Whether you are replacing the roof on an old house or installing a roof in a newly constructed building, the first thing to consider before calling your roofing contractor is the material you want for your roof. Your roof largely contributes to your home’s functionality and comfort, so you want to choose a roofing material that will last over the years.
With the many available roofing materials, deciding which roofing works for you can be hard. Here are the seven most important factors to consider when choosing a roofing material.
1. Your Home’s Architectural Style
Your home or commercial building design is an important factor to consider when deciding on a roofing material. For instance, traditional architectural styles usually look better with wood shakes or masonry tiles. On the other hand, asphalt shingles are versatile and suit most home designs. A metal roof or a built-up roof may work well for commercial buildings.
If your house is painted in bright colors, you should consider getting darker roofing material. Buildings painted in tan, cream, or brown colors may look better with a roof with brown or cream colors.
2. Maintenance Needs
Some roofs require more maintenance than others. So, before choosing a roof, think about how much time you are willing to spend on roofing maintenance. If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, a low-maintenance roof works better. Some low upkeep roofing materials include clay and concrete tiles, slates, and metal roofing such as copper, aluminum, and galvanized steel.
3. Durability and Weather Resistance
When choosing a roofing material, you want to select one that can withstand extreme weather. Roofing materials have different lifespans, so before you choose, inquire about the durability and longevity of the material. The qualities of each material will determine its ability to withstand various weather conditions, so find out how each material reacts to the weather elements characteristic to your area.
4. Material Weight
Some roofing materials are heavier than others. So, you want to ensure your building’s structure can withstand the weight of the material you choose. Choose a material that will not burden the structure of your building to avoid extra costs in structural adjustments. Also, you should know that the structure of a building weakens with age. Due to this, it is important to reduce the weight on the structure by using a lighter roofing material.
5. Energy Efficiency
If you want to reduce the energy costs in your home or commercial building, consider each material’s thermal efficiency before deciding your choice. Materials like asphalt and metal roofing reflect heat away from the attic instead of absorbing it. This can help maintain low temperatures on hot days, saving on cooling costs. On the other hand, clay and concrete tiles can absorb heat from the sun, keeping you warm during cold days, thus reducing your heating costs.
Consider a thermal-resistant roofing material if cooling costs take up much of your energy bill and a heat absorbent material if your heating costs are high.
6. Underlayments
The roof membrane adds an extra layer of protection to your building. Selecting the right underlayment material is an important choice. Your choice of roof underlayment depends on the climate in your area. If you live in an area prone to heavy rain or snowfall, consider getting a waterproof roof membrane.
7. Community Building Codes
Your local area may have building codes that dictate which types of roofing materials residents can use. Before choosing a roofing material, find out the building requirements in your area to ensure you adhere to the set laws.
Gated communities may also have material restrictions. So if you live in a gated community, contact your homeowners’ association to find out the building codes.
STX Roofing is the best roofing company to answer all your roofing questions. Contact us today for more information on the best roofing material for your project.