Choosing the Right Roofing Materials for Your Home’s Architecture

There are many types of roofing materials to choose from and the prices vary widely. Asphalt shingles are a good choice because they are economical and provide solid, reliable protection to your roof. Asphalt is designed with granules that offer protection against UV rays and keep water from infiltrating your roof. The type of shingle you select matters as well. There are different grades of shingles that offer manufacturer warranties for up to 50 years!

It’s important to consider the climate when selecting roofing materials, especially the color. If you live in a hot, sunny climate, a light-colored roof will reflect light and keep your home cooler, thus reducing energy bills. Asphalt shingles, for example, include special granules that absorb UV rays and can withstand high temperatures. In a cold, wintry region, a darker material with a smooth surface will keep your home warm and prevent snow and ice buildup. If you live in a climate that is prone to wind and heavy storms, choose a material known for its durability. In this scenario, you have more flexibility with color; you can pretty much choose the color that best complements your home’s paint or siding and trim.

The overall appearance and style of your property will impact the type of roofing materials you select. For example, a ranch-style house in the Midwest would be complemented by medium-dark asphalt shingles. As mentioned, your HOA may have a say about which types of roofing materials are allowed, so make sure that you select a color that is HOA approved.

The roof pitch (slope) is the rise over run and impacts how many shingles are needed to fit in the pattern needed to affix them to your roof. Most residential roofs are low to medium pitch and high-pitch roofs feature high points and steep slopes — picture a Victorian-style house. The weight of the roofing material and the type of application needed will affect the type of material that will work best. Very heavy or “slick” roofing materials will not work on a roof with high pitches due to their weight or difficulty in installation. Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material because their weight and composition make them compatible with a wider variety of roof styles and pitches.

If you are contemplating your roofing material options, reach out to the experts at Premier Roofing. We have locations across the nation and are here to help you choose the best roofing materials that will fit your budget while complementing your home’s architecture while protecting your home and family against the elements.