How To Select Your Next Roofing Material

Selecting a roof material isn’t as easy as it used to be. You have standard asphalt shingles, the most common roofing material then there are natural materials like wood or slate, tiles made of concrete or clay, metal roofing, and composite materials that simulate the look of natural materials. Roofing materials can range drastically in price and each has their advantages and disadvantages. It’s enough to overwhelm any homeowner who needs to replace his/her roof.
Here are some tips to make the decision a little easier.

Know what’s off limits

A good place to start is eliminating the materials that you know you can’t use for your new roof. Many communities have banned the use of wood shakes or shingles because they are a fire hazard. You can check to see what the municipal fire code says in your community to see if wood is even an option. Your homeowner’s association may also restrict the roofing material choices that you have. Certain materials or colors may be off limits. Some homeowner’s associations may even insist on a particular material and color which makes your decision pretty easy.

Look at what your neighbors have

An easy way to select a roofing material is to try and match the roofs that your neighbors have. There are several advantages to blending in with your neighbors. For one, you avoid any conflict that might arise from having a roof that is drastically different from everyone else’s. Another thing to keep in mind is that you don’t want a roof that’s a lot more expensive than the other roofs on your block. While a new roof adds value to your home, a very expensive material like slate or clay tiles may put your home’s value outside the price range of what people will pay in your neighborhood. In other words, you won’t be able to sell your home or you’ll have to sell it for less than what it’s worth and lose the investment that you put into your new roof.

Cost and longevity

Once you’ve limited your choices down to what’s allowed in your community and what fits in your neighborhood, it comes down to a question of cost and how long you want it to last. The reason asphalt shingles are the most common choice is because they’re inexpensive and last a little longer than the average length of time a homeowner will remain in any given home. If you’re planning on staying awhile, however, asphalt shingles may not be the best choice as you may have to replace them more than once in the time you live in your home.

Ask your contractor

Don’t be afraid to ask your roofing contractor for advice. A contractor will be able to make good recommendations based on the climate in your area and the cost and longevity of various roofing materials.

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Source: kansascity.com/living/home-garden/article45244617.html