So, you’ve decided it’s time for a new roof, but now you’re faced with the task of choosing the type of roof you want. What do you choose? Which materials are best? Well, the answers to those questions proved dependant on lots of various factors from budget to geographical location. Let’s take a closer look at the details that will make your roof a ‘good’ roof. After all, your roof should be your home’s crowning glory!
When choosing material for your new roof, your first consideration should be your budget. It’s smart to search for material that falls under a specific budget (to cover both material cost and labor) set well before the project begins. Once you’ve determined what you’re willing to spend for a new roof, it’s time to start shopping for a roofing installer. Most roofing installers will offer free estimates on both material and labor costs. This will prove to be very beneficial when it comes to calculating your overall budget. After setting forth your budget, it’s time to start comparing available roofing materials.
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Roofing material takes on a wide variant of forms, some of the most common of which are asphalt, wood shake, tile, slate, and metal. These days, homeowners even have the option of fiberglass and corrugated roofing materials. The variance of availability in terms of roofing material will allow a homeowner to make specific choices based on personal preference, housing style, climate, location, and/or cost. All of the available material comes with its own list of benefits and concerns, each of which should be examined and considered prior to making any iron clad choices.
If you drive through any neighborhood in America, chances are you will see asphalt shingles. Asphalt is the most common roofing material used in the U.S. Today. This type of shingle can be coated with various laminate coatings that will afford the roof a more pleasing aesthetic. They can also be reinforced with organic or fiberglass components. Asphalt shingles with fiberglass reinforcement are the most popular choice because they are generally more economical. However, asphalt shingles that are organically reinforced offer the bonus of greater flame resistance. Asphalt shingles can also be reinforced with zinc compounds that make the shingles algae resistant. This is considered a special feature, and will inevitably cost more, but is an advisable purchase for homes in moist, wooded locations. Asphalt roofs are typically seen with standard flat and architectural design features. Asphalt shingles are considered standard, and if properly constructed, will last well over ten years.
Wood shake and wood shingle roofs are typically constructed of redwood or cedar and are chosen mainly for their striking appearance. Wood shake roofs offer a unique and high-end appearance and are incredibly popular on the West coast and Northwestern states in the U.S. The biggest downside of the wood shake roof is the fact that it will not last as long as most of its counterparts, but for the majority of homeowners who purchase this style of roofing, the aesthetics are well worth the durability variable.
Tile roofing is growing rapidly in popularity and is very common in the Southwest region of the country. This type of roof offers the option of using clay or concrete tiles, which come in a vast gambit of shapes and cuts. One major downside to the tile roof is the extra weight it places on the structure of your home. It is a wise choice to consult a roofing professional to ensure that the structural components of your existing roof will support this added weight. If you learn that your current structure might buckle under the pressure, you can choose a different material or undergo the process of reinforcing the existing structure. The tile roof is aesthetically pleasing and will last well over half a century. You can expect to pay about the same price for this durable material as you would for wood shake.
Slate roofing is considered to be high-end and is most commonly used to afford homeowners a classy and elegant look. You will likely find slate roofing in high-priced neighborhoods where aesthetics are more standard than budget. Slate comes in a variety of colors and styles and requires great skill to install. You will find that slate roofing costs quite a bit more than other materials, but will also last for hundreds of years. If you elect to put a slate roof on your house, the roof will almost surely be there much longer than you will. As with tile, weight should be a consideration before installing a slate roof. Consult your roofing contractor to make sure your structure can handle the added weight.
Metal roofing is a popular choice for homes located in areas where severe weather is common. Many people on the Gulf Coast (a.k.a. Hurricane Alley) have elected to use metal roofing materials for their durability and light weight, both of which are vital when homes are expected to endure high winds. Metal roofs can be designed to mimic other roofing styles and come in shingles or panels and a wide variety of colors. This choice can prove to be more expensive than asphalt, wood, and tile, but will last well over thirty years. Many coastal communities exhibit metal roofing as widely used, but bear in mind that the air in coastal regions contains more salt than the air in other parts of the country. Added salt in the air can contribute to the corrosion of metal, but even with the consideration of the corrosion factor, metal roofing should last 25 to 30 years on the low end.
Now that we’ve discussed some of the variations available in roofing material, let’s talk about a few of the other considerations that must be taken into account before you commit to any of the given choices.
Fire resistance is a key factor to consider before choosing a roof material. Nearly every roofing material has a different fire resistance rating. For this reason it is of vital importance that you choose a roof that will live up to the standards set forth by your local fire codes.
Your geographical location should also be a consideration when choosing roofing material. The weather, humidity, average temperature, and any additional environmental factors can have an impact on the price and availability of certain roofing materials in your area. Aside from that, and for real estate value purposes, it’s important to choose a roofing material that will prove comparable to the materials used for other homes in your area. If everyone in your neighborhood has high-end slate, it can hurt your property value should you choose standard asphalt.
Before choosing a roof material, you should also take into consideration the maintenance required for each given material. As we discussed earlier, some roof materials last longer and are more durable than others. If your goal is to have a low maintenance roof, you should choose a material that will support that goal. Bear in mind that even the lowest maintenance roof should be professionally inspected once a year to insure there has been no damage to the material. Having an annual roof inspection could very well end up saving you a large sum of money in the long run.
Roofing material choices should also depend largely on the slope and style of your roof. Some materials prove better choices for steep roofs versus flat roofs and so forth. For example, choosing an aesthetically pleasing and high-end material for your roof is unnecessary for a flat roof on a home that is above the road and/or two stories. Why? Because, no one will be able to see the roof unless they’re standing on it. Why choose a roof based on its aesthetic prowess if it will never be seen?
Purchasing a new roof is a huge financial undertaking and should not be entered into lightly. Do your homework and research all the available materials and styles common in your area, as well as material cost and the availability of retailers near your home (if you choose a material that has to be shipped from a distant location, be prepared to pay extra). It might also be wise to drive around to get ideas on the style, color, and material choice you’d like for your new roof. Be sure to select a qualified roofing crew and get as much education as you can concerning the upkeep and maintenance of your new roof.
The right roof can add value and says wonders about your home. Choose a style that compliments the design of your home and will also offer the life span and level of durability you require for your area. If your current roof is not falling in, it’s wise to take your time with this decision. A new roof is a long-term investment and you will want to make sure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Before you get to work, we’d like to say good luck, and happy hunting!
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If you’re in the process of building a home, you might be wondering which roof style will be best for you. Should you choose a sloped or a flat surface? Well, in truth, a sloped almost always makes the most sense. Let’s take a look at these two roof types and discuss the benefits and pitfalls of each.