The material you choose for your residential roof will significantly influence the amount you spend on the roof installation, its longevity, and so much more. It is a big decision, and this guide will help you analyze which roof material will best fit your requirements.
Things you should consider before choosing material for your residential roofing:
1. The pitch of your roof
Roof pitch is the ratio between the vertical height and horizontal width of the roof. Calculate this before choosing a particular roofing material because certain roof pitches require a specific material. For instance, the minimum roof pitch required to install shingles is 2:12. Below this pitch, you should go for flat roofing options like PVC, EPDM, TPO, and standing seam metal roofing.
2. Your budget
Depending on how much you are willing to spend on your roof installation, you have to narrow down your material choices. If you need a highly affordable option, an asphalt shingle roof is the best. If you have a slightly bigger budget, you can upgrade to a luxury asphalt shingle.
Installing a roof is a one-time process, and if you are willing to spend a massive amount, you should go for premium roof systems.
3. Longevity requirement
Asphalt shingles have a lifetime of around 20-30 years. Cedar shake roofs also have approximately the same lifetime but can be extended up to 50 years with proper maintenance and the right climatic conditions. If you are looking for slightly higher durability (40-50 years), you can go for a composite synthetic shingle roof or a standing seam metal roof. A slate roof can give you the highest return on your investment since it lasts around 75 to 100 years.
4. Aesthetic appeal
The roofing material you select will highly impact the overall aesthetics of your home. The most common choice among homeowners for a decent rooftop aesthetic is an architectural asphalt shingle roof. But if you want your roof’s design to stand out, you can take it up a notch higher with a standing seam metal roof or a luxury asphalt shingle roof. Even if you do not want your complete roof to be metal, you can add metal accents. If you are willing to invest a high budget on the aesthetics of your roof, you should consider getting a slate, cedar shake, or a composite synthetic roof.
5. Maintenance
Every roofing material requires maintenance at some point. However, whether you need to do an annual or once in a few years maintenance depends on how sturdy your roof material is. If you go for asphalt composite shingles or cedar shakes, annual maintenance is recommended. But if you go for a standing seam roof, conducting a maintenance inspection once in a few years is enough.
6. Warranty
The warranty period is another thing you should consider before choosing a roofing material. Most residential roofing companies will give a 25-30-year prorated warranty on basic asphalt shingles and a 50-year non-prorated warranty on luxury asphalt shingles. Standing seam metal roofs usually have a 30-year warranty on them, and if you want a lifetime warranty, you should go for a composite synthetic shingle roof.
Most residential roofing companies will not give you much information to help you select the best option as per your requirements. But our company will handhold you through the entire process from scratch.
