The roof is one of the most important parts of any house. This is because it plays two key roles. First, the roof will protect you and your family from the torments of harsh weather including rain and storms.
But more importantly, the roof plays a key role in determining how your home looks. Innovatively designed roofs, featuring top of the line roofing materials, will always bring out the architectural elements of any building. A good roof will also enhance the value of your home.
Well, the good news is that there are quite a few reliable roofing materials you can use. We are going to look at some of them here!
Important Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Roofing Material
Before we get down to the specific roofing materials you can consider to remodel your home, we need to, first of all, give you a simple guide on how to ultimately pick the best roofing.
Here are a few important questions to ask before settling on a material:
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How heavy is the material? Heavy roofing options may require special framing to hold them. This means that you may end up spending more money than expected.
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Does the material need special installation? Some materials may require specialized expertise and tools to install so they may cost more money as well.
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Does the material meet local fire and building codes? If you are not sure about this, check in with your local authorities or contractor for additional advice.
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How much will the roof cost? While the ultimate goal is to get the best roof for your house, you don’t have to break the bank to get it.
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How long will the roof last? Roofing is not cheap. You want to make sure that the roofing material chosen can last for decades after installation.
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Will the roof handle the weather conditions in my area? As we have already noted above, the roof is supposed to keep you safe from harsh weather. It must be able to handle normal weather patterns in your location with ease.
Top Roofing Materials
Well, now that you have some guidance on how to pick roofing materials, let’s look at some of the most popular options on the market right now:
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are a popular roofing material for residential properties. They are very easy to install and very affordable. They are also available in a wide variety of colors to suit the decor tastes of different homeowners. The only challenge with asphalt shingles is the short lifespan. It will also not give you proper insulation compared to other materials.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
Clay and concrete roofing tiles have some unique elegance to them. They are designed for classier homes and they come with some really good benefits as well. First, they will last for ages with very little maintenance required. They are also weather resistant. The materials will do well even in harsh climates.
Finally, they are energy efficient. However, they are heavy, so special framing will be needed. This ultimately adds to the cost.
Metal
Metal is probably the most basic roofing material you can go for. But don’t let this fool you. There are so many benefits you can take advantage of.
First, metal roofs are extremely resistant to harsh weather. They will also last long even with little maintenance. Metal roofs can be customized with different colors and design patterns as well.
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles have been a go-to roofing material for years and it’s not hard to see why. This material is very unique. It gives your home that breathtaking rustic look. Wood shingles are also completely natural.
However,
They may not pass local fire codes in many areas. Wood shingles may also be problematic in wet climates. They can attract mold and start to rot if not well maintained and if it is exposed to a lot of moisture.
Make sure you make the best decision for your home by contacting a local roofing pro and asking for advice!