Your roof is in shambles. Shingles have fallen off of it left and right. You could call a company and get repairs done, but you’re more tempted to go ahead and get a new roof.
You need something more durable this time around. Something that can last while also being more energy-efficient. You wouldn’t complain if the price is right either.
The problem is finding a roofing material that meets all these criteria. You’ve flipped through catalog after catalog and still have no idea what to look for.
We can help you out. Keep reading to learn how to find the best roofing material for your needs and budget.
Table of Contents
Factors to Consider
There are several things you should consider when buying a new roof. The main thing is your budget. You don’t want to fall in love with a great material only to realize you can’t afford it.
There’s also the little matter of your roof pitch, the climate you live in, and how much weight your home can handle.
Cost
When weighing the cost of the different types of roofing materials, there are two things that you have to take into consideration. The first is how much the material costs in general.
For example, you may only pay $2 dollars per square foot for asphalt, but if you want something fancier like slate, you’ll have to pay $12 dollars per square foot.
Once you’ve decided which material fits your budget, you have to consider the installation costs. Asphalt is the cheapest because it’s not too hard to install.
Slate is a little more expensive because a lot of prep work goes into getting it installed the right way.
Roof Pitch
The next thing you have to consider is your roof’s pitch. If you’re working with a flat roof, there’s not much that the roof installation company can do for you.
The only material option you’ve got is rubber. If your roof has an actual slope, you’ll have more materials that you can work with. Pretty much every single one from asphalt to clay will be a good fit.
Climate
Not every roof material can hold up in the same climate. For example, if you live in a hot area, you need something that can expand without warping.
Your best options, in this case, are concrete and clay. As far as cold weather goes, metal can hold up okay when faced with heavy amounts of snow. Slate and cedar can also take the chill.
Weight
Before you slap a material on your roof, you need to make sure that your house can take the weight. If you use something that’s too heavy, it will put too much stress on your house’s foundation, which can cause tons of damage.
Always consult a professional before choosing a roofing material. They’ll be able to inspect your roof and determine if you’re good to go ahead with the project or not.
Types of Roofing Material
Now that you know what sort of material you should be looking for, let’s discuss the different types of roofing materials. When flipping through a catalog, the main ones that are going to pop up are asphalt, metal, wood shakes, and clay.
Asphalt
Asphalt is the most popular type of material out there. It’s super affordable mainly because of how easy it is to install. You can even DIY it if you have some basic roofing knowledge.
Asphalt comes in a variety of different styles and colors so you should have no problem matching it with your home. It’s also durable. As long as you take care of it, you’ll have it for over 15 years.
The only setback is that asphalt doesn’t hold up well when faced with fluctuating temperatures. The constant flip from hot to cold will deteriorate it.
If you’re someone who’s more environmentally-conscious, you might have issues with using asphalt as well. It’s not the greenest choice around.
Metal
Metal is probably the most durable out of all the different material options. It can last for almost an entire century before it has to be replaced.
It will reflect the sun’s rays and keep your house cool so your power bill stays down. You don’t have to worry about insects and it’s fire-resistant.
We will say that metal roofing is expensive. It can also be pretty noisy when it rains.
Wood Shakes
Wood shakes are beautiful to look at. They do a great job of insulating your home, too. They’re also expensive because of how hard they are to install.
You have to call in professionals to do it because it has to be installed correctly. Wood shakes are also vulnerable to insects and will rot if you don’t take care of them.
Clay
Clay tiles pretty much have it all. They’re fire-resistant, having them will help you save energy, they’re recyclable, gorgeous to look at, and durable. It does cost to have it all.
Clay roof tiles are expensive. They’re also heavy. You should never install them without getting the okay from a professional.
Nine times out of ten, your home will need to be reinforced before the tiles are installed, which adds to the cost.
Choosing Your Next Rooftop
Once your old roof goes out on you, you’re now tasked with the difficult decision of what roofing material to use next. There are tons of options available for you to choose from. All of them have their own set of pros and cons.
We hope that you’re able to use this guide to weigh these pros and cons when you’re making your decision so you can find the best material to fit your needs and budget.
Since you’re getting a new roof, why not get the entire house redone? Check out our blog for all the latest in home improvement.
