How ROOFNOW™ Evaluates Roofing Systems

ROOFNOW™ evaluates roofing systems using a structured, methodology-driven approach rooted in building science, climate data, and long-term performance analysis. This methodology is designed to ensure that educational content remains independent of manufacturers, installers, and product sales pathways.

This page outlines the principles and evaluation criteria used across ROOFNOW™ educational content.

Purpose of the ROOFNOW™ Methodology

The purpose of the ROOFNOW™ methodology is to explain how roofing systems behave over time, rather than to recommend specific products or contractors. Evaluation focuses on performance mechanisms, environmental interaction, and long-term durability under real-world conditions.

Core Evaluation Principles

Independence: No evaluation criteria are tied to manufacturer incentives, certifications, or dealer programs.
Climate Specificity: Performance is analyzed within regional climate conditions, including snow load, freeze-thaw cycles, wind exposure, and solar gain.
Lifecycle Focus: Systems are evaluated over 20–50 year horizons rather than warranty periods.
Building Science First: Physical mechanisms are prioritized over marketing claims.
Transparency: Assumptions, limitations, and trade-offs are clearly stated.

Key Performance Factors Evaluated

Structural Load Behavior

Evaluation includes how roofing systems handle dead load, live load, snow accumulation, wind uplift, and structural stress over time.

Moisture Management

Systems are analyzed for condensation risk, vapor movement, water intrusion pathways, and drying potential.

Thermal Performance

Thermal expansion, contraction, heat transfer, and attic interaction are assessed using building physics principles.

Material Degradation

ROOFNOW™ evaluates how materials age due to UV exposure, temperature cycling, moisture, and mechanical fatigue.

Maintenance & Failure Modes

Common failure points, maintenance requirements, and repairability are considered as part of long-term performance.

Lifecycle Cost Modeling

Rather than focusing on upfront installation cost, ROOFNOW™ considers:

Expected service life
Maintenance frequency
Repair likelihood
Replacement cycles
Total cost over the life of the home

What ROOFNOW™ Does Not Do

Provide contractor recommendations within educational content
Rank or score manufacturers for promotional purposes
Offer product endorsements tied to compensation
Blend education with sales funnels

Relationship to Roofing Advice

The ROOFNOW™ methodology is designed to precede roofing advice. By establishing foundational knowledge first, homeowners are better equipped to evaluate recommendations provided by contractors, manufacturers, or advisors.

Why This Methodology Matters

A transparent evaluation methodology helps homeowners:

Understand why systems perform differently
Recognize marketing claims versus physical reality
Make informed long-term decisions
Avoid repeat re-roofing driven by incomplete information