Whether you’re investing in a new construction home or replacing the roof on an existing home, the roofing material that you choose will have a big impact on your budget, as well as your home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency, and style. What’s more, the roofing material you choose may also impact the amount of maintenance and care you have to commit to your roof over the years. At River Region Contracting, LLC, our roofing professionals can help you to choose a roofing material that works for you and meets your needs. To learn more and to get a free roof inspection, please reach out to us by phone or online today.
Things to Consider When Choosing a New Roof
If you’ve made the decision to get a new roof—following the consultation of a roofing professional, of course—it’s time to start thinking about what type of roofing material you want. Some of the most common types of roofing materials include asphalt, composite shingles, wood shakes, metal shingles, standing seam metal roofing, clay tiles, and concrete tiles (amongst others!). Here are some things to think about when choosing the right material for your roof—
Budget
How much you can afford may very well be a determining factor in choosing a roofing material. Materials can vary dramatically in cost, with composite asphalt shingles often being one of the more affordable options. In addition to the cost of materials, consider the cost of labor—the heavier the materials and the more complex the installation job, the more the job will likely cost. What’s more, if you choose a material that’s heavier than your home’s current structure can support, you may need to pay for additional work to ensure that your home can support the weight of the new roof.
Energy
When thinking about energy and your roof, there are two primary considerations: 1) energy efficiency and 2) solar panel installation in the future. Different materials have different insulation values—a material that provides more insulation may mean a lower energy bill year-round as your home may be better able to maintain an indoor temperature regardless of what’s happening outdoors. If you are thinking about installing solar panels at some point, note that some companies may be unable to install panels on roofs made of certain materials, such as clay tiles.
Slope
To help you narrow your options, consider the pitch of your roof. If your roof isn’t great at draining water because the slope isn’t steep enough, you may not be able to go with the most conventional choice—composite asphalt—and may instead require a material that is better at resisting moisture.
Maintenance
Most roofs require very little maintenance, which is great for homeowners. However, some materials may require more short-term maintenance than others. It’s also important to think about long-term maintenance and the longevity of materials. How much will you spend long-term to maintain the integrity of your roof? How does this cost vary when thinking about different materials?
Weather
If your home is going to see snow, rain, hail, and wind, you probably want to choose a different roofing material than if your home was only going to be exposed to sunshine year-round. Different materials will have different degrees of weather resistance, so consider how each material may hold up in your climate and talk to a professional before making a decision.
Style
Finally, your preferences and your home’s style are certainly worthwhile considerations when choosing a new roof. Many homeowners choose to maintain their homes’ architectural integrity by choosing a roofing material that matches the home’s style. For example, a contemporary property may feature a metal roof, whereas a traditional style home may use wood shakes. When thinking about style, it’s also important to think about curb appeal, especially if you plan to sell your home in the future. What might be most attractive to a prospective buyer based on your home’s style?
Get a Free Roof Inspection Today
The first step in choosing a roofing material is to determine whether you need a new roof. At River Region Contracting, LLC, our professionals provide free roof inspections that are designed to help homeowners like you make decisions about roofing repair and replacement services. To learn more about our roofing services, the different types of roofing materials and which might be most appropriate for your roof, or to schedule your free roof inspection, please call our professionals directly at (512) 855-2014 or send us a message online. We have years of experience, a reputation for excellence, and look forward to working with you!
