There are many things that one should be aware of when deciding on how to choose a new roof for your home. It may be tempting to simply slap some mud and straw on top of your home and call it a day, but we all know that there are better and longer-lasting solutions available to us today.
In this article, we are going to discuss when you should start to consider getting a new roof, what types of roofs are out there, as well as the pros and cons of those types of roofs. So without further ado, grab your favorite refreshment, and let’s begin down the road of what roof material will be best for your new roof!
How To Tell If You Need A New Roof?
For starters, if your home currently is without a roof, it might be high time to look into getting one for your home. However, if you find yourself in the other camp, here are a few things that you can do to see if getting a new roof is right for you.
- Look up at your roof from within your attic. If you see beams of light or stains and streaks from water damage, it may be time to start looking at getting a new roof.
- Review your home improvement records. The typical asphalt shingle roof can last up to 20-25 years. If your roof has survived that long, it may be time to replace your roof preventatively before damage starts to occur.
- Roofs are your home’s defense against the outside elements, so it’s natural that eventually, they might get too much moisture trapped within the materials. If there are sagging spots, rotting boards, or if your roof has an extra spongy feel to it, it might be time for you to consider getting a new roof.
- Is your roof starting to grow plants on top of it? It may be a sign that there are underlying problems that need to be taken care of. If this is the case with your roof, it is definitely time to get a new roof to cover your home!
- Visible leaks and interior water damage coming from the ceilings are a sure sign that it is time for you to start looking for a new roof. It is better to begin the process sooner than later as the water damage can quickly spread throughout your home which can cause your a bigger headache than just getting a new roof.
- If your shingles are starting to curl, cup, or large sections of them are simply missing, it may pay to get a new roof than to extend the life of your current one as there may be underlying issues that are making them disintegrate.
- If there was significant storm damage, you should definitely look into getting a new roof. Check with your homeowner’s insurance as they may be able to cover most, if not all, of the expenses if you are in this situation.
- Lastly, if all of your neighbors are getting new roofs, it may be time for you to get one as well. Typically, homes that are in close proximity to each other are oftentimes all built within a similar time period. This could be an indication that your roof is nearing the end of its usefulness and you should have a contractor come out to investigate before any water damage can occur.
Now that we know the signs of when a homeowner should start to get a new roof, we will now look into what types of materials are available for homes in this day and age. Not only that, but we’ll talk about their pros and cons as well!
Modern Roofing Materials: New Roof For Your Home
Shingles
Shingles are one of the most common types of roofing material that’s used in 80-90% of all American residential roofs. Shingle roofs can be made up of either asphalt, fiberglass, or composite material and can come in a variety of colors that will match your home’s color palette.
Pros are that they work well in a variety of climates, are easy to place, recyclable, and very affordable
Cons are that the color tends to fade when exposed to the sun, they have a short lifespan, not as durable as other options on this list.
Metal
Metal sheets and shingles are one of the most durable on our list and can last the longest as well. Metal roofs can come in a variety of colors, shapes, and appearances. They may even be composed of different metals as well, such as steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc alloy.
Pros of metal roofs are that they are lightweