If you are thinking about getting a new roof, then you probably know that there are quite a few options out there. However, you might not be too familiar with the exact benefits and drawbacks of each roofing material. To help you decide which is best for you, here are some questions that you should ask yourself:
Do you want a roof that is cheap?
If price is your first concern, then you might want to think about getting asphalt tiles. They're quite affordable and can last you a fair number of years if properly maintained. Replacing them can be a hassle, but they will generally cost you the least in the long run, while still maintaining a pleasant appearance.
At the other end of the spectrum, you have slate roofs, which are quite expensive. If you are focusing on cost, then avoid slate.
Do you want a roof that will last you a long time?
if you want to focus on durability and are willing to put in the effort to maintain your roof, then consider something like slate, concrete, or certain metals. In many cases, a structurally-sound slate rooftop can last longer than your lifetime. High-end metal roofs, made from materials such as copper alloys, can last similarly long periods of time.
Do you want a roof that is low-maintenance?
Plastic polymer or clay roofs are good choices when it comes to infrequent maintenance, since you can generally install them and leave them on their own. However, you may need to replace them sooner than other materials, so you should keep that in mind when it comes to considering your total costs. On the other hand, if your primary goal is to get a roof that won't require any effort on your part until replacement is necessary, then the above options are solid choices.
Do you want a lightweight roof?
Surprisingly enough, metal is among the lightest materials available and will put minimal strain on your home. Plastic polymers are also lightweight, and asphalt is only a bit heavier. Slate is among the heaviest of roofing materials, so you want to avoid it if you are worried about the weight of your roof. In some cases, the weight of the roof can be a pretty serious concern, especially if you have an older home, where the supporting structure might not be quite as fresh and young as you might like.
Share14 January 2016
My name is Debbie Greenberg. I’m a single woman who owns her home, and like most homeowners I dread home repairs. I’m not very handy with do-it-yourself projects around the house. I can do a few minor repairs when necessary, but for the most part I have to call in a professional. Last year I had a leak in my roof. When it rained, water would leak into my kitchen. What appeared to be a simple fix turned out to be anything but simple. It took over four months to finally identify the problem, and double the money I was initially quoted to fix it. The problem ended up being that the flat part of my roof didn't have shingles, but a sheeting material. I learned a bit about home roofs along the way, and that is what I want to share with you.
