Key Factors to Consider When Replacing Your Roof

A roof is built to last for a long time, with some types expected to protect your home from the elements for 50 years or longer.

When the time to replace your roof arrives, you are going to need the services of roofers with the right roofing insurance coverage for the job.

However, before you proceed with roof replacement, there are several factors you need to mull over to make sure that your new roof is in line with your needs and preferences.

Your Budget

A new roof represents a significant and long-term investment.

The quality, durability, and cost of different types of roofing materials vary, and so do the rates charged by roofing contractors for installations.

Before diving into shopping for roofing materials and finding roofers for the job, you need to draw up a budget first.

Once you have allocated funds for the roof replacement project, find out the cost of the roofing material you have in mind and see if it fits your budget.

As for installation costs, you should also ask for quotes from at least three different roofing contractors for comparison. That way, you get to find out which roofing company offers rates that will work best for your budget.

Roofing Type

Roofs come in a wide array of types, ranging from simple gable roofs to the more aesthetically pleasing Mansard roofs.

When choosing a roof type, you need to make sure that it goes well with your home’s architecture and overall vibe.

For help in choosing a roof style that will be perfect for your home’s aesthetic, you will probably need to consult with a roofing designer or expert.

Roofing Material

Apart from its cost, there are several factors you need to consider when choosing a roofing material, including:

Lifespan–This is one factor that needs serious consideration. No homeowner would like short intervals between roof replacements, so make your roofing material choice carefully.

Asphalt shingles last for 20 to 25 years, and they’re also some of the cheapest roofing materials available.

A metal roof is also affordable, but they have the potential to last for 50 years or more.

If you don’t want to replace your roof ever again within your lifetime, a slate roof may be more right up your alley. Slate is supposed to last for a century or more. They’re the costliest roofing material on the market, though.

Color–You also need to be prudent about your choice of color for your roof.

Aside from making sure the color of your roof matches that of your home, it would help if you also keep in mind that heat retention is a common issue with dark-colored roofs, while a light-colored roof repels heat better.

Efficiency–Some roofing materials are more efficient than others, so if you want a roofing material that will help you get more energy savings, you might want to take a closer look at the following, all of which are considered energy-efficient:

• Asphalt shingles
• Shake shingles
• Metal roofing
• Slate roofing
• Tile roofing

Climate–You also need to think about the weather or climate where you live before zeroing in on a roofing material.

If it often rains in your area, wood shingles should be off your list since all that moisture will warp and rot them in no time.

For hot climates, a slate roof or one made of terra cotta is pretty good at keeping the heat at bay.

Maintenance–”I love doing maintenance work on my roof,” said no homeowner ever.

The amount of maintenance needed should be a crucial factor you should consider when shopping for roofing materials.

Of all roofing materials, the one that requires plenty of maintenance work is wood. Wood shakes need plenty of attention, from applying protective treatments to pest control since all sorts of critters love wood.

If you want minimal maintenance, sheet metal roofing should be at the top of your list. Asphalt shingles should be right up there, too.

Impact Resistance–The roof is our most significant protection against the elements. It’s also the part of our house that bears the brunt of impacts, whether inflicted by a falling tree branch or hailstones.

Fortunately for us, most popular roofing materials are pretty good at withstanding impacts.

However, if the place where you live receives more than its share of larger-than-usual hailstones, you might want to consider a rubber roof.

Rubber roofing could offer you more protection against impacts, as its ability to absorb and disperse energy is tops among roofing materials.

These are just some of the factors you will need to consider when going for roof replacement, but they’re a good place to start.

So, do your research now to find the best roofing materials and styles that would fit your budget, and make sure that you hire only roofing contractors that will give you the best rates for the installation of your new roof.