The roof on your home is one of the most important parts of the house and it will affect how well your home stands up to extreme weather. It’s also where you spend a lot of time when not in your bedroom or kitchen, so comfort and style are both very important considerations. There are many different types of roofs out there that span from traditional shingles to metal panels. Some people like the look and feel of wood shake while others prefer slate tiles because they come in more variety than other materials for roofing. How do you find the right type? Read this blog post series about finding the perfect roof for your home!
Decide What You Want
Do you need a roof that is durable and resists fire, or one that will help your home stay cool in the summertime? Are there specific types of stress your home is prone to? The answers to these questions will help you find which type of roofing material is best suited for the job. (However, it always makes sense to get some professional guidance from a trusted roofer in your locality before making the final decision. )
The first step in finding a brand-new roof or re-roofing (rebuilding) an existing one is deciding what kind of material you want. Roofs are constructed from different materials such as stone, tile, shingle/felt, rubberized asphalt, metal and wood shakes depending on spacing and climate.
Consider How Much Insulation Your Roof Needs
Typically, the thicker the insulation (in most cases), the longer it will last. The cost of insulating is often balanced by how comfortable your home can be and, in some cases, government tax credits may apply for weatherization.
Stone/Clay Tiles: Stone tiles are a great way to keep water out while looking elegant at the same time. They are heavy and thick so they take a beating from falling objects that other shingle types would not be able to withstand such as hail and ice chunks from trees! Some stone roofs require repairs every ten years because this material is porous, but others like slate stay airtight for up to fifty years before requiring repair.
Wood Shakes: These have been used on homes since the 1800’s and are a classic look. They are very durable against fire and heat so they work well on barns, garages or homes in communities prone to wildfires.
Asphalt Shingles: This is by far the most common type of roofing material because it’s affordable and easily available in almost any community. There are different qualities depending on cost such as 30-Year shingles vs Lifetime shingles (the more expensive option). In either case, asphalt roofing is best suited for people who do not live-in areas with extreme weather such as hurricanes because of its lightweight composition. If you live near a body of water then consider metal panels instead due to their flexibility during high winds or rain storms.
Metal Panels: These are similar to asphalt shingles but have a more luxurious look with their silver and bronze sheen. They’re also a great option for those who need the durability of a metal roof but don’t want the look, as they imitate wood shakes very closely. They are commonly used in coastal areas where hurricanes often hit or parts of the country prone to extreme heat like Arizona and New Mexico. When installing, be sure that air can flow freely under your panels so they don’t become hot! Otherwise, you could risk burning up your shingles when putting on new coats of paint!
Slate: Hands down one of my favorite materials for roofing! It is extremely durable and beautiful against a slate blue sky or the green woods below. It is a very heavy stone but if kept clean of debris, there will be no need for re-roofing for up to 50 years! This is because water flows right off it and slate does not absorb humidity like other roofs so it keeps your attic space cool in the summertime.
Rubberized Asphalt: So many homes are going this route these days! Like asphalt shingles, they can last up to 30 years and they’re lightweight which makes them easy to install as well as repair (such as when tree limbs fall on them). They are also easy to cut into intricate designs similar to some styles of roof shingles, such as cedar shakes.
