Choosing Roofing Materials
When repairing or replacing your roof, the type of materials can make a major difference in cost, durability, and curb appeal. The roofing materials you and your roofing contractor choose will make up the bulk of the cost. There are many choices of roofing shingles, and the variety continually changes due to improvements in products and design trends. You want your roof to protect your home well into the future but also offer energy efficiency and enhance your property’s aesthetic. A reputable professional roofing company will consider these points when recommending the best type of roofing shingles for your home.
Here are some factors to weigh when choosing the most durable roofing material for your home:
Your Climate
It’s important to consider the climate when choosing your roofing materials as some products perform better than others in extreme weather conditions. Asphalt is the best overall product for most climates and perform well in both cold and hot climates. Depending on where you live, you may also need to consider wind ratings and choose a shingle that is rated for wind conditions in your area.
Materials & Labor Cost
Asphalt shingles are the most affordable roofing material. While wood or shake shingles are attractive, they also require maintenance, such as applying a fire-retardant finish. Clay tile, slate, metal, and concrete are the most expensive options, and their weight requires specialized installation and may not be suitable for certain types of roof construction.
Home Aesthetics
Choosing the color and style of your asphalt shingles is important when replacing your roof. You want to choose a shingle that complements the existing color scheme of your house (flashing & gutters), so try and mix and match to find a color that shows well on your home. You can also take a cue from the other homes in your neighborhood and select roofing shingles that will blend in with the aesthetics. Some HOAs have requirements regarding roofing materials, so be sure to check with your HOA before placing an order.
Durability
A roof is a major investment, so you want to select a roofing shingle with longevity that will protect your home against the elements. Three-tab asphalt shingles are the most cost-effective and offer the best overall durability for the price. Many shingle manufacturers guarantee their shingles for 25-30 years, which means, barring any storms, your roof should be in good shape for years to come.
Energy Efficiency
Roofing materials can have a major impact on the energy efficiency of your home and is an important consideration if you live in a climate with extreme temperatures. If you live in a warm, muggy region, you need a roof that will reflect the sunlight and keep your home cooler, while in colder climates, you want a roof that will provide insulation and can withstand snow and ice. Roofing materials have an SRI rating (Solar Reflectance Index) which measures heat reflection and releases heat that has been absorbed. To help your roof reach its full potential for energy efficiency, you also need to make sure you have adequate attic insulation to work together with your new roof.
Premier Roofing is Your Local Roofer
When replacing your roof, look for a trusted local roofing company such as Premier Roofing. We have been in business since 2005, with locations throughout the US. We pride ourselves on using the highest-quality materials that are suitable for your home in terms of cost, appearance, durability, and energy efficiency. We exclusively use high-quality asphalt shingles (we don’t install metal, slate, or wood shingles). Our sales consultants will sit down with you to find the right asphalt shingle color, SRI rating, and manufacturer’s warranty that meets your roofing needs. Reach out to us to schedule a free, no-obligation roof inspection and consultation.
FREE, NO-OBLIGATION ROOF INSPECTION