A roof is arguably the most important feature of your home. It keeps heat in, water out, and protects you from the elements. But getting a new roof isn't always the easiest decision in the world.

When considering new roofing, here are a few essential things you should be considering first.

How Old Your Roof Is

Traditional asphalt roofing requires replacement every 12 to 20 years. If your residential roofing is over 12 years old, it may be time to start considering a new roof, or at least inspecting it more regularly. A typical roof should be inspected at least once every year, but if you start to notice issues, don't hesitate to call your roofing company.

Don't Layer

While it's within most building codes to have two or even three layers of shingles on a roof, it's not recommended. Most roofers will recommend peeling away the existing roof before adding any new shingles on top. This is primarily because covering up old shingles could mask damage that's already taken a toll on your roof, which will really come back to bite you.

Consider Metal Roofing

Metal roofs may be a bit more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles, in the short term, but they'll definitely last you a lot longer. While asphalt roofs are replaced on average every 17 years, metal roofs have a lifespan of approximately 50 years or more. Not only that, but the majority of the content in a metal roof is recycled, making it a sustainable choice for a variety of reasons.

Hire the Right Roofing Companies

If you've been working with the same roofing company for many years and they provide good service, there's no reason to switch. However, if you're choosing a metal roof upgrade, you may want to hire a company that specializes in that kind of installation.

Getting a new roof can increase the security and efficiency of your home, but in order to do those things, you need to take the appropriate steps before having a new roof put on your home. Don't forget to take these things into consideration if a new roof is in your near future!