Has your roof been worn down by the weather conditions this year? When dealing with your roof, it is essential to be fully informed and understand the best type of roof materials and system for your home- as well as how to choose the best contractor that you can trust to install your new roof correctly to protect your home from the elements. 

There are a vast swath of roof systems available, all with their own benefits in durability, costs, and looks. Asphalt shingles, metal roofing, cedar shake and shingles, and slate are just some of the roof materials available. Each of these roof materials also have many options in colors, price, and durability. This can be a difficult choice to understand for many homeowners because there are just so many options. 

We will discuss how to choose the right roofing materials for your home. We’ll explain the costs of different roof systems, their durability, looks, and their practical applications for the different types of slopes that your roof may have.

Price

For most homeowners, one of the most important factors in choosing how they will roof their new home is the price. There is a wide range of price ranges between the different types of roofing materials. 

Most homeowners choose to roof their homes with asphalt shingles because they are often the most affordable option. However, there are also a few different price points for different styles and quality of shingles. 

Metal roofing is one of the most reliable types of roofing, but also one of the most expensive. When choosing metal roofing, most homeowners are happy to pay more in up front costs to have the peace of mind that their roof will last the rest of their lifetime. 

Cedar and slate roofing are both very unique and striking looks for the homeowner that wants their new roof to stand out and make a statement, however these roofing materials are often very expensive when compared with standard asphalt shingles. 

Durability 

It may be tempting to go with the cheapest option to put a roof over your head, but that is not often the best choice a homeowner can make. Three tab shingles, while they have come a long way with advancing technology, they are still the lowest quality shingles available, and have the lowest wind and impact rating of any residential roofing material. While it may be cheaper to choose three tab at first, the cost of lifetime maintenance and replacement will far exceed that of dimensional or designer shingles. 

Metal roofing is known for it’s durability and reliability. While you pay more up front, you can count on your metal roof to last fifty years or more with proper care and maintenance. This is compared to shingles which often only last 20-30 years depending on the type of shingle and the manufacturer. 

Slate roofing is one of the most durable roofing materials available, and original slate roofs are often seen on buildings approaching 100 years old. While they do need occasional maintenance with cracked or missing shingles, slate can certainly stand the test of time. 

Types of Shingles

Three-tab shingles are the most affordable, but also the least reliable shingles for high winds and hail impact. Architectural or dimensional shingles are one of the best choices, these shingles have a very good balance of reliability, costs, and design. Designer or luxury shingles are the most expensive variety of shingles. Many people prefer the look of these shingles, however, there is not much benefit in terms of reliability over dimensional shingles.

Appearance 

One important thing to consider when choosing your roofing material is how it will tie in with the look of the rest of your home. You may not want to choose a roofing style that will clash with the look of your home. For instance, in Cincinnati there are many homes built in a classic German style that choose to roof their homes with cedar shake and shingles because it looks very natural and compliments the style of their home. 

Choosing a Roofing Professional

The most important choice you can make is to choose the best roofing contractor you can to install your new roof and help guide you through the decision making process. Roofing experts like Deer Park Roofing will make sure to educate you as much as possible about the types of roofing available and the important factors to consider when choosing a new roof for your home.