Choosing the best roof can be a daunting task if you do not take the time to do your homework. Not only that, butit’s also a large expense, that you want to be done right the first time. To help you determine which roof type will withstand the elements, help your home look great, and last for many years to come, consider the following tips from the professionals of Prominent Construction Roofing.
Budget
How much you are able to spend on a new roof is the first thing to consider. The various roof types are not created equal, the cost of buying and installing them is also not equal. Composition shingles in fiberglass or asphalt offer a durable surface that is rather inexpensive and easy to maintain and install. Another affordable and attractive choice is wood shakes; however, they need more upkeep and do not fit every home style. Then again, if you have the money to use, another consideration would be a high-end roof material such as slate, clay, or tile. Although a downside can be the cost, the long-lifespan and low maintenance make up for it.
Home Style
Enhance your curb appeal by taking the architectural style and color of your home into consideration when determining a roofing material. Own a Spanish-style home? The traditional choice would be clay tile. Cape-cod homes are frequently topped with brighter colors such as blue and red. If you belong to a community or homeowners’ organization, rules regarding type and color of roofing you can use may be an issue, so check guidelines prior to finalizing your decision.
Color
A simple way to brighten up a dull color scheme is choosing a new shingle color from the many available. Grey and blue houses often look best with dark grey or black shingles, and when going for a traditional look white would look best. If your house is brown, cream in color, or tan, consider using brown or a combination of cream and brown shingles. Do you own a red, green, or yellow home? The best choices are generally black, grey, or brown. Always attempt to match the color of your roofing material with colors found in other elements outside your home.
Weather Conditions
Another thing to consider when deciding on a new roof is the overall weather conditions in your location. If you reside in a warm region, you can save big on cooling costs by choosing a roof that reflects the sun rays. Excellent choices for keeping cool include terra cotta, slate, concrete tiles, and clay. However, the added weight and cost can be a concern for many homeowners. White, flat tiles in concrete, ceramic, or composite materials cuts cooling costs substantially by reflecting about 77 percent of the sun’s rays. Another good choice for keeping cool are metal roofs. Keep in mind, the high upfront costs are compensated with low maintenance, energy savings, and durability. If you reside in a location that is often subject to heavy snowfall, high winds, hail, pounding rain, or other presents from Mother Nature, you require a roof that can take a beating. Regions prone to heavy snow are more turning more often to metal roofing as it allows ice and snow to slide off, and when properly insulated they save of heating costs. Metal roofs are also a great choice for areas that receive high winds, as are high-quality asphalt shingles. For areas where heavy rain is common, consider concrete tiles as they are able to withstand a pounding. In cooler climates, active and passive solar paneling are good options.
Metal
Over the past few years, metal roofs have become increasingly popular. This roofing material is available in three basic styles: screw-down panel versions, standing seam types that require soldering and crimping during installation, and metal that mimic tile, cedar, and slate. Metal is initially more expensive than many other types of roofing, however, metal means no more worries about mildew, mold, cracking, and chipping. Furthermore, metal roofing provides excellent insulation which helps to reduce your heating and cooling costs. There is the added security as well with metal roofs, as they are fire resistant. The life expectancy of metal roofs is extremely long, which means it may be over 50 years before a roof replacement is needed. As with other types of roofing material, if you belong to a community or homeowners’ organization, always check the bylaws prior to installing a metal roof. To find out more helpful tips to help you choose the best roofing for your needs, speak the experts at Prominent Construction Roofing.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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