Choosing a material for your roof is an important decision. For most of us the roof is an afterthought at least until it starts to leak. Then we realize how critical that roof of our house really is. Yet, as well as keeping the house dry, the roof contributes greatly to the look of the house, so when building a new house, adding on, or re-roofing, it may worth paying some attention when considering the roofing material options. Right now there are more options in the marketplace than ever, so choosing one is tough.
The type of roofing you use can either add to the style and attractiveness of the home or take away from the looks and leave you wondering how such a mismatch could have happened. Before launching into any project that includes installing a new roof, take the time to look at and think about many different types of materials so that you will end up with a roof that is perfect for your home.
Start your search for roofing material by looking around different neighborhoods in your community. Look at older houses to see traditional materials as well as newer houses to see what kinds of materials are the latest and the greatest. As you look at different materials, think about how they will fit with your home’s architecture and style, as well as with the general style of your neighborhood.
With the different styles, looks, and materials in mind you are now ready to look at cost. The most durable materials of course tend to be the most expensive, but don’t assume that the highest quality materials are the best choice for your home. If you plan to live in the home for a very long time then it probably makes sense to invest in a long lifespan roof, but if you will be moving within just a few years, you won’t get enough return on your investment to justify spending for a top quality roof. Pay attention to local building codes and any neighborhood covenants, because more and more areas have guidelines and rules about the types of materials you can and can’t use on your roof. Spend some time considering roofing material up front so that you save yourself time, money, and effort later on.
You may be surprised by some of the newer roofing materials. It’s very possible that some of the roofing that you like best is made of materials that you do not expect. For instance, many kinds of metal roofing are made as individual shingles, in shapes and textures that are very much like tile, slate, or wood shingles. Looks are important, but so is durability. Check out the lifespan of different types of roofing material. The lifespan for the material you choose can range from a traditional 20 years for composite shingles to an ultra long 50 years for some kinds of metal roofing.
It’s important to consider below factors while making a decision.
· Price: Obviously, if you are on a budget, the most important consideration in your roofing decision may be price. Asphalt shingles are generally the most cost-efficient material to use for roofing, costing less than clay tiles or slate. Keep in mind that you not only have to pay for the materials, but for installation as well. Slate roofs are much trickier to install than asphalt shingles, and consequently the installation costs tend to be much higher as well.
· Weather Concerns: Be sure to keep your local climate in mind when choosing your roofing material. If you live in a hot climate, you may want a metal roof to reflect heat, rather than asphalt shingles, which can end up absorbing a lot more heat into your attic. Conversely, if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow and rain, you'll want to be sure that your roofing materials can stand up to moisture. Wooden shakes, while an attractive choice, are prone to rot over time if they get too much water. Wooden roofing materials are also more dangerous in dry climates, where fire is a serious concern. Finally, if you live in an area of high wind, lighter materials like corrugated metal and composition shingles may be blown around, while heavier materials like tile and slate will be unmoved.
· Know Your Frame: Every house is different, and it's essential to learn about yours before you buy roofing material. What is the slope of your roof? Slate, tile, and asphalt shingle roofs all work well at slopes of 4 inches in 12 or steeper. If your roof has a pitch of less than 3 inches per foot, you're best off avoiding those materials and sticking with rolled asphalt roofing, or a more modern membrane material. How much weight can your roof frame support? If you're planning on a heavy material like slate or clay tile--which can weigh over half a ton per square--you should definitely have your roof inspected first to make sure you can support that much weight. Metal roofing can weigh 20 times less, and is a better option for structures with limited support.
It’s always better to consult a roofing professional or contractor who has experience, knowledge about roofing materials and in installing roofs.
The materials to be used in our roofs should be of the best quality since our roofs serve as a shade to our houses which safeguard our loved ones. We should work within our budget range while putting quality as the top priority.
ReplyDelete-Son Lakhani
That’s quite a comprehensive guide on properly choosing the roof suited for a house. I couldn’t agree more with what you said. Roofs have different specifications. Some are suited to your preferences and some are not. So, it’s not wise to choose a roof based solely on price and appearance. Remember that the roof you install will remain on top of your house for a long time, so consider as many factors as you can before buying one!
ReplyDeleteLenore Lung
Son is right. When you’re looking for a roof, it’s true that cost will have a major effect in your decision-making. The prices of these roof types may vary, but one thing is for sure: it’s not going to be cheap. With this in mind, it’s highly important to consider your suppliers. Many suppliers offer materials that have great quality with an expensive price tag. There are also suppliers that sell cheap materials at unbelievably low prices. The key to getting the best bargain is research. Use the internet to get the best deal that you can. Finally, it’s important to stick to your budget. That way, you can make proper adjustments without spreading yourself too thin.
ReplyDeleteHerb Koguchi
You should choose the type of roof depending on your tastes. If your area is commonly experiences hail, then you can use shingles. They will be easier to change than the whole roof. If you don’t like cleaning your roof often but don’t like the presence of algae, then you can get slate. It repels algae and fungus and takes less time to clean. Talk to a roofing expert to see what other options you have, just in case.
ReplyDeleteWill Peartin
Changing your roofs is something that you don’t do often, so it’s just fitting to spend a good deal of your time for deliberation. It’s important to know the parameters of your house (area and shape) and the type of place where you reside (weather conditions and climate). These will be the determinants in identifying the right roofing material for your house.
ReplyDeleteJoann Winton
I think that to choose the perfect roof for you, you need to choose the one that suits your purpose, season, and budget. You would need to plan ahead for the seasons, since you don’t want to change your roof yearly. The best roofs you can have must last a very long time. It should withstand hail, snow and other stuff that can wear down a roof easily. So contacting a roofing contractor is ideal when you need to change your roof.
ReplyDeleteKermit Lukacs
The selection of roofing materials is one thing, but the selection of the roofers or roofing contractors is another thing altogether, and one would do well in selecting the right service providers who will be in a position to not only complete your project but guide you throughout the process itself.
ReplyDeleteIko shingles
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ReplyDeleteBest Roof Construction Southland
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