If you’ve decided that it’s time to put a new roof on your home, then your next decision is probably going to be what type of residential roofing material you’ll be using. You’ll go over things like cost, design features, and the return on investment. Right now, there’s an approximately 62% return on investment for a new asphalt shingle roof, according to Roofing Calculator Inc. Depending on the material you choose, you could have similar benefits or disappointing disadvantages. Here are a few things you should consider when it comes time to choose your residential roofing material.

Durability

You should want the most durable long-lasting roofing material possible for several reasons such as long-term savings and home value. Durable materials will let you go longer between replacements and you have the opportunity to save longer for it. Durability also means that it’ll take the normal wear and tear longer in addition to being more weather-resistant. Choosing a material based on the typical weather of your region is smart because it’ll make your roof look its best for the longest time period. Different materials can withstand different climates, so you definitely want to determine what residential roofing material is common for your area’s typical climate, so you can choose the roof that’ll work best for you.

Ease of Installation

Roofing materials can lead to an easy installation or a difficult one. You’ll have to decide how important installation ease is to your choice. However, properly-trained professionals make choosing a roof based on the ease of installation less crucial, as they have years of experience and expertise in all types of roofing materials. They can give you the finest-looking roof without you worrying about it being a complex job.

Roofing Material Cost

Being mindful of your budget is another key factor in your decision on what roofing material to use on your roof. You’ll also want to weigh the value of the roofing, as there are affordable options that are higher in quality than some costly options. Cost isn’t always equal to the durability and the value of the material. There are several ways to bring the cost of roofing to a more affordable level, such as getting a credit account for the materials and making monthly payments or seeing if there are discounts or sales available from the residential roofing materials contractor.

Current Home Style

A metal roof on a Victorian home just isn’t something you see. Home design and architecture are two of the ways to narrow down the options for your roofing. Choose a material that complements your home style and doesn’t glaringly go against the build. The roofing company may be able to aid you in what styles typically go on what type of home.

Another aspect of matching a home style is color options. Ask to see some mock-ups of what type of roofing you’re interested in and the color choice you think you may want. You can’t second-guess after it’s already on your roof, and there’s nothing worse than knowing you may have 20 years with something you’re not happy with. Most materials come in a variety of colors so you’ll want to ensure that you love the choice prior to it being installed on your roof.

Codes and Requirements

Depending on your state, you may have restrictions on what type of roofing you can choose. Hurricane-prone states are known to prohibit some types of shingles, so always do a quick browse on if your state has any restrictions. Your roofing expert should know about these conditions, so you can talk to them about what you can, and cannot, choose for the materials.

In the same vein, you may have local requirements as well. Those that live in an HOA community and such may have covenants on what can be used or have roofing material restrictions listed. Talking with any community officials can let you know if there are any local requirements for your choice of roofing materials.

Maintenance Needs

Different residential roofing materials have different maintenance needs. The maintenance requirements of the roofing material may also be budget-friendly or costly, depending on your needs. By talking with a roofing specialist, you can see how much maintenance is needed for each type of material and what fits your budget or your home’s needs. It’s just one of the many factors that many fail to think about until it’s too late.

Energy Efficiency

Did you know that the type of roof you choose could help you lower your energy bills? Certain roofing materials like asphalt shingles and metal seam roofing help reflect the heat of the sun away from the attic. Some other materials will absorb this heat and transfer it down into the attic, making your home’s systems work harder to keep it cool. Selecting a non-absorbent roofing material will make it easier to cool your home while helping to lower your energy bill and energy usage.

Material Weight

Remembering the weight of the material that you’re considering is another factor in choosing a roofing type. You should know the stability of your foundation and how much weight that your home can safely have. Weak and older foundations may need a lighter-weight material than new and strong foundations. Always know before you’re faced with making a decision, how much weight your home can comfortably have on the roof without damaging your home structure.

Material Availability

Another factor in the decision is the availability of the material. Some materials may have long wait times or be caught in a supply chain issue where it’s difficult to get them moved to your location. By finding out what roofing material is available quickly, you can cut down on your wait time and have your new roof installed faster. Talking with your residential roofing expert can let you know if there are any materials that’ll hold up the installation of your roof and what alternatives may be in your favor.

Available Warranties

All roofing materials come with a warranty, but not all warranties will be the same. Yours may supposedly possess a lifetime warranty but when you read the fine print you may see that the company’s idea of a lifetime warranty is really 10 years. By thoroughly going through the details of the warranties, you can see what materials are going to be longer lasting than others. For homeowners that aren’t looking for a long-term solution, finding a cheaper roofing material with a shorter lifespan may be more beneficial than those looking to stay in their home and looking for the longest-lasting alternative.

When it comes to residential roofing, there are so many options and styles available. It can be quite confusing to choose between them and understand all that should go into choosing your final product. Knowing everything you should think about while you’re picking out your roofing material can help you be happier with your choice for years to come.

If you would like to talk to someone about your residential roofing options, then feel free to give All Star Contractor LLC a call today. We’re experts in roofing and are here to answer all your questions. We want to be your roofing professional, and we look forward to hearing from you.