There are at least 12 different roofing materials you can choose from if you are getting a new roof. That’s a lot of different options to choose from, and you want to find the one that will be the best for your home.
When it comes to choosing roofing material, there are many different things you need to consider.
Read on for seven tips to make this process easier.
1. How Long the Roofing Material Will Last
It doesn’t matter if you plan on staying in your home for as long as you live or if you plan on moving as soon as your family starts growing. You want to make sure that your roof will last as long as you are there.
There may be 12 different roofing materials to choose from, but they aren’t all created equally. For example, when it comes to different types of roof shingles, asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material used on houses today. They are cost-effective and can last for up to 20 years.
Slate is fire and waterproof and can resist mold growth. It can also last for up to 100 years, but it’s expensive and heavy. It can also be fragile and break if stepped on.
Wood shingles will look really good on your home and can last up to 60 years, but they can be expensive. They also aren’t a good choice if you live in an area that has a lot of moisture or where wildfires are an issue.
2. How Well the Roofing Material Will Stand up Against Natural Elements
No matter where you live, you want to make sure that your roof will be able to withstand any adverse weather conditions that might occur.
Should you live in an area that experiences a lot of high winds or is susceptible to fires, then it might be a good idea to stay away from roofing materials made from asphalt or wood. If the wind gets under the shingles, it can easily lift them up and cause a lot of damage to your roof. Wood is also incredibly flammable.
Metal roofs can be a great all-around option that can withstand a wide range of weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rains, and hail. The downside is that it can also get incredibly noisy when it’s being pelted by moisture or other debris.
Green roofs might be a great option when it comes to various weather conditions. These are roofs that use plants to protect the top of your home. They are really good at keeping your home cool, and they can also absorb a lot of moisture.
The downside is that they can be incredibly heavy, and if they get saturated with moisture, this can add to the weight.
3. The Roofing Material Features
When it comes to choosing roofing materials, you need to realize that each one comes with its own set of features. For example, synthetic roofing products can be highly resistant to water damage. The material can also be incredibly lightweight and durable.
Clay tiles are incredibly energy efficient and do an amazing job of keeping your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Adding these to your roof can help you save on your utility bills.
Knowing what each roofing material option has to offer can help you find the one that’s right for your home. Since there are so many to choose from, talking to a professional can be beneficial.
4. What Material Will Complement Your House’s Style
In addition to knowing what features the roofing material comes with, you also want to choose a material that will complement your house’s style.
For example, if you live in a Victorian home and you want to keep it looking as authentic as possible, then you probably won’t want to add solar panels to the roof.
Spanish-style homes look really good with clay tiles, and a Craftsman-style house might look the best with a plastic polymer roof or wood shingles.
In addition to finding the right roofing material from your home, you’ll also need to consider the color options for the material you want. Wood shingles can be stained or painted, but they don’t necessarily come in a wide range of color options.
Asphalt shingles can be found in a variety of different colors, so if you’re looking for a color that will add something extra to your house, then this might be the roofing material you’re looking for.
5. What Kind of Warranty the Roofing Material Comes With
Most roofs come with two warranties: the service warranty and the material warranty. Make sure to ask about them both.
The material warranty is offered by the roof’s manufacturer, and it can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years—depending on the type of material you get.
6. Your Roof’s Structure
The slope of your roof will also determine the type of roofing material you can and should add to your home.
If you have a flat roof, then you should really consider getting a metal roof since this material does a great job of getting rid of water and snow.
Should the roof of your home be steeper than normal, than using clay tiles might be the best option.
To ensure you are getting the right material for your roof’s structure, you should work with a professional. They’ll be able to let you know what will work best to make your house look good and protect the structure.
7. Your Budget
Probably the biggest factor that will determine what type of material you get will be the cost of roofing.
A new roof can be incredibly expensive, and you want to make sure you are spending your hard-earned money wisely. The average price of a new roof ranges from $5,000 to $30,000 or more depending on the material you get. Once you determine a budget, you can then find the material that will work for you.
Call a Professional for Help Choosing Roofing Material
When it comes to choosing roofing material, a professional has the skills and expertise to find the roof that will work for your home.
At C.H. Clark Contractors, we will help you find the roofing material that will work for the slope of your roof and your house type. We will even consider your color preferences. Contact us today to get the roof that is ideal for your home!