Did you know that your choice of roofing material can affect your new system’s overall longevity and performance? That’s why material selection is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your roof replacement project. Fortunately, making that choice isn’t as daunting as you may expect since today’s market is rife with great roofing materials, the most popular of which include:

Asphalt Shingles. A favorite among homeowners, asphalt shingles are lightweight, making them easy and fast to install. This same feature makes them more cost-effective than other materials because they don’t need additional structural support to hold their weight. Shingles are also extremely versatile, coming in wide selection of colors, thicknesses, and textures. Some even emulate the rich look and feel of slate and wood shakes.
Metal. Another great residential roofing option is metal. Aside from its durability, metal roofing sets itself apart through its inherent reflective and emissive properties. By reflecting heat and easily shedding whatever amount it does absorb, it aids in preventing passive heating, helping you cut back on cooling costs to maintain comfort inside the home. It’s also fully recyclable, helping reduce landfill waste.
Tile. If you want a lovely and long-lasting roofing option, look no further than tile. Its good looks add warmth and elegance to your home, while its durability ensures your home remains protected from extreme weather conditions.

Essential Factors to Consider in Material Selection

Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing the right material for your new roof:

Architectural Style. Look to your home’s architecture as a guide when picking a new roof. You don’t want your replacement system to look out of place with its design elements, after all. Some roofing materials work better with specific home styles. For instance, traditional Colonial or Victorian homes look great with asphalt shingles mimicking the appearance of slate, while metal roofing is perfect for modern homes because of its sleek lines and shape. If you have a Spanish Mission or Mediterranean home, the earthy good looks of tile will match your property exactly.
Climate. Choose a roofing material that can effectively withstand your area’s weather patterns and environment. Asphalt shingles are good, overall options for standard weather conditions.If you, however, live in an area that sees a lot of rain, metal roofing is the better choice. On the other hand, if you live in a hot, dry region, tile roofing is your best bet.

Stay tuned for the second installment of our three-part blog, where we discuss how to pick the right contractor to handle your roof replacement.

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