What Type of Roofing Material Should You Choose?

An important part of building or remodeling any home is choosing the right roofing material. The type of roofing you use can either add to the style and attractiveness of the home or take away from the looks and leave you wondering how such a mismatch could have happened. Before launching into any project that includes installing a new roof, take the time to look at and think about many different types of materials so that you will end up with a roof that is perfect for your home.

Start your search for roofing material by looking around different neighborhoods in your community. Look at older houses to see traditional roofing materials as well as newer houses to see what kinds of materials are the latest and the greatest. As you look at different materials, think about how they will fit with your homes architecture and style, as well as with the general style of your neighborhood.

Roofing Material

You may be surprised by some of the newer roofing materials. Its very possible that some of the roofing that you like best is made of materials that you would not expect. For instance, many kinds of metal roofing are made as individual shingles, in shapes and textures that are very much like tile, slate, or wood shingles. Looks are important, but so is durability. Check out the lifespan of different types of roofing material. The lifespan for the material you choose can range from a traditional 20 years for composite shingles to an ultra long 50 years for some kinds of metal roofing.

With the different styles, looks, and materials in mind you are now ready to look at cost. The most durable roofing materials of course tend to be the most expensive, but dont assume that the highest quality materials are the best choice for your home. If you plan to live in the home for a very long time then it probably makes sense to invest in a long lifespan roof, but if you will be moving within just a few years, you wont get enough return on your investment to justify spending for a top quality roof. Pay attention to local building codes and any neighborhood covenants, because more and more areas have guidelines and rules about the types of materials you can and cant use on your roof. Spend some time considering roofing material up front so that you save yourself time, money, and effort later on.

More Articles