A new roof does more than just protect your home and keep weather out—it can save you money over the long term while improving the overall appearance. But how do you know when it’s the right time for a new roof, and what’s the best way to move forward? We’ve assembled some handy tips here to help you make the best decision for your home and your family.

When is it time to replace my roof?

If your roof is approaching the end of its life cycle—which is usually 20 to 25 years for asphalt shingles—it’s time to think about a new roof. But age isn’t the only factor. For example, you may want to think about replacing your roof with a synthetic option if you want to maintain the value of your home. Another reason to consider a roof replacement is if the area where you live has seen an increase in severe weather, like hail or tornadoes that require the strength of synthetic tiles to stand up to Mother Nature.

Choosing a color for your roof.

You’re going to live with your roof for a long time, so make sure the color you choose blends beautifully with the structural and aesthetic details of your home. For example, dark colors make things appear smaller and can be overpowering on single-story homes. They are often chosen for Colonial and similar styles. Lighter colors make homes appear larger, making those a great option for single-story homes. However, on a multi-level home, light colors can make the house look off-balance. Brava offers the widest range of colors available for synthetic cedar shake, slate, and Spanish barrel tiles, and they can even be customized to match the color palette of your home’s design. Plus, our experts are here to help you choose, if you aren’t working with an architect or designer.

Did you know you can save energy with the right roofing?

Brava synthetic roofing reflects sunlight and UV rays instead of absorbing them, so your home stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. By being energy efficient, you’ll cut down on energy costs all year round.

You can also save on insurance.

Insurance companies consider several factors when determining a home insurance policy, such as age, condition, and material. For example, traditional cedar shake roofs aren’t fire resistant and could pose a larger risk, resulting in a higher rate. Asphalt roofing tiles can be easily torn off a roof when hit by heavy winds. Synthetic roofing is far more durable than both of these materials and can help you get a lower insurance rate.

What’s the best way to find the right roofing contractor?

Getting recommendations from friends or people in your neighborhood is a great place to start when looking for a roofing contractor. Find out how long the contractor has been in business, make sure they have proper licensing and insurance, ask to see examples of synthetic roofs they have installed, and, finally, ask for references. Also, if a contractor has earned a designation from a manufacturer, you can feel good about that contractor’s ability to handle the job.

Examine the contractor’s quote carefully.

Be extra attentive and read the fine print of the contractor’s quote. It’s important to understand the scope of the project, terms, conditions, materials, and warranty before you commit.

What about maintenance?

More great news: Brava roofing doesn’t require maintenance because there is no warping, rusting, or mold growth.