A leaking roof is a real headache. It usually requires maintenance, which the tenant must cover the expenses of, on top of paying for rent or a mortgage elsewhere. Having a good roof is something you should put some effort into, in order to avoid this. Choosing your roof material can be a daunting task due to the sheer number of available products on the market. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when making the decision that can help you narrow it down to the perfect one for you.
1. Climate Conditions
Before you consider anything else, it’s important to decide what conditions your roof will be subjected to. The different materials are used in different climates, so if the weather where you live is rather harsh, you’ll probably want to go for something strong and durable. If it’s less extreme, there are more options available.
When thinking about this, people usually anticipate what their roof requirements will be during winter. If you live in an area that has a lot of snowfall, it’s important to pick a roof that can support its weight. However, you need to consider what the weather is like during other seasons as well. Spring storms play a big part in Portland roofing preparations since heavy rainfalls are pretty common there during this period. On the other hand, living in a place that sees a lot of extreme heat most of the year, such as Texas, will mean you should think about materials that can resist high temperatures.
You’ll also need to consider the way your roof is exposed. Are you in an area where there is a lot of sunlight? If so, materials that reflect light and heat will be important for you. On the other hand, if you’re in a place that’s often covered by clouds or it gets very little sun at all, you won’t need to worry about any of that and can just choose a regular roofing material.
2. Durability Of The Material
After you’ve decided how your roof will be exposed, you’ll need to consider the durability of the material. Of course, this is a big factor regardless of where you live and what conditions it has. Sturdy materials that are most commonly used are metal and asphalt. They are the most affordable in this regard, but metal is much more expensive than asphalt. It’s also easier to maintain when you have metal because it doesn’t rot or erode when exposed to sunlight.
Brick is a little more expensive than metal but it can last for a hundred years. It isn’t as simple to install and requires more effort, though, so the asphalt is more commonly used in this case. There are also various types of material that have been on the market for decades now that come with warranties, such as tile or even wood shingles. Keep in mind that durability can sometimes be affected by maintenance.
This may be important for you when deciding on one since you might not want to be out there every few months working on your roof. A material that requires the most upkeep would typically be brick, while metal and asphalt are the easiest types to maintain.
3. Style
Considering your style can make the process of picking out the material more exciting. A modern-style house would look good with metal while a Victorian would look better with brick or wood shingles.
When deciding on this, it might be a good idea to consider the style of your neighborhood as well. While creating a standout home is important for some people, others would prefer to stick with what looks fitting to their area. Having a house that completely blends in with others in the area can sometimes be boring, but having an all-glass futuristic building among a row of residential homes probably wouldn’t work either.
Another thing to keep in mind is the visual weight. This basically means how heavy each section of your roof will seem because of its material. For example, metal can look very sleek and modern but it isn’t too lightweight, so it will add to the already significant weight of your roof and walls. This can be a problem if it’s windy or you live in an area that gets lots of storms.
4. Budget
While there are certain cases in which it may be worth spending more money on a roof than others, the most typical scenario is that you shouldn’t spend much more than half of what your house itself costs.
Roofing materials come with different warranties. Some are even lifetime ones, so the more you pay the better protection you get. Keep in mind that this is something you should negotiate with whoever is offering your roof since it will have an impact on your budget.
It’s important to remember that roofs are there to keep us safe and protect our homes. Having one that’s sturdy is especially important if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. While we mostly focused on brick shingles, asphalt, and metal, there are other materials on the market as well. If you fall in love with a roofing material that’s less commonly used, you might want to talk to a professional to see what their experience is like with it. That way you can be sure that it’s the right fit for your roof and for your home.