When you invest in a new roof, you stand to recoup around 68% of that cost. Such savings matter a lot to any property owner.
But you can only tap into the cost-effective nature of a new or repaired roof if you picked the best materials to start with.
Before you spend on such a significant investment as a roof here are some factors that will help you pick the most suitable material for it.
Consider the Cost
Selecting the right type of roofing material for your home requires discernment when it comes to the cost.
With the cost of a roof you must begin by asking yourself how long you intend to own or reside in the property.
Long term property owners have several choices. The rule of thumb here is that a cost-effective roof for long term residence is one that has a longer lifespan.
The industry standard for determining long term residence is at least twenty years.
Asphalt shingle roofs last for at least 30 years with proper installation and roof ventilation. There are many styles of asphalt shingles that can last longer than 50 years as well.
Metal roofs are also another excellent option for the long term due to their durability. These roofs typically last for 50-100 years.
When purchasing a metal roof, you should expect a 30-50 year warranty on them which denotes its long lasting capability.
Although metal roofing is more expensive than asphalt shingle and wood roofing, it pays for itself over its long life span. Ultimately it does become cheaper per unit than both wood and asphalt shingle roofs.
Tile roofs are a long-lasting choice. All types of tiles (clay, cement and fiber concrete) have a lifespan of at least 50 years. They are however more expensive than metal and asphalt shingle roofs.
Slate roofing is known to hold up well over the years. It has a 40-60 year lifetime but may last hundreds of years.
Short term property owners (less than 20 years) will find durable roofs expensive. An economy grade Asphalt Shingle would be the best option for them.
Regardless of your choice after assessing different roofing materials, you need to keep the cost and life expectancy of the material in mind.
The Climate
Your roof will not exist in a vacuum. Instead, it will be daily exposed to a set of environmental factors that end up affecting its durability and quality. You, therefore, need to consider the climate present at the property’s location.
For moist environments certain types of wood are appropriate. Redwood and Cedar roofs, in particular, contain oils that enable them to be moisture resistant.
In hot weather environments, metal roofs are suitable as they reflect the sun’s rays and enhance the home’s coolness. Tile roofs can also be used in hot climatic zones as their color reflects sunlight which leads to cooler indoor temperatures.
When you want to roof a house in a windy area, you should consider asphalt shingle roofing.
Three-tab shingles withstand 60-70 MPH wind while architectural shingles can hold fast in 100 MPH winds.
High-wind shingles withstand 130 MPH winds. You, therefore, have an array of options for a reliable roof no matter how the wind blows.
High-impact shingles are manufactured to protect roofs in areas where large hail is known to occur.
In snowy and wet environments metal roofs do a much better job than a majority of the other options. Metal is also an excellent option in preventing ice dams during extreme weather seasons.
You should endeavor to identify the best roofing material suited for the present environmental conditions to avoid damage and expensive replacement.
Aesthetics
At the end of the day, you are not just looking for a roof to put over your head. You also want a roof that adds to the beauty of the property. Be it for personal enjoyment or for an enhanced resale value a cool looking roof is an asset.
The primary determinant in roof aesthetics is the property’s architectural style. The building’s design language has to blend with the roof’s style.
Asphalt shingle roofs are incredibly versatile when it comes to the number of styles and colors to choose from. If your house has a Victorian, cape cod, bungalow or Tudor design, then a wood roof will blend well with it.
Houses made of wood like cabins and cottages blend exceptionally well with a metal roof design. European, Spanish and Mediterranean style homes call for tile roofing to bring out their beauty.
No matter the architectural style of your house there is a roof style that can pair up with it to create enchanting curb appeal.
Energy Efficiency
As a property owner, you need to take advantage of material that helps you increase your energy efficiency.
Metal, tile and asphalt shingle roofs both reflect sunlight thereby reducing the retained heat.
You will ultimately spend less on energy bills cooling the home.
Shop for a roof made out of material that not only meets your other needs but also helps you manage your energy consumption.
Sustainability
Today’s property owner is increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of the roofing material they use. Sustainability is, therefore, a key driving consideration when preparing to roof a building.
When using wood shakes you should look for those without additives, moss inhibitors or preservatives.
You can also use recycled rubber and plastic that is repurposed to mimic wood shingle design. The types of roofs are quite durable as well.
Metal roofing is an excellent option when it comes to sustainability since 100% of the material can be recycled through melting and recasting.
Reclaimed slate and clay roofs are also other durable options that happen to be eco-friendly as well.
When your roof not only protects your house but also contributes to conserving the environment, it helps you make a positive footprint for future generations.
Choose the Best Materials for Your Roof
A roof is a significant expense for any property owner. Before you settle on the type you want, you must understand the benefits of the various types of roofing. Only then can you select the best materials for your roof.
Looking to restore or install a new roof for your home? Point Roofing understands how critical such a decision can be for you. Contact us today, and we will help you identify the perfect roofing for your home.
