Your roof is often the first thing visitors see and the last thing they forget when they leave your home. Making a good impression on guests is a matter of ensuring that your roofing is in tip-top shape. What happens, though, when you know it is time to replace the roof but do not know how to go about finding the right material? Read this guide when deciding which roofing option is right for your home and lifestyle.
What Good Is A Roof?
A roof is more than an accessory to the structure of your home. You may think of residential roofing as an incentive to make the neighborhood standout from other communities. The reality, however, is that a roof plays an intricate part in your quality of life.
A poorly installed or worn roof allows insulation to leave the building, which can drive your energy bill through the roof. Your HVAC system may also suffer from a poorly installed or worn roof as it must work overtime to replenish the air and heating that has slipped through the cracks. A poor roof defeats the purpose of freshly installed windows and doors when the ultimate goal is keeping heat and air inside the building.
On the other hand, a good roof operates on a different level with the results of excellent installation felt by every family member. You will find yourself turning the HVAC system off sooner rather than later on cold nights after replacing the roof. There is also the possibility to save on your energy bill with solar panel installation on top of your freshly placed roofing.
Some homeowners select the first roofing material they come across in an effort to repair or replace old roofing before the winter months. You should be cautious, however, to purchase the first material you see as not every roofing solution is equal.
Those who want to focus on better insulation may want to consider purchasing material that is heavier and, therefore, better capable of keeping heat and air inside. You may not want to buy such material if the central aim of your roof replacement is aesthetics. Those looking to give their home a better exterior look may be satisfied with roofing that offers less insulating power while being pleasing to the eye.
Generally speaking, any material derived from fiber is better for those looking for excellent insulation. Vinyl is often the basis of material made especially for those who prefer aesthetics. It is important to note that vinyl material is not necessarily “weaker” than fiber. Both products serve a purpose and work best when used in conjunction with their primary functionality.
Of course, there is more to roofing materials than fiber and vinyl. Read on to learn more about the different types of roofing!
Types Of Roofing
There are various types of roofing from whence you may choose when you decide it is time to replace your roof. You should consider the type of roof you want before searching for roofing installation companies. This method can save you the hardship that comes with picking a residential roofing service that may not specialize in the type of roof you desire.
Here are seven roofing options to consider when weighing the possibilities of roofing materials!
Solar Tiles
Many homeowners who want to save money consider solar tiles. This type of material can generally be placed alongside other roofing options (i.e., shingles) for a finished look that is both beautiful and efficient.
Solar panel installations can save homeowners up to 30% on their electric bills. The maintenance on these tiles, though more involved than other roofing options, is also cost-effective when you hire the best roofers who thoroughly conduct routine repairs.
Asphalt Shingles
It is not uncommon for you to see an entire community with asphalt shingles on top of every home. Not only are shingles aesthetically pleasing but they are also durable. Quality shingles can last upwards of 15 years without requiring a massive overhaul or repair. You can also conduct minor repairs on your own as long as you keep backup material in the garage.
Although pleasing to the eye, it is important to note that not all asphalt shingles are equal. Some material appears to be authentic but will break and fall off with a touch of high winds and heavy rains.
You should ask your residential roofers about the grade of shingles they plan to install. The best material passes ASTM D3161, Class F (110 mph) or ASTM D7158, Class H (150 mph) wind tests and the AC438 durability test.
Those living in areas where inclement weather is the norm may want to pass on shingles altogether. Hail storms are especially brutal on shingles that may crack upon impact if the size of ice is the size of golf balls.
On the other hand, you may receive a discount on your home insurance plan if you invest in impact resistant asphalt shingles. It may be worth asking the professional roofers you select about the possibility of impact resistant asphalt shingles even if you reside in an area more prone for inclement weather.
Metal Roofing
Similar in style to asphalt shingles, metal roofing comes in vertical paneling and lasts about 60 years. This material is the ideal choice if you want the aesthetic look of asphalt shingles without the heartache of having to replace them in half the time because of inclement weather conditions in your area.
Metal roofing is made especially for snow storms and heavy rains. The design of the roof, coupled with the durability of metal, resists heavy winds and does not easily catch fire.
Of course, metal is rather loud when hit by raindrops. There is also the issue of significant hail storms. Metal roofing can dent if the ice is large enough.
