No one wants to hear they need a new roof. In fact, this is probably one of the more costly things you can do as a homeowner. However, it’s absolutely necessary to have a properly working roof, as this is what protects the interior of the home from the elements. It can seem overwhelming when faced with the decision on which type of roof to go with when you need a roofing company like Image Roofing to install a new roofing system or consider a roof replacement, so we will go over with the basics for you.
Material
According to this helpful roofing company, there are several roofing materials out there. Chances are, you will probably go with the same type of roof that was on your house before. But if you’re considering a different type for cost, climate or other reasons, you will want to factor in which type will best suit your house. The material you ultimately choose will depend on several factors: price tag, longevity, your roof’s pitch and slope, climate and even the weight of the roofing material. That’s because slate and tile, for example, weigh much more than shingles so you have to make sure your home can support this extra weight. The most common material is asphalt shingle, and represents your most affordable option beginning at $50 a square, according to Bob Vila. While it lasts up to 20 years, this certainly isn’t the most long lasting option on the market. Wood can last you up to 25 years but is more costly and tends to warp and rot over time without proper upkeep. In fact, if you properly install and maintain your wood roof, you could get between 30 and 50 years out of it, says This Old House. You’ll get 50 or more years of life out of a metal roof, but those start at $250 a square and can feature more of an industrial look. If you want a low-maintenance option, zinc roofing could be for you. It’s got low-reflective qualities with a natural protectiveness about it that can last up to 80 years. Zinc, along with slate, are durable and long lasting materials; however, they are quite heavy and start at $800 per square.
Hire roofing contractors like the ones from Carolina Home Specialists who have specialized knowledge when it comes to a wide variety of roofing materials including metal, rubber, and asphalt materials to ensure the job is done right.
Price Tag
When looking for a new roof, you probably scan the prices first. That’s natural. After all, this is a big investment that you’ll probably have to take out a home improvement loan for. If you’ve got a strict budget in mind, money can control the type of roof you end up choosing. Do the necessary research into the pros and cons of your selected material. But surface price isn’t all you should consider. You also need to take into account how old your existing roof is and how bad its condition is. Does the old layer need to be taken off first? Are big repairs required in terms of the structure of the home? How simple or complex is your roofing system? If you have many angles, gables, pitches, dormers, turrets and skylights, expect the cost to go up quite a bit.
Other Factors to Consider
Aside from price and material, you’ll also have to take a look at factors such as weight, color, versatility, durability and climate. According to Braun’s Roofing (www.roofrepairsinhouston.com), for homes in sunny, hot regions, solar panel roofing is ideal if green living is important to you. You may also consider having architectural sheet metal as the main material of your roofing. You’ll also want to match the color and style of your roof to the home itself for a smooth blend of aesthetics.
To make sure your roof protects your home for decades to come, you’ll need to do a lot of research into the right type of system for your family, house and budget.
This article was contributed on behalf of Braun’s Roofing, your number one choice when looking for roofing services. Click here and see how they can help you!
