Whether you’re building your first home or are simply looking for a remodel, your roof is a crucial element of your project. Apart from adding character and curb-appeal, your roof is one of the only things standing between you and the elements and could be one of the costliest investments you’ll make in your home. While some may choose to leave it to a contractor to choose the material their roof will be made of, it’s always a good idea to take the reins and really understand these crucial elements of your home. For those looking to better understand roofing materials, we’ve collected some basic information to help you get started on your journey!
Choosing The Right Materials
For those who have experienced a leaky roof before, you may be fully aware of how big of a decision it is to choose the right material for your roof. For those with less experience, however, it may seem as though it’s simply a choice of aesthetics. The truth is, your roof is only as good as the materials you choose to make it out of. While each contractor will have their own opinion on which material is best, the best thing to do is to consider your specific situation and needs. Before you go in looking at roofing materials, it’s good to consider a few things first. For example:
Consider your budget
It’s important to know what your immediate budget will look like for the project, but it’s also important to understand what your monthly heating and cooling budget will look. Keep in mind that the higher a roof’s slope, the more it will cost to heat and cool. While this may not matter much for starter homes, it may be something to consider if you’re building something larger.
Consider the norm in your region. While occasionally bad habits are passed around an area, it’s a good idea to look at what other houses in your area have for roofs. For example, if you’re in some southern regions, you may notice that homes have low-slope roofs. This tends to be for both economic and aesthetic reasons and is something that you should also consider doing when working on your project.
Consider replacement costs.
Often when choosing your first roof, this can get overlooked. It’s crucial that you look at what repair or replacement will cost for your new roof. In some cases, it can be more expensive to repair your roof, leaving you blowing in the wind when something goes wrong in a few years. For those in the area, it may be a good idea to contact companies about roof repair in Marietta, GA to get a feel for what repair costs may be.
Roofing Materials
Now that we’ve gone over some of the basic questions you’ll need to ask yourself, it’s time to finally look at some roofing material. Once again, your choice should ultimately be based on what works best for your situation, but it can never hurt to educate yourself!
Asphalt or Composition Shingles
Depending on where you live, these may be to most popular option. In general, they make a good roof when you’re looking for a cheaper option. Research your brand carefully before purchasing, as each one can be different qualities.
Clay tiles
When compared to options like asphalt shingles, clay tiles can seem expensive. That being said, this is an incredibly durable option and has been proven to last over 100 years when kept in the right conditions.
Metal roofing
Metal roofing is one of the oldest forms of roofing, besides clay tiles. In the past, this type of roof was made of zinc or copper. Today, they tend to be standing-seam steel. Metal roofing tends to be light and requires very little maintenance. That being said, these roofs can be difficult and costly to fix in the case that something does go wrong. In fact, there are many contractors who will recommend you simply get a new roof for the price you may be paying to fix the old one.
Once you’ve got a handle on roofing materials, your project will seem drastically easier. In general, it’s important to remember that every roof will need work a few years down the road. As of now, we don’t have any roof that is impenetrable, and every roof will need regular upkeep to make sure it gets a long life. Choose the type of roof that’s best for your specific situation, and be fully aware of what upkeep needs to be done, and you’ll be well on your way to owning a leak-free home.
Speak Your Mind