If you own a house, then you know firsthand how important keeping up with roof maintenance is. If your roof can’t keep out the weather, you may as well be sleeping on your lawn. So when the time comes to replace roofing (or install the first one on a new home), you really want to do it right. Even a minimal mistake can cost you dearly in the long run. Here are a few of the most important things to keep in mind while roofing:

Planning

As with all home renovations, the majority of disasters occur as a result of poor planning. There are a lot of steps to roofing and a mistake early on can hinder the rest of the process. It’s important to scope out your entire project before you so much as lay down your tarp.

Materials

Be sure you analyze your roof sufficiently and purchase the right building materials to start with. Many people don’t realize that different kinds of roof shingles require certain slopes. For example, asphalt shingles need a minimum slope of four units per rise of twelve.

Weather

Just because it’s warm and sunny when you install your new roof doesn’t mean it will always stay that way. Roofing is not invincible and can be damaged by temperature. Be sure to plan for all extreme weather conditions your home is likely to be exposed to. Ice dams are just one of many huge problems in colder climates. Before you put your actual roof down, be sure to place a proper underlayer to help keep the roof properly insulated.

Water

It seems obvious, but many people don’t fully consider the damage frequent water exposure can do to a roof that is improperly sealed. Here planning is your best friend again. You’ll want to make sure you’re equipped with the proper sealant for your roofing adventures. RTV Silicone Sealant is lauded for its water resistant qualities and can give roofs decades of protection. Leaving your roof without caulk for any period of time can lead to severe damage, undoing all your hard work.

Roofing is a precise process, but with smart planning you can do it yourself. High-quality silicone materials can be purchased from Silicone Depot. So if there’s a roof in your life that needs redone, start laying down your plans now so you’ll be snug and secure from the snow and sleet this winter.