How to Choose the Ideal Roofing for your Home

Guest Blogger #624, Entry #1476, August 18, 2012

Most homeowners don’t know the first thing about the roof on their house. As long as it keeps the rain out they’re happy to ignore it. But when you start to have problems with damage, leakage, or other concerns, you will have to become a bit more familiar with how a roof is constructed if you want any hope of salvaging what you’ve got or at least saving some money on replacement (now and in the long run). So if you’ve gotten to the point where you simply can’t stave off the inevitable any longer, here are a few roofing options that you may want to consider.

What type of roof is right for your home, slate?

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Tile versus shingle.

These are the two most common types of roofing materials, so when most homeowners think about replacing a roof this will be their conundrum. And there are a couple of things to consider before you decide. First, there is cost, and shingle roofing is almost universally less expensive. However, tile tends to be more durable and if you live with persistent weather conditions (heat, rain, snow, etc.) it could provide additional insulating properties. So you’ll at least want to consider your local climate, your current budget, and the potential cost of repairs down the line before you choose one of these options.

Advantages of tile vs. asphalt roofing

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Slate.

There are definitely some pros and cons associated with choosing this natural resource for your roof. While slate is fairly expensive and you may have qualms about selecting materials that are mined from the Earth (in a less than eco-friendly fashion), the truth is that there are few options on the market more durable than slate. In fact, manufacturers are so certain that it will stand the test of time that some offer up to a 100-year warranty. And considering that you can often find recycled or reclaimed slate roofing, you may even be able to save a little money (and your eco-consciousness) in the process.

Metal.

There are two benefits of metal roofing that cannot be denied. The first is that the life expectancy of the product is extensive (whereas the average asphalt shingles may last only 10-20 years, metal roofing could last 50 or 60). The other is that it looks just like regular tile (not the corrugated shed-topper you were probably picturing). It will cost you a bit more than the average roof, but the reflective surface will likely prove energy efficient (bouncing the summer heat) while a dark color will help to insulate during the winter.

Eco-friendly options.

For those that are concerned with practicing green ideals in every area of their lives, there are plenty of environmentally sound options when it comes to roofing, from recycled and sustainable materials to those that will last far longer than competitors (requiring less manufacturing). And if you’re worried about counteracting your carbon footprint, you might consider layering solar panels over your roof or using an irregular slope (a flat area) to create a rooftop garden (especially useful in urban areas where it can help to reduce the heat island effect).

Choose roofing that fits your climate & home’s architecture

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Maintenance and repairs.

Whether you’ve just installed a new roof or you’re looking to salvage the one you’ve got, maintenance and repair services (like those offered by Katy roofing company and comparable businesses) can help you to get the most out of your home’s current cap. With regular checkups, expedient repairs, and treatments to boost the longevity of your roof, you can enjoy this pricy home necessity for many years to come.

For more maintenance tips on Stagetecture, click here.