Material choice for house roofing is an important decision that can define its durability and effectiveness in terms of energy, among other aspects of appearance. With several options-from asphalt shingles that are arguably as old as homes to modern metal roofs-getting the right one for your house is key. The right decision will also secure your house from the natural elements and make the look of its exterior more attractive with the rise in its resale value.
In this blog, we explain the key factors to consider while choosing the best material for roofing your home.
Selecting A Roofing Material: Important Elements To Consider
Consider Your Climate
The local climate plays a major role in the choice of roofing material. The materials behave differently under different weather conditions. For instance, if one is residing in a region that is hot and dry, clay or concrete tiles would be perfect since they have inherent immunity against extreme heat levels and possess natural cooling properties. On the other hand, when your area gets heavy winter and snow, the metal or slate roofs are appropriate as these are effective and easily shed the snow from above. On the windy and rainy regions along the coast, the water-resistant material like asphalt shingles or metal roofs may be very excellent because of its high resistance to water and strong winds.
Assess Durability and Lifespan
Durability and long term use should also be a criterion in making your choice. Asphalts shingles are very cheap with a life span of 15 to 30 years. If calculated through investment, it is not too costly; however, apparently, it is very expensive with the upfront costs and lasts from anywhere between 40 to 70 years. Slate and clay tiles last as long as 100 years or more. Even though these materials will be costly to install, the long duration of durability they provide reduces the cycle times in which a need for repair or replacement will take place; therefore, cheaper in the long term.
Evaluate Energy Efficiency
The choice of materials for roofing may influence how energy-efficient your home is. For instance, some roofing materials, such as metal, are reflective and absorb very little heat, thus less cooling during hot summers. Clay and concrete tiles insulate your house perfectly, thus maintaining a constant temperature inside the house. Cool roofs, those that reflect significant quantities of the sun’s rays and absorb relatively small amounts of heat, are thus best recommended in warmer climates.
Match the Style and Aesthetic of Your Home
For the residential roofing material, it should always complement the architectural style of the house. Asphalt shingles, for example, can be very versatile because there are many shades of colors and styles. Metal roofings are sleekly designed, which best works on modern or contemporary homes. Slate and clay tiles are mostly chosen for traditional or Mediterranean-type houses because of their classic and timeless look. Wood shingles or shakes, for instance, are perfect as they give natural and attractive looks typical of cottages and country styles.
Budget Considerations
Finally, the budget will always find its way to play a primary part in choosing the roofing material. The cheapest roofing material comes in the form of asphalt shingles, and because of their price flexibility, most low-budget homeowners opt for them. More expensive options for the roofing material include metal, slate, and tile materials, which are otherwise sturdier and last longer, thus saving you more by less frequent expenditures on maintenance and replacements. You also have to balance the costs of installing at face value against the actual benefits and savings each material may offer.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Roofing Decision for Your Home
Choosing a suitable material for the house’s roofing can be a rather tough process. There are numerous factors that come into consideration while determining which one is the best, and the foremost factors among them include climatic conditions, durability, energy efficiency, aesthetic appeal, and financial budgets. Considering all these factors may enable you to choose a roofing material that provides all functional requirements of making your home more beautiful and valuable. Whether you decide to spend your money on the affordability of asphalt shingles or the durability of metal or slate, the right choice will ensure your home stays well-protected and stylish for years to come.
Ready to Upgrade your Roof? Contact our roofing contractors in Maryland for a free consultation. Our experts will help you choose the right roofing material for your home.