COST
As with any major purchase, your budget comes into play when choosing a roof. There are many roofing materials on the market, all of which vary in terms of their cost. To keep costs down, opt for composite, asphalt, or fiberglass shingles. These roofing materials are durable, long-lasting, easy to install, and easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for most homeowners. For an attractive look, wood shakes are a great option. Remember, however, that they require ongoing maintenance to keep them looking their best. If your budget allows, top-of-the-line materials like tile, clay, and slate are beautiful, durable options. These roofing materials require very little maintenance and last for a long time, making them a good long-term investment. To learn more, check out Fortress Roofing.
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
Opting for roofing materials that work well with your home’s existing architecture is the best way to boost its curb appeal. For instance, coastal-style homes often look amazing with vibrant red or blue roofs. Homes with Spanish-inspired architecture, on the other hand, usually look best with clay tile roofs. Just make sure the roofing materials you choose meet any neighborhood rules or regulations.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Green roofs are a great option if you want to create an eco-friendly home. Not only do these roofs save energy but they also help clean the air, providing many environmental benefits. For easy installation, choose modules or trays with plants that are already grown.
COLOR CHOICES
Putting a new roof on your home is one of the fastest ways to improve its appearance. Shingles come in many different colors. If your house is blue, gray, or white, consider going with black or dark gray shingles. On the other hand, if your home is cream, tan, or brown, opt for brown or cream-colored shingles instead.
CLIMATE CONSIDERATIONS
Your local climate is one of the most important considerations when choosing a new roof. If you live in a hot climate, concrete, clay, slate, or terra-cotta tiles can help keep your home cooler. Keep in mind, however, that they are exceptionally heavy, which means that the structure of your home needs to be strong enough to support them. White tiles that are made out of ceramic or composite materials can reduce your air-conditioning costs by reflecting as much as 77% of the sunlight that falls on their surface. The same holds true for white metal roofing materials. Although metal roofs are a little more costly than other options, they require very little maintenance, are extremely durable, and can save a lot of energy. If the area where you live experiences severe weather such as hail, high winds, or heavy rain, choose roofing materials that are capable of standing up to these extreme weather conditions.
Homeowners in areas that get a lot of snow often opt for metal roofing. Snow and ice easily slide off of the metal surface. As long as metal roofs are adequately insulated, they also can save you energy. Heavy-duty shingles and metal roofs also work well in areas that get strong winds. Homes that are located in climates that experience heavy rain usually do best with concrete roofs. Just remember that concrete tiles weigh a lot more than asphalt. Make sure that the structure of your home is capable of supporting their weight.