The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Roofing Material for Your Home
When the time comes for you to have your home's roof replaced or when you are building a new home, you know that the roof will play a crucial role in how your house looks, its curb appeal, and, ultimately, its value.
You also know that this project requires your utmost attention since it is not something you’ll easily be able to redo. That is why you must familiarize yourself with the many roofing materials available today.
That way, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you have made the right decision and investment for your home and that you will not require a roof replacement or maintenance in Portland soon.
Let’s see what you need to think about to help make sure you buy the best roof.
5 Factors to Consider When Getting a New Roof
There are several decisive points that you should keep in mind while shopping for a new roof. Here are some of them:
1. Durability
You want to select a roofing option that will offer durability, regardless of the weather conditions that your area tends to experience.
You will be surprised to know that some roofing materials, like asphalt shingles, have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, while others, like metal, will last much longer.
Always consider the weather when choosing a roofing material since hail, high winds, and other weather events might damage some.
2. Evaluate Moisture
If your area is prone to heavy and frequent rainfall, you may want to avoid a roofing material affected by too much moisture, such as wood shingles or shakes. Look for alternatives that resist moisture or have a high capability of shedding water (like metal).
If where you live goes through many days of heavy winds, think about material with high wind resistance. Likewise, if you live by the ocean, you want a roof that will not be affected by saltwater and humidity exposure. You might want to consider TPO roofs as they offer expanded protection.
Avoid falling in love with a particular roofing type before considering these variables, or you may be disappointed.
3. Work With Your Home’s Style
Many times, homeowners have an easy decision when it comes to choosing a roof. This is simply because their houses have such a distinctive architectural style that there is only one option that will preserve the authenticity of this style. You may not want to deviate from traditional red tiles if you have a Spanish-style home.
On the other hand, if your home is very modern and has a flat roof, metal is probably the way to go. Keep in mind the right roofing material to maintain the integrity of the property’s style.
4. Consider Energy Efficiency
Unsurprisingly, homeowners are leaning towards roofing materials that can help save them money on their energy bills. These days, you can consider how energy-efficient a roofing material is. If it goes well with the home's architectural style, you will have a win-win situation.
Ask your roofer about materials with a reflective coating that may help reduce heat transfer through your attic during the hot summer months. Other materials, such as slate or tile, are beneficial when it comes to providing a reliable source of insulation that will keep the warmth inside the home during the winter months.
Having a material that will help keep you comfortable year-round while looking attractive is a smart way to go.
Oh, and don’t forget about the potential to turn your roof into a source of energy with solar panels.
5. Cost Effectiveness
Despite all of the above, ultimately, your budget may be the deciding factor when buying a new roof. However, the calculation may not be quite straightforward if you consider how much a roofing material costs and add to the equation how long it will last or how easy it will be to maintain.
Also, consider how energy-efficient the roof will be and the potential energy savings you will enjoy.
Final Thoughts
By carefully considering these issues, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you have made the best decision for your home. While at it, talk to your roofing contractor about any warranties they offer.
These may be related to the material itself or the labor and installation. Hopefully, you will never have to use any of the warranties in the future, but it is always a nice feature.
If you still have doubts after studying the different possibilities, share them with your roofer. They have the required experience and familiarity with the area and the different home styles to point you in the right direction when choosing a new roof.
