When it comes time to select a new roof for your home, there are a wide range of roofing materials available to consider. While style is an important factor in the selection process, it’s not the only one. Your decision will also be influenced by product cost, material weight, and installation requirements. From natural materials like cedar shakes to manmade products such as asphalt shingles, each has advantages and drawbacks. How do you know which roofing material is the best to protect your investment and add a distinctive design element to your home?
What Should I Look For In a Roofing Material?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a new or replacement roof including:
- Is the type of roofing allowed by your local building codes?
- How long will the roofing material last?
- How much does it cost?
- Does it hold up during natural disasters such as wildfires or hurricanes?
- Can the roof’s framing support the weight?
- Is the roof’s slope appropriate for the product?
- Will the roofing material complement your home’s style?
- Is the product eco-friendly and recyclable?
Cost
There are a number of considerations that will affect your home’s new roof cost. Of course, the price of the material is key, but there are other factors to consider. For example, if you are replacing an existing roof, the old material may need to be stripped off and repairs performed on the supporting structure, which will raise the cost. Your roof’s shape is another contributing factor. A home that features intersecting rooflines, multiple chimneys, skylights, turrets, or other style or design elements will cost substantially more to roof than a simple gabled roof. The cost of various materials eventually comes into play, as well. For example, wood shingles generally run about double the cost of an asphalt roof.
Materials
Your roofing options may be limited due to the slope of your roof or the strength of the framing, as well as roof type, such as flat roofing surfaces. Not every roofing material is appropriate for every house. A roof with a steep pitch may demand a different surface than one with a slow slope. Additionally, you may want a roofing product that offers good wind resistance or a high fire rating, which may necessitate further steps during installation. The durability of your roof may also be a consideration. Cedar shakes typically have a life expectancy of about 25 years, whereas asphalt shingles – the most commonly utilized roofing material – can last from 15 to 25 years depending on whether it is single layer construction or a thicker laminated product.
Warranties
When roofing your home there are two warranties to consider. The manufacturer’s warranty will cover defects in the actual roofing material. Problems that arise from installation issues are typically covered under a separate warranty issued by the roofing contractor. Carefully check out any warranty to determine what is covered and excluded. Some warranties are prorated over time, are limited to the cost of materials, or may not be transferable when you sell your house.
Like most Connecticut homeowners, your home is your biggest investment, and your roof is your home’s most important protection from the elements, so it’s essential that you select the best roofing choice for your specific home and needs. At ADN Roofing we know that choosing your new roof involves a lot of consideration. For help selecting the perfect premium roofing option for your home and a free estimate, contact us today at (203) 751-3091.
