quicker!

Solar Panels

An extra you could be considering is solar panels for your roof. Solar panels are designed to give your home energy and even put power back into the grid. Supplying your house with electricity is an excellent idea; however, keep in mind solar panels are costly.

Factors and questions to consider when getting solar panels to include:

1. The age of your current roof (you don’t want to put new panels on an old roof)
2. How much sun does your home get (are the solar panels going to generate enough energy?)
3. Do you have the budget to afford solar panels?

Pipe Collars

Pipe collars are the collars around pipes and vents that stick out of your roof. They are designed to prevent leaks from entering your roof and they’re installed in lieu of flashing. The way it works is pretty simple:

If your pipe collar is cracked or not functional, it needs to be replaced. When you are getting a new roof you will want to replace all of your pipe collars with an updated model.

Bonus: Seamless Gutters

Gutters play an integral role in the drainage of water that can build up with the elements that can negatively impact the condition of your roof.

Many homes have seamless gutters, but if you have sectional gutters—although they are relatively easy to install—their quality is not the best, and you’ll find you need a replacement. Your best bet is to get seamless gutters, and sometimes, this makes sense with your brand-new roof!

Seamless gutters are often made up of the same material that regular channels are made up of such as steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, and so on. However, they are not broken up into sections like the traditional ones. Instead, they are merely joined and sealed together by miter joints at vertices around the roof. 

This lack of seam in how they are designed makes it more apt to reduce the possibility of leakage than traditional gutters, which is why they have been gaining more popularity these days. While this is undoubtedly NOT required for a new roof – new gutters are worth considering, depending on their age!

Addressing Roof Leaks:

When assessing the health of your home’s roof, you have to consider the daunted roof leak. While you won’t usually have to deal with a roof leak, on occasion you might.

Addressing roof leaks starts with recognizing where leaks come from and then coming up with a solution. The best way to handle a roof leak is to call a roofing company to look at your roof if you suspect a leak. You can fix the leak with a roof repair 🔨, or replace the entire roof!

Making Roof Extras Cost-Effective:

You might find yourself asking this essential question: Will the roofing extras make my roof more expensive?

The easiest way for us to answer this question is to break things into two groups:

1. what is required for roofing extras
2. what is an option

The Verdict! 

Understanding the significance of roof extras can be a determinant of the health of your roof overall as there are many pieces to consider in regards to maintaining proper upkeep. 

While the roof may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when it comes to managing the exterior of your home, you’ll find that it plays a role in some way or the other in the proper functioning of your house. Be vigilant about being informed about your roof and when in doubt, don’t be afraid to contact a professional to help assess your situation. 

Getting more eyes and opinions from a licensed professional will save you the time, money, and peace of mind than risking it all by not.

Be smart. Be educated. Be proactive about roof extras that you could add, but also that could cause the price of your roof to increase!

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