The roofing system of your house is a major investment. Deciding which material to use on your new, or replacement roof, can be a daunting task. Roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, clay or concrete tiles, wood shakes, metal, or synthetic materials including rubber, plastic and polymer, have different qualities to be considered. Before you make a selection, consider the architectural style of your house, and whether a particular material would look better than another. Roofing companies can answer your questions and help guide you in the right direction. Here are five important factors to consider before making a choice that will be on the house for 25 years and beyond.
#1 Architectural Style
Knowing the architectural style and age of your home will help you select a suitable material. If your home has historical or Victorian characteristics, you might want to choose a material that looks more authentic to the time period. If your home is modern, any of the types of materials could look great. Curb appeal is important for your house. If you live in a neighborhood with an association, there might be restrictions on the type of material you use. Another consideration is your geographic location and the weather patterns where you live.
#2 Roof Slope
The slope, or pitch, of the roof is important, especially if you live where snow accumulates on the rooftop or there are frequent, severe thunderstorms. Roofing contractors can be help you determine the best roof pitch for your locale. If the pitch is too little, the chance of rain or melting snow pooling in low areas can result in a leaking roof. With a steep pitch, the water will run off. Make sure the material is designed to remain leak-free under hydrostatic pressure.
#3 Material Weight
The weight of the material you choose could result in added cost and construction time. For instance, a slate roof is very heavy and might require structural modifications to support the extra weight.
#4 Cost
It’s always a good idea to get a roofing estimate for the various types of materials to plan a realistic budget. The cost of roofing materials may vary greatly. For instance, shingles may be estimated to last 10-20 years versus a more expensive and better quality shingle that is rated for 30-40 years. Ask about the longevity of any roofing material before you buy it. If the roofing material should last 50 years or more, it might be worth budgeting the extra money for the long term. Ask your roofing company regarding any maintenance that the various materials require. Some roofing materials need very little maintenance, while others require the homeowner’s diligence in detecting problems early. Look for missing or damaged shingles, signs of moss or algae growth, rust on metal roofs, and general wear and tear. It will cost a lot less to correct a small problem than to wait until it becomes a major complication.
#5 Energy Efficient
Your roof can pay for itself to some extent. Some roofing materials have better thermal properties than others. In extreme climates, if the weather is hotter, the roof could deflect solar heat to keep the residence cooler, or absorb solar heat to help keep the home warmer in colder locales. Certain materials are better suited for particular climates. Ask about roofing materials in Dunwoody, and get guidance from the Superior Roofing Company of Georgia to select the best type of roofing material for your area.