Installing a new roof–whether for your home that’s under construction or an existing one–is one of the biggest investments you make. It’s a daunting process that requires important decisions. After all, the integrity of your home largely depends on your choices.
If you feel unsure of how to pick the right roof for your home, here’s a simple guide you’ll find helpful.
Table of Contents
1. Consult A Contractor
Although you can always do your research online to familiarize yourself with the basics of choosing a new roof, consulting a local roofing company will prove more useful. A roofing contractor can provide insights and guidance on which roof to choose for your home. They know the local building codes and applicable rules and regulations and are knowledgeable about the best roofing material suitable for your location.
When choosing a contractor, make sure to check their credentials, experience, and qualifications. Always ask for references that can help vouch for their services and verify their expertise and work performance.
2. Determine Your Budget
As mentioned earlier, installing a roof is a major investment. Depending on your preferred material, square footage, and home type, a new roof can cost between USD$5,000 and USD$45,000.
With such steep costs, you’ll have to set a budget. Determining how much you can afford can help narrow down your material options. Take note that the cost of installation or replacement of roofing varies widely, so make sure to check the process quotes from different roofing companies and compare the rates.
Don’t bargain with your roofing material. While choosing cheap materials to save money may be tempting, it could backfire and become costly in the long term. Hence, it will be worth spending on quality materials.
3. Understand Your Material Options
When talking about roofing material, you have a variety of options to choose from. Take note, however, that not every material can be suitable for every home. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common roofing materials and their pros and cons.
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Asphalt Roof
An asphalt roof is one of the most popular and common roofing materials today. This type of roofing material is preferred for its efficiency across varying environmental conditions and climates.
Depending on your area, an asphalt roof is an affordable option. It’s made of fiberglass mixed with asphalt, giving it a sand-like surface. Asphalt can resist water, fire, and wind and is easy to install, maintain, and repair, making it an all-time favorite.
On the downside, asphalt has a shorter lifespan than other roofing materials and may require replacement after 15 to 20 years.
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Tile And Cement Roof
Tile and cement roofing are common in Mission-style and Spanish colonial homes. They create a wavy effect and look and provide an authentic vintage feel. This type of roof tends to be expensive and heavy, often requiring reinforcement to the roof framing for support.
Moreover, tile and cement roofs are extremely durable and can last a lifetime when supported and maintained properly. They also boast excellent fire resistance but, unfortunately, not as much resistance to wind other roofing materials do.
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Metal Roof
Metal roofs are some of the highest-performing roofing materials. This roof type is getting more popular in areas with heavy rains, snowfalls, and places at risk of wildfires because it’s fireproof. It’s long-lasting, and it has an average lifespan of 30 to 50 years. But with regular maintenance, some can last up to 75 years. What’s more, it’s recyclable. It’s lightweight and a good heat conductor too.
However, it can be a bit of an inconvenience during extreme weather, such as rainy days. The sound of rain falling on a metal roof can be loud and disruptive. In addition, a metal roof isn’t recommended for areas prone to hail since it may get dents and easily wear out.
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Slate Roof
Slate roofs are ideal for Victorian- and Gothic-style houses with colors, including red, green, and dark grey. But other than their vintage look, they’re preferred by some homeowners because of their durability. They’re virtually indestructible, lasting for a century even under extreme weather.
However, because of their durability, they’re quite expensive. Like tile and cement roofs, slate roofs are also quite heavy and require extra support to the roofing structure.
If you plan to install this kind of roof, make sure you hire an experienced contractor who is properly equipped to take care of the job well.
Takeaway
Your roof is one of the most important aspects of your home, so make sure to take the time to find the right one to install. With some basic information from this guide, you’ll feel confident and be well-informed about selecting a new roof for your home.
