Upgrading your existing roof is arguably the most important investment you’ll make as a property owner. Of course, there are a lot of factors up for consideration, including the aesthetics, the total cost of the roofing materials, installation requirements, weight, as well as your locality’s climate type. This implies that arriving at the right decision can often prove a daunting task. So today, we are going to discuss in fine detail what homeowners need to consider before opting for any new roofing installation project.

Things to consider when choosing a roof for your home

What type of roofing material is ideal for you?

While certain roofing materials such as copper, wood shakes and slate have remained virtually unchanged for years, today’s wide and expanding pallate of roofing materials provide homeowners many options to consider, all of which are worth your consideration. From asphalt-fiberglass, a perennial favorite, to plastic composites, along with other new cement-made products, you now have a whole host of materials to choose from. Let us briefly examine each of them.

• Asphalt Composition Shingles: Perhaps the most preferred roofing type for today’s homes, studies show that Asphalt Shingles account for nearly eighty-percent of total residential roofing. Typically, they are made from either fiberglass or an organic paper fiber mat impregnated with asphalt and mineral granules added to them. This material boasts a broad range of beneficial features such as longevity, affordability, and appearance. The best in this class are known as architectural or laminated shingles; these are more textured and thicker, potentially lasting between thirty to forty years. One notable disadvantage of Asphalt shingles is that they are not eco-friendly, as they are petroleum-based. However, they may still be recycled.
• Metal: It is imperative to note that metal roofs are relatively more expensive than their asphalt counterparts, and as such, offer increased durability and more wind-resistance. They are also available in a wide variety, comprising of copper, steel, aluminum or zinc alloy. On most occasions, iron roofs come coated with a zinc or painted finish. On the other hand, copper roofs are installed unfinished, often requiring a protective green patina as time goes on. They are also relatively durable, depending on the material. Again, they offer resistance to both the wind and fire.
• Wood Shakes and Shingles: These are commonly made of cedar, redwood or any other type of resistant wood. As such, they’ll provide a natural aesthetic and since they originate from natural materials, are eco-friendly! Though they are fantastically wind resistant, they are destitute of fire resistance.
• Slate: Often dark-gray in color and irregular in appearance, slate roofs are made from natural slate rocks. Highly durable, they offer excellent resistance to both fire and the wind, and sometimes require a reinforced roofing structure for extra support. Unfortunately, as a result, they can be expensive and require highly-skilled workers for installation.
• Concrete Tile: These feature materials are extracted from Portland sand and cement. These tiles can be modified to look like slate, wood shakes, and clay tiles. Concrete tiles are also very durable, low maintenance and have high fire resistance.
• Plastic Polymer: Molded from high-tech plastic polymer materials, these are long-lasting, wind and fire resistant and eco-friendly.

Cost Considerations?

If you are unaware, the overall cost of a new roof can vary widely.  Besides the shingles you choose, the roof’s height, and complexity as well as ceiling steepness can influence the labor costs. Based on your preferences, values, needs and budget, you should be able to arrive at the best choice.

Are the weather factors significant?

Your home is the primary barrier between you and the elements of nature. Thus, choosing a material which will shelter your belongings reliably is crucial. To be even more precise, protection must be offered against snow, wind, rain as well as the sun’s scorching heat. Simply put, your roofing material must be capable of withstanding whatever type of weather that comes its way.

Again, other factors such as the roof’s slope and strength will limit your options. In regions prone to hurricanes or natural fires, choose a product with excellent fire rating as well as strong fire resistance.

Is the material durable?

Without a doubt, you expect your new roof to serve you for an extended period. Note that the ultimate cost of any roofing material is a factor of its durability. As such, a cheaper material such as composition roofing will likely serve you for a shorter period, relative to a premium material. Finally, always pay close attention to warranty, fully comprehending the coverage being offered.

If you would like a Bay Area roofing contractor to consult you on choosing the right roof, contact Century Roof Tile

When weighing your options for new roofing material, discussed above are the most significant factors to consider. If you are a Bay Area homeowner seeking roof installation, look no further than Century Roof Tile. Century Roof Tile is a seasoned provider of roofing services in the greater Bay Area region. We offer a wide variety of roofing materials at very competitive prices. Contact us today at (888) 233-7548 for professional assistance. If you are reaching out to us after-hours, simply send us a message online via our contact form.