The roof is not just a mere shield but also part of the structure that defines its personality. They provide protection from the environment, play a significant role in energy saving, and are also an element of the architectural design of your home. Roofing material selection is one of the most important decisions homeowners make since it involves the aesthetics of the house and the health of the people living in the house, among other aspects. This is especially true given the fact that there are so many types of materials available, and thus, it becomes rather difficult to choose the right one for a given task.
Consider the Climate
Regional climate greatly influences the selection of roofing material for a particular house. For example, if you live in a climate zone with a snowy winter, you will have to choose a material that will be able to bear the weight of the accumulated snow and repel moisture. That is why metal and slate roofs are considered ideal in such situations because of their long-term durability and good snow-shedding qualities. On the other hand, if you live in a hot region of the country, you will need a material that reflects the sun and does not trap heat easily. The use of light-colored shingles or tiles will also assist in cooling down your home since they will not absorb heat from the sun as is the case with dark colors such as black and red clay tiles are able to provide for some form of airflow beneath the roof of your house thus cooling the house.
Beauty and Home Preference
Roofing plays an important role in the aesthetics of your home and is a major defining feature of its exterior. Materials used in roofing are also available in different colors, textures, and styles. Therefore, it is important to select one that will suit the building’s architectural style.
Houses that are built in the traditional style will benefit from asphalt shingles because they are available in various colors and designs, thus making it easier to match the exterior looks of the house. Wood shingles or shakes will give a more conventional or historical appearance to the building and will also warm the building naturally, depending on its surrounding environment. Nevertheless, one must remember that wood needs more care and is less fire-resistant as compared to metal.
Durability and Longevity
The durability of the roofing material is another factor that you cannot afford to ignore when choosing a roofing material. Besides, you would not want something that will degrade within a short time. Asphalt shingles, which are the most popular type of roofing products, usually have a life expectancy of about 20 – 30 years. But metal roofs, for instance, may last between 40 to 70 years depending on the type of metal being used and the level of maintenance given. Slate, clay, and concrete tiles are some of the longest-lasting roofing materials, with the ability to last more than 50 years or if well-maintained.
Professional Advice and Installation
Selecting the right material for a roof is a major decision, and it is always advised that one consults a professional to find the material that will best suit one’s needs. If you are in, for example, the Texas area, you should try searching for professional roofing companies such as Ace Roofing Company because they are likely to offer a wealth of information regarding appropriate materials for your region and your home architecture. A professional roofer can also help in making sure that your roof is put up in the right manner to enhance its lifespan as well as efficiency. Nevertheless, it is crucial to understand that no type of roofing material can do the job well if it is not well installed.
Conclusion
The type of roof that you select for your home will determine the appearance of your home, comfort, and protection for several years. When selecting the type of roofing material, the climate, appearance, lifespan, cost, and codes are some of the things you need to take into consideration in order to arrive at the right decision that is suitable for your home and value. So, always seeking advice from a professional roofing company will be the key to arriving at the right decision for your house.
Sources:
https://spsroofingltd.co.uk/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-roofing-material/
https://illustrarch.com/articles/21047-choosing-the-perfect-roofing-material-for-your-home.html