Still, denting and breaking are two different aspects. You can hire a professional roofer to repair your metal roof after a strong storm. The likelihood of you needing a full replacement is relatively low as metal is hard to penetrate.
As with solar paneling, metal roofing can work alongside other materials. In fact, some homeowners install metal roofing on top of asphalt shingles to ensure extra protection during storms.
Stone-coated Steel
Stone-coated steel has interlocking panels that are similar to the slate style. This material is the ideal choice when you live in an area more susceptible to heavy rains and high winds.
Stone-coated steel can handle winds of up to 120mph while also resisting the impact of significant hail in a storm. This roofing material is also great for those who live in areas prone to wildfires. Stone-coated steel resists fire so you can have more time to gather your possessions and leave the home if you are evacuated.
Slate
Slate roofing is the best option if you are looking for a roof that lasts a long time. This material is known to endure for up to 100 years while being waterproof and fire resistant.
Slate material is not for the individual searching for the cheapest repair and replacement options. You will pay a significant amount to have this type of roofing installed on your home or business. Slate is also not the best option for areas that experience heavy hail storms as it breaks rather easily when direct impact is applied.
Still, the material may be worth your consideration if you are a business owner looking to gain long-term benefits from your next roof installation. You should, of course, as your commercial building contractors if slate roofing is the right choice for your situation.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
Other durable options when desiring to protect your home from natural disasters are clay and concrete tiles. These roofing materials can withstand winds up to 125mph and can even endure the shaking of an earthquake.
Clay and concrete tiles work best in warm climates and may require additional support to bear their weight. You definitely need to hire a professional who has the right tools to complete the installation and revisit for repairs.
Green Roofing
Green roofs are the ideal choice for environmentalists. This roofing option typically comes with plant covering and can improve overall air quality both in the home and outside.
Green roofs, though great for the environment and aesthetically pleasing, are not for everyone. This type of roofing option requires significant care along with water infiltration and drainage. You also need a vapor barrier and excellent insulation with a green roof.
Those willing to invest the time and money in green roofing can expect them to last up to 40 years before needing an entire overhaul. You should thoroughly research the notion of a green roof before hiring a residential roofing service to install one on your home.
Things To Consider When Deciding Which Option Works Best
You should have longevity in mind before deciding on any roof material. Those willing to replace their roof every 15 years may do well with materials that last about as long.
The upfront benefit to having a roof that does not last for decades is cost. You can expect to pay significantly less for a roof with a 15-year guarantee because of the likelihood of the installation requiring significant repairs sooner rather than later.
You may not find a roof that needs to be replaced in less than 20 years appealing if you are looking for longevity. Those willing to pay more upfront may find the long-term rewards of having a roof for the life of their home most beneficial.
Warranty is another aspect to consider when deciding on roof materials and installation. The best roofers guarantee their work regardless of the material you choose. Thicker, longer-lasting roofing materials usually offer another advantage: better warranties from the manufacturer.
Considering your environment is an absolute must when deciding which roofing option is right for your home. You may not want to consider material that easily breaks when subjected to significant impact if you reside in an area prone to inclement weather. At the same time, regions where high heat lead to wildfires may require material not easily engulfed in flames.
Of course, you cannot consider roofing options without thinking of the price tag. While every homeowner wants to buy the best roof that comes with both longevity and a great warranty, such may not be possible if you are on a tight budget.
The good news is that a tight budget does not have to completely dictate quality. There are several roofing options that are both economically priced and excellent in terms of durability.
You may need to research materials to determine the option that best fits your budget before looking at roof installation companies. The result of such hard work, however, will likely outweigh the cost of additional hours spent looking into various options for your roof’s repair and replacing.
Is It Time To Replace?
You know it is time to replace your roof when water begins to leak in from the outside. There are other signs that it may be time to look toward new roofing, though, that are not as dramatic.
Cracks in the ceiling that you did not notice before are a definite sign of a breach in the structure. It may be that the foundation has shifted to cause the rifts. It also may be a case of your roof telling you that it needs attention.
You should also consider replacing your roof on a home that you recently purchased if there is no evidence of repair or replacing within the past 10 years. It may be that the last person who owned the home did not have the means of addressing the roof. You do not want to wait until the winter months to discover cracks and holes that compromise the entire structure.
