Doing quality research is the key for picking the right roof for your home. The roofs we have not only protect us from bad weather, but they also determine our curb appeal.
Additionally, roof replacement costs much more than other renovation projects, so you would want to invest your money as wisely as possible.
If you get stuck during research, don’t panic! Many professional, commercial roofing companies can help you out with your choices, giving helpful insight. In the meantime, here is what we suggest to look for when buying a new roof:
- Longevity
The first question you must ask yourself is: “What kind of material should I choose?” The type and quality of your roofing material will determine the future condition of your home. On top of that, it will also determine the date for your next replacement.
Each material has its own lifespan. Here is some information that will help you decide what types of roof shingles are best for your home:
- Asphalt: Organic 18-20 years, Fiberglass 20-25
- Wood: Cedar 30-50 years, Wallaba 35-60, Teak 50-80
- Tile: Clay, Concrete 60-100 years
- Slate: Natural 80-120 years, Manmade 50-100
- Metal: 40-80 years
- Durability
Another extremely important factor is roof durability. Materials have their own strengths and weaknesses, some work better in colder climes, others in warmer ones. Think twice before purchasing your new roof. Make sure that you know the weather and your home’s characteristics.
For instance, if you live in a fire-prone area, the most recommended shingle materials are slate and tile. Wood and asphalt will burn entirely while metal will keep both the heat and fire solely on the inside.
Think of algae and moss as well. Living in a damp climate means that moisture problems are much more likely to occur in your home. This cuts a roof’s lifespan in half and disrupts functionality. Metal is the strongest material when it comes to fighting moisture, moss and algae.
Tile and slate roofs are recommended for warm and sunny areas since their design allows more airflow, therefore ventilation. However, both of them are heavyweight and you would need to either add more structural support or own a well built and large home.
- Aesthetic
As we mentioned before, the type of roof you have will determine your curb appeal. You would want your shingles to match the rest of your exterior, especially after finding out the long lifespans some roofs have.
Make sure to match the color and shape with the rest of your curb appeal. Choosing a color for your roof that goes well with the exterior walls is a good place to start. But you should also pay attention to surrounding shapes. If your home has domes or arch windows, make a statement and go with scalloping.
The 2 most popular preferences of modern homebuyers are curb appeal and energy efficiency. This means that choosing “the wrong” roof may also reduce your pricing on selling day. Consult with any expert you can find to make the right decisions.
- Energy Efficiency
When it comes to energy efficiency, the rule is simple: The more quality, the better energy efficiency. Purchasing a new roof requires tons of research. Luckily, manufacturers figured out ways to distinguish quality from amateurism. One of those ways is Energy Star ratings.
Any product can have an Energy Star, from electrical kettles to dryers. However, to get one, a product must successfully pass certain tests on energy efficiency. This mark informs you that your roof is certified, additionally, it ensures maximum quality and capacity.
- Warranty
Last, but not least are the warranties. Professional roofing companies will always offer warranties. Same goes for manufacturers. You should know that there are two types of warranties out there when it comes to purchasing a new roof.
The manufacturer warranty guarantees for the quality of the roofing material. These usually last up to 50 years, but the numbers vary depending on material.
The second type guarantees for the quality of manual work and installation. You should expect it to last between 1 to 3 years. Besides being offered warranties by companies, you should carefully read them to see what is actually covered.