Choosing The Right Materials For Your New Roof
Your roof is one of the most essential elements of your home. It’s hard at work, day and night, keeping you protected from the elements and providing comfort, shade, and shelter for you and your loved ones.
Inevitable Breakdown
As much as we’d like our roofs to stay intact for years, strong and sturdy assets to our homes, inevitable wear and tear will cause all roof components to break down over time. Maintenance and minor repairs will be a necessary part of extending the life of your roof, but at some point, it'll need to be replaced.
My roof needs replacing: Now what?
Choosing the best roofing for your home can really be a headache if you don’t do a bit of research beforehand. It is also a significant expense, and making sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck will ensure that you are satisfied with the final outcome. Here are a few tips that will help you determine which type of roofing will add to the strength and value of your home, lasting a long, long time.
Tip #1: Stay within your budget
All roofing material is not created equal, and neither is the cost of purchasing and installation. Do some number crunching ahead of time, and determine what you can realistically spend on a new roof. Asphalt shingles provide durability that is relatively easy to install and inexpensive to maintain. While wood shakes are an attractive and affordable choice, they do require more upkeep, and they may not complement the style of your home. If you have the money to spend, consider purchasing high-end materials such as tile or metal. The high cost of installation can be a downside, but extremely long lifespan and low maintenance cost more than make up for the initial purchase price.
Tip #2: Consider your home style
Boost your home’s curb appeal by taking both the architectural style and color of your home into consideration when making roofing choices. Cape-cod-style homes are typically topped with bright red and blue material. Spanish-style homes do well with slate or clay tiles. If you belong to an association, you may have rules to follow considering the color and type of roofing you choose. Check guidelines before making your final decision.
Tip #3: Choose a color you can live with…and under
Choosing a new, innovative color is an easy way to brighten up the look of a drab exterior, but make sure you can live with it for the life of the roof. Traditional roof colors are brown, tan, or grey, while more vibrant colors are becoming available to allow for your own unique and individual expression as you choose your preferred roofing materials. Coordinate the color of your roofing with colors that you find in other elements of your home to tie your whole look together.
Tip #4: Hot and cold choices
One important consideration to make when choosing roofing materials is the climate and geographical location where you live. Residents of cold or temperate climates may benefit from traditional roofing materials such as asphalt. Warmer climates favor roofs made from slate, clay, concrete, and terra cotta to reflect the sun’s beating rays. Reflective coatings can also do much to regulate the temperatures in and around your home. Talk to your contractor about options for installation and enhancement to keep your home energy-efficient year-round.
Tip #5: Think about maintenance needs
When choosing roofing materials, it’s important to realize that your roof will need regular care and maintenance to continue functioning as it should. What you save while installing an asphalt roof will require a bit more maintenance and upkeep, so prepare to invest a bit of money in minor repair and upkeep to keep your roof sturdy. Metal and concrete roofs are more expensive to install upfront, but they stand the test of time regarding strength and durability. Consider all the aspects of roof installation and upkeep when making your final decision.
Still need some advice? We can help!
Len’s Roofing has decades of quality service, superior installation, and quality craftsmanship that you can benefit from. We realize how important your roof is in protecting and adding value to your home; we'll help you create the perfect look for your home. Choosing Len’s Roofing professionals as your preferred contractor will ensure that you get the job done right. Make your consultation appointment today! Visit https://www.lensroofing.com/ or call us at 941-896-7897 for more information.