Picking a new material for your roof is not an easy process. In order to make the right choice, you will have to consider a number of options; some of them involve materials that you have never heard of. A lot of people get overwhelmed by the number of varieties, prices, advantages and limitations that each material has. In this article, we highlight some of the factors that you have to consider while picking a new roof for your home.
Durability:
While a lot of people might consider the price first, it is very important to think about the durability of your roof. How long and how durable your roof will be is a question that you should ask yourself and your roofing contractor. You can go with an inexpensive option that doesn’t last very long, especially if you are planning to spend less than 10 or 15 years in your house. However, if you are not thinking about moving out any time soon, you should go with a durable more expensive option. Some materials can last more than 50 years.
Weather Barrier:
Think about the location and the climate. Does it rain often? Is it always hot? Some materials can work better for certain weather conditions. Picking the right roofing material will shelter your home reliably. Today there are a lot of strong materials that can withstand thunderstorms, hail storms, and even tornadoes. Some materials are more wind resistant than others. Moreover, you should ask your contractor if your material is fire resistant.
Appearance:
You want a material that complements the aesthetic style of your home. The color, style, texture, and type of roofing will be visible to others and can change the shape of your home dramatically. You should try to pick a material that is consistent with the overall design. Today, there are a lot of synthetic roofing materials that are made to mimic the look of other traditional roofing materials that are not as durable. You should also pick the color depending on the weather. For example, if you live in a hot climate, you should stay away from dark roofs because they tend to absorb more sunlight. Lighter colors reflect the light and heat, thus keeping your home cooler.
Slope:
Believe it or not, sometimes the slope of the roof can limit your options. Some materials like tile, for example, will only work on your roof if your roof is 4-in-12 or steeper. This means that the slope rises by 4 inches every 12 inches of horizontal run. If you have a lower slope, you need to stay away from such materials, otherwise, they will leak when water pools in case of rain.
Discussing different options with your roofing contractor will help you pick the most suitable option. There are a lot of materials that can suit every budget. Some are relatively affordable while others can be unbelievably expensive. Make sure that you pick the right man for the job as this will definitely affect the quality of the outcome.