When you are looking at roofing choices for your home you have a lot of decisions to make. There are many different roof material options to choose from. Choosing the right one for your home can be a challenge. These tips will help you to choose the best roof material for your home and your budget.
Your Choices
There are many different types of roof materials to choose from. Asphalt shingle roofs are among the most popular. Asphalt shingle roofing is one of the most affordable options and still delivers a huge ROI. You can expect about a 62% return on your investment for a new asphalt shingle roof. However, asphalt shingle roofs are certainly not the only choice out there.
Some of the other popular roof materials for your home include wood shingles, cement composite shingles, metal roofing, and tile or slate roofing materials. There are a lot of roofing material options that will add interest to your home and improve the aesthetic. How do you know which one is right for you? Figuring out what roofing material is right for your home starts by evaluating a few factors. Using the guidelines below will help you to find the perfect roofing material for your home.
Let’s Talk Costs
Asphalt roofing is one of the cheapest roofing materials, but that does not mean it delivers the best value. Asphalt shingles are a fine option, especially if your home budget is tight. You can expect an asphalt shingle roof to last about 15-20 years depending on the manufacturer’s warranty.
While you will pay less out of pocket for an asphalt shingle roof upfront, there are more durable roofing materials that can deliver more value. For example, metal roofs can provide up to 50 years and beyond of reliable service. Sheet metal roofs are very popular because of the durability that they have to offer. Sheet metal is an industry with about $30 billion in revenue. Sheet metal is durable and energy-efficient. On the plus side, metal roofing is typically made from recycled content and is 100% recyclable when it reaches its end life.
Is it worth the larger upfront investment for a metal roof? Many homeowners think it is. Metal roofs are more of a one-and-done type of roofing material. They require very little maintenance and can be designed to sustain winds up to 140 MPH.
Other roofing materials, like wood shake roofing, are on the higher spectrum of costs and do require maintenance. Composite concrete shingles are very durable and have a life expectancy of about 30 years. About 70% of the structures around the world include concrete because of durability. You will pay more for a concrete shingle roof but in the end, it may be worth it. Slate and tile roofs are among the most expensive. However, they offer a great aesthetic and are both highly durable and long-lasting roof materials for your home.
Aesthetics
If budget is not your biggest concern, you still have a few things to think about when you are choosing the right roof materials for your home. Many homeowners consider aesthetics as an important factor in choosing roof materials for their homes. For example, your roof should reflect the design of your home. A modern-styled home would look great with a metal roof, a contemporary home style is complemented by a shingle roof, a quaint bungalow style would look adorable with a wood shake roof.
Consider the design of your home when you are choosing the best roof material for your home. You want to choose the material that best complements it. You do not want to choose a roofing material that overpowers your home.
Structure
Some roof materials may require extensive structural changes to support the roof. If you are in the process of building a home and you are trying to pick out roof materials, then you can easily make structural changes to support the new roof, but if you are retrofitting a pre-existing home with a new roof then it may be a bit more difficult.
There is no such thing as the “best roof material”, it all comes down to your personal preference and your budget. By connecting with an experienced roofer, you can ensure you will make the best choice for your new roof.
