What To Consider When Choosing Your Roof
The roof over your head provides shelter and keeps you and your family secure. When it’s time to purchase a new roof, the decision you make can impact your home’s functionality, safety, and curb appeal.
While you may be tempted to choose your roof based on aesthetics, there are many other factors to consider. Below are eight of the most important things to think about before making your decision.
1. Architectural Design
You’ll want your new roof to match your home’s overall design. While traditional asphalt shingles will look great with just about any home, some roofing materials work best with certain types of architecture. For example, ceramic tiles often look great on antique-style homes while a metal roofing system may be the perfect choice for a contemporary home.
It’s also important to pay attention to the pitch of your roof. The slope will determine how quickly water can drain. If you’re dealing with one that’s exceptionally low, you may need to choose a roofing material that’s designed to stand up to pooling water.
2. Climate Conditions
Your local climate can have a significant impact on your choice of roofing material. If you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain or snow, you’ll want a material that will stand up to moisture and resist mildew, moss, and algae.
In hot climates, materials like slate, concrete, and terracotta are often the optimal choice. Homes in colder areas may benefit from having metal, slate, or asphalt shingle roofs.
3. Energy Efficiency
Choosing a material that reflects the sun’s heat away from your home can make it more energy efficient. This will give your AC unit a break and save you money on your electric bills. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly solution, metal roofs, asphalt shingles, and light colored “cool roofs” are all options to consider.
4. Building Codes & Restrictions
Some states put limitations on the types of roofs you can install or require certain minimum installation requirements. This is common in areas where the risk for tornados, hurricanes, and forest fires is high.
Many municipalities also have their own building requirements that dictate the types and grades of roofing materials you can use. If you live in an area with a homeowner’s association (HOA), you may also need to adhere to certain building covenants that provide a list of acceptable types of roofing materials, colors, and styles you may choose.
READY TO START YOUR ROOFING PROJECT?
5. Aesthetics
When choosing your new roof, you’ll want to select a style that appeals to your tastes and also complements your home and its surroundings. While beauty is only skin deep, a gorgeous roof will accent the rest of your home and elevate your curb appeal.
There’s a big difference in the aesthetic impact of different types of roofing materials, so take the time to figure out which styles you really love. If you’re not sure, try consulting with a designer who can help you weigh your options.
6. Durability
Adding a new roof to your home is a big commitment, so you want to make sure the material you choose is going to last. This is particularly important if you live in an area that is prone to disasters like fast-moving wildfires, hurricanes, or hailstorms. For example, a slate, metal, or asphalt tile roof is less likely to ignite when coming into contact with sparks from a nearby fire.
7. Longevity
Some materials, like slate or tile, are designed to last for 50 years or longer. On the other hand, a traditional asphalt shingle roof will only last for about 20 years. When choosing your roofing material, consider how long you plan to stay in your home. If you think you’ll sell in less than 20 years, it may make more sense to choose a less expensive option with a shorter lifespan.
8. Price Range
While cost shouldn’t be your only deciding factor, it’s definitely an important consideration. The brand, quality, and production cost of various materials will impact the overall expense. Durable, high-quality materials tend to cost more. However, it’s important to remember that just because something is expensive, it’s not always better. It’s important to do your research and determine whether the cost is appropriate based on the material’s quality and reputation.
Are You Ready to Make Your Move?
Since it’s such a big decision, it’s smart to do a bit of research before moving forward with your roof construction project. After weighing all the factors above, you should have a better idea of the style of roof that will work best for your home. When in doubt, be sure to consult with a qualified expert who can help you make a selection that works for your budget, your home, and your sense of style.
