Deciding on a roof can be difficult, as your roof adds the finishing touch of beauty to your home. In addition, the choice of roof you choose can affect your energy costs and comfort level, as well. Last but not least, a well-chosen roof can add to the value of your home.
Roofing Considerations
Before deciding on a roof type, there are several factors that you should consider, since certain materials work better in certain situations than in others. A few important factors are:
- Location
- Pitch of the roof
- Structure at the house
The location of your home will determine the best type of roofing materials. For instance, in a hot desert setting, you might choose a Mission style tile roof, or one made of metal. Both of these examples provide a cooling effect and are fire resistant.
The pitch of your roof, in simple terms the degree of slant, also affects the type of building material that can be used. A metal roof, for instance, does not work well on a flat surface.
The structure of the house is important inasmuch as some roofing materials are very heavy, such as slate. It is important to know that the foundation of your home will be able to withstand the weight of the roofing material you choose.
Budget Considerations
Roofing materials can vary widely in cost, with asphalt shingles on the lowest end and slate at the highest end of the range. When deciding on a roof type, it’s important to keep this in mind. In addition to budget considerations, you will also want to match the roof to the style of your home.
Mission style housing looks great with Spanish tile roofs. These homes are usually found on the West Coast and in the Midwest and reflect Spanish influences. The tile roofs are specifically engineered for the area where they are located and include an inherent design for cooling. They are, however, heavy and expensive.
Metal roofs can be designed to suit almost any architecture, and have very clean lines. They offer benefits such as lasting for 35 years without needing to be painted. However, they are more costly to have installed initially, and require a specific pitch to work well. All of these are considerations to think of before deciding on a roof.
Rely on the Expertise of Your Roofing Contractor
The roofing contractors in your local area are in the best position to advise you on the type of roofing materials that are best suited for your local area. If you have your heart set on a particular type of roofing material, you should located contractor who specializes roofs of that type. Ask if you can see a portfolio of his work or perhaps visit some of the houses where he has installed the type of roof you desire. Do your research and you can likely look forward to many years of enjoyment with your new roof.
