What’s the right roof for your home?

When you are looking for a new roof for your house, there are several important factors you should consider. Of course, you want it to look beautiful and to enhance the curb appeal and value of your home, but you should also look into the cost of the material, how much it weighs and whether your existing structure can support it, how long it is expected to last, and how easy or difficult it is to install.

Your research might take you some time, seeing that there are so many materials available these days, many that will surely be worthy of your consideration. Here are some points to get you started.

Talk Like a Roofer

When you buy roofing materials, you should know that the way roofers measure the area is not by square feet but by what that they refer to as squares. Squares measure 10-foot by 10-foot or an area of 100 square feet. If you own a home with gables and a 2,000 square-foot area, you may need 20 squares of material.

Impacts on Budget

Not only will you have to know how much the new roofing material will cost. You also have to add to the budget whether the home has an old roof that needs to be removed and if any structures underneath it should be strengthened or repaired. And if your roof has several chimneys or there are skylights, turrets, or if the roof has different slopes, the cost of the project may rise significantly.

Selecting the Roofing Material

The way your roof slants will also have an impact when you are looking for the best material for it. If it has a low slope, if it is flat, or if it has gables, different materials will work best. If you prefer a material that is too heavy, the structure of your home may not support it. Here are some of the most popular materials homeowners use these days:

Asphalt Shingles

As the most popular roofing material today, asphalt shingles are also of great value. They are easy to install and to maintain or repair. They are made of fiberglass that gets impregnated with asphalt, and sand-like granules are placed on its surface. They come in a wide variety of colors and textures.

Wood

Make sure the fire code in your area allows wood shingles before selecting this option. These shingles are generally made from cedar, southern pine, or redwood and may be split or sawn. Although their lifespan is similar to that of asphalt shingles, their price may be twice as high.

Cement and Tile

Although expensive, these tiles tend to be very heavy and durable. Their wavy effect makes them ideal for Spanish-style homes.

Metal

Whether you prefer copper, steel, or copper-and-asphalt, metal roofing is very durable, but the price is also high. They may be installed as shingles, or they may come in vertical lengths that need to be joined with solder.

Slate

Slate is a great choice when you are looking for durability. Slate shingles can be recycled and reinstalled. Their look is unique, but their price is high.

All roofing materials have their pros and cons. As a general rule, the more you spend on the materials, the longer it will last. Some people also prefer the look of the more expensive materials, but that’s a matter of personal taste. Before committing, look at some other jobs your roofer has done with the material you’re considering.

Before making the final selection of the material for your roof, you may want to learn more about all the options available and the benefits each one offers.