When you rely on your home to provide you with comfort and shelter, you can't take any risks with its ability to keep water outdoors where it belongs. Great roofing is instrumental in the fight against the elements, because it helps to create the kind of environment you need to keep your home and family safe. Unfortunately, there are many homes that don't have strong, reliable roofs, which can cause problems in the long run. On this website, check out excellent ways to spot roofing problems and resolve them quickly. After all, your home is your most valuable asset, so protect it now.
When putting on a new roof, one of the biggest decisions you need to make is about the roofing material. Keep the following things in mind when looking at your options.
1. Budget
Budget is the number one motivator for most roofing choices. As a general rule, buy the highest quality roofing material that will fit into your budget. Asphalt shingles are generally the most cost-effective option for a new roof, and it is much better to invest in higher quality asphalt as opposed to low quality metal or tiles that may not last as long because of inherent flaws in the materials.
2. Architectural Style
The style of your home must play a major role in your roofing choice. A Spanish style home or villa, for example, will look odd with a gray shingle roof. These homes look best with terracotta-colored Spanish tiles or in some cases even metal roofs. On the other hand, a Cape Cod style home would look out of place with Spanish tiles on top. Look at homes with similar architectural styles to yours to get a feel over which roofing options look best.
3. Climate Concerns
Your local climate should be considered when looking at roofing materials. In areas prone to high winds or hurricanes, metal roofs secured by hurricane fittings may be a better investment than easily damaged asphalt shingles. On the other hand, if you are in a hot, sunny climate, then asphalt shingles with a UV coating may be the best value. Your roofer can help you determine which types of materials are best suited to your specific climate.
4. HOA Rules
If you live in an HOA community, then you will need to check the rules to see what types of roofing are allowed. Many HOAs have rules not just on the material of the roof, but also on the color and sometimes even the design. In practice, this typically means you have some choices, but they may be limited. For example, you may be limited to three tab asphalt shingles in one of five approved colors.
5. Future Plans
Consider any future plans you have for your roof. For example, if you plan to put in solar panels in a few years, then light weight but long lived metal roofing may be the better choice. If your future plans include constructing an addition for your home, then you want to make sure that you can match the roofing material you choose in the future when it's time to roof the addition.
Contact a local roofing company, like Pyramid Roofing Inc., to discuss your options.