If you find that you need a new roof, you may be wondering if you should replace it with the same material that had been there before or with something different. There are many different roofing materials, so you have various options to choose from, including shingles, tile and metal.
Each of these different materials comes with pros and cons. Knowing which one is the best option will depend on several different factors. Read on the guide or check here (Roof Masters of Windham) to determine which roof material is the best one for your home.
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A Wide Variety of Roof Material to Choose From
When it comes to residential houses, in general, there are three different roofing types that you can choose from. These include asphalt shingles, tile and metal. Each comes with benefits and drawbacks, so deciding which one to add to your home requires being informed.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles have been a popular roofing material since the early 1900s, and they can be found on the vast majority of homes in North America. They are usually inexpensive and are available in different colors and styles, which means you can make sure they complement the color of your home and give it some extra curb appeal.
In addition, asphalt shingles are durable and can withstand most weather conditions. They are easy to install and could potentially last for 25 years. Although, on average, they last for approximately 10 to 12 years.
One of the downsides to asphalt roofing is that they aren’t very energy efficient. They absorb the heat of the sun, which means they will heat your attic. This is beneficial in the winter when it’s cold but can make cooling your home in the summer expensive. They can also show wear and tear after five or six years, which can make your home look unkempt.
Shingles also don’t withstand high winds very well, and they can be lifted and potentially torn away from your house. Once they have been lifted or removed, your roof will be exposed to potential damage and water leaks.
Tile
Tile has been used as a roofing material for thousands of years. It is resilient against a wide range of adverse weather conditions and can withstand winds up to 125 miles per hour. This option is environmentally friendly, and old tiles can be recycled and reused to create a new roof white field tile.
Tiles are offered in numerous styles and colors. They can potentially last for 50 years and require very little maintenance.
The downside to tile is that it is incredibly heavy. You have to make sure you have the proper structural reinforcements if you want to add this to your home; otherwise, it can cause serious issues and potentially collapse.
Metal
Adding a metal roof will make your home almost completely impervious to storms and high winds. The metal can be made from different alloys, including galvanized steel, copper and aluminum. A metal roof can make your home attractive, and it will last for an incredibly long time.
One of the downsides to a metal roof is that depending on where you live, it can erode. Metal roof material can also be on the more expensive side, depending on which alloy you choose. They can also be noisy during a storm.
Choosing the Right Roof for Your Home
Now that you have an idea of the different roofing options, you’ll want to determine which one is right for your home. To do this, you’ll need to consider the following:
Aesthetics
Your roof plays an important role when it comes to protecting your home, but it’s also in place to look good. When it comes to deciding what type of roof material you want to add to your structure, you need to consider what is going to make it look good.
For modern homes, adding any of the options listed above can make your house look fantastic. If you are restoring an older home, you can decide on a roofing material that would have been in place when it was originally built, or you can get one of the newer roofing material options that looks like it came from the past. The choice is yours!
Budget
How much money you have to spend on a new roof will determine what type you get. Not only do you need to consider what you can afford now, but you’ll need to think about how much it costs to maintain the roof and how long it will last.
You could pay a larger upfront price to add a metal or tile roof to your home, but then you won’t have to replace it for a long time to come — which means you’ll save in the long run.
Maintenance
Speaking of maintenance, this will be another thing you’ll have to consider when deciding what roof material to get. Most of the options require very little maintenance, but a metal roof is one of the easiest to maintain. They can also withstand a wide variety of damaging weather conditions.
Asphalt shingles aren’t challenging to take care of, but if a few of them get damaged, it might be hard to replace just those few. When it comes to tiles, it may be possible to fix a few broken ones here and there, and they can be recycled and reused.
Geographic Location
Where you live will also play a role in the type of roof you get for your home. As mentioned, metal roofs can last for a long time, but if you live near the coast, there’s an increased chance that the metal will corrode.
For areas that experience a lot of snow over the winter, you might want to reconsider adding tiles to your home. Since the tiles are already heavy, adding the snow’s weight may be more than your house can handle.
Shingles are cost-effective and come in a variety of styles and colors, but in places that have consistent high winds, you may have to replace these more often than you would like.
Talk to a Professional
Finding the right roof for your home might require talking to a professional. The Roof Masters of Windham can give you advice on which roof material is the best for your home and budget, and they’ll be able to answer any questions you might have. When it comes down to it, the choice will be based on personal preference, but having information will help you make a good decision.
