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How to Choose the Best Roofing Material For Your Home

October 17, 2022
Can't decide between shingles, slate, or metal? No worries! This guide will help you choose the best roofing material for your home.

Are you having trouble deciding on the best roofing material for your new roof?

With so many options out there for roofing material, it's easy to get overwhelmed. You may like the cost of asphalt shingles, for example, but love the look of a metal roof.

There are many things to keep in mind when choosing what to construct your roof out of. But the good news is that a solid awareness of your needs as a homeowner can help you choose the best material.

Read on for more insight into getting the roof of your dreams.

1. Choose Durability For The Best Roofing

This should be your top priority when you are deciding on the best roofing material for your new home. At the end of the day, you're going to want a material that will last.

Look for materials that have high lifespans and can face all kinds of elements, such as rain, snow, ice, hail, and heat.

Steel and aluminum offer the most durable roofing solutions out there. This is not only because they are solid metals.

Both of these metals are resistant to various forms of wear and rust, and can even be coated with protective layers for further durability. Steel roofs can have a lifetime of up to 100 years and reflect sunlight in order to keep your home cooler in the summer months.

Clay and slate are other durable roofing materials. Ceramic roofs are known for their lovely aesthetic and operate well with rain catchment systems. They are incredibly durable when it comes to severe elements and also have a lifespan of up to many decades.

Slate is natural rock, which provides a solid barrier against damage and intense storms. While heavier and quite expensive, it can last a century.

2. Assess Cost and Budget

It's important to keep cost in mind as you're deciding on the best roofing material, for obvious reasons. As a home builder, you've got a clear budget and it's important to respect your financial boundaries.

It's also important to avoid cheap roofing solutions that may actually cost you more money in the long run. Cheaper materials may not be as durable or high quality as others, requiring an earlier replacement or many repairs.

Be prepared to make a solid investment in a roofing material that will really last you as long as you want it to last. And also know that it is possible to compromise.

For example, let's say that you love the idea of a steel roof. If steel shingles are too costly for you at $260-$350 a square, consider steel panels instead. These only cost $150 or so per panel.

You'll have a different look with the latter option but a cheaper price and high durability.

Roofing material will be priced per square foot, so make sure you calculate costs based on of the total square footage of your roof.

3. Consider Appearance

Your roof will definitely change the look of your home, so spend some time choosing your material with aesthetics in mind.

A ceramic tiled roof will have a different appearance than aluminum shingles. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, go well with a variety of homes because of their neutral black color.

Make sure you assess exterior paint colors and materials before you make your roof material choice. If you're having trouble picking out what looks good, consult family members or friends.

It is also possible to view samples of roofing materials through a local supplier or your contractor.

4. Keep Flammability and Other Hazards in Mind

The best roofs will have low flammability levels and be relatively resistant to most hazards.

Metal and slate roofs offer homes the best protection against fire. Other low flammable materials include clay or ceramic tiles and concrete roofing material.

Asphalt is a cost-effective option for a lot of new homeowners, but it isn't the best when it comes to hazard-resistant material. It is possible to purchase roofing material that includes a fire protectant, however.

If you aren't sure about the fire resistance of the roofing material you have in mind, make sure you talk to your contractor or a customer representative at your local roofing supplier.

5. Think About Installation

A lot of people forget about the installation process when they're looking at roofing materials. But it's an important factor to consider.

The biggest thing to think about when it comes to installation is the weight of your materials. In general, slate and metal roofs are going to be the heaviest and most difficult to install.

If your roofing material is too heavy, it can actually compromise the integrity of your home. Over heavy roofs can impact the infrastructure and lead to structural damage later on.

Check with your contractor first to make sure that the material you've chosen suits the structure of your home.

6. Consult Your Roofing Team

The best way to ensure that you are picking the best roofing material is to have a conversation with your contractor or roofing team. When it comes to decisions about your home, it's key to always defer to the experts.

Make sure you give your contractor a clear overview of your budget, preferences on durability and appearance, and concerns about hazard resistance. The right contractor will help you make the choice that best works for your financial needs and your hopes for your new home.

You also want to make sure you choose the right people to install your roof. Learn more about the roofing services we offer at Triumph Roofing and Construction.

Choosing the Best Roofing Material For Your Home

Your roof is an essential part of your new home. It is the primary barrier to the elements, protecting you and your loved ones from the worst of the weather.

When deciding on roofing materials, make sure you prioritize quality and durability. Consider your budget and also make sure to choose materials that minimize needs for repair.

At the end of the day, your best decision will come from a consultation with a roofing team or contractor.

At Triumph Roofing and Construction, we can help you choose the best roofing material for your home. Reach out today to start a conversation!

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