Selecting a new roof for your home or property is no simple task. You need to be prepared to make a decision from a wide range of options and perhaps even become familiar with materials you didn’t know existed.
Deciding on the right roofing material is an important part of ensuring the integrity of the structure over time and giving it appropriate aesthetic appeal. Here are some options and features you should consider when determining which choice of roofing is best suited to your needs.
1. Why you should consider switching it up
Although many homeowners simply choose to replace their current roof, rather than do some research and potentially pick an even better roof for future investment, there is a reason why it pays to look around. To avoid missing an important opportunity, do a little work to understand what has changed in the market, how your options might have shifted, and what some of the current trends in modern roofing are.
2. Worry about the weather
One way to think of your roof is as the most important barrier you have between you, your family and belongings, and mother nature. No matter where you live, your roof has a host of elements to stand up to, including rain, wind, snow, and sun. Of course, depending on your climate and the orientation of your home, your roof will be subject to some of these more than others, and certain materials are better suited for the job.
If you need something super dependable, metal roofs are great all the way around and offer the best protection against unexpected weather events. Slate is also a great product when it comes to standing up to the elements and lasting a long time. Homeowners who are concerned about wind and fire should stay away from asphalt and wood materials.
3. Don’t forget about slope
Slope is an important determining factor that will actually eliminate certain roofing possibilities, especially in the event that the slope is low. Most shingles, tiles, and slate-like materials are approved for use on roofs with a 4-in-12 or steeper slope. Low- or flat-pitched roofs must be topped with materials that are seamless, such as built-up tar-and-gravel or sprayed polyurethane foam. If they’re not, they’ll leak when water pools on the surface.
4. Aesthetic appeal
Before you purchase a new roof, consider the style of your home. A roof choice that matches the rest of the design sensibilities of your home can go a very long way to increases curb-appeal and the overall value of the property. For example, Spanish-style homes look better with clay tiles than asphalt materials. If you have a cottage-style home, you may want to consider wood shingles or plastic polymer. It is also worth consulting your roofing expert when it comes to style advice, they’ve seen it all and can likely provide you some valuable insight into what works and what doesn’t.
5. Price point and long-term durability
Assuming that you’re not looking to switch up the look of your roof again anytime soon, you need to make sure that all the qualities mentioned above fit into a budget you can manage and will provide you with a relatively good quality assurance policy over a giver amount of time. It is important to remember that you get what you pay for, but you should also be reasonable in making the right decision based on your current financial situation. For example, asphalt shingles are inexpensive and popular among budget-conscious homeowners, but they aren’t very durable. Whereas, plastic polymer and clay tiles are some of the most durable products on the market.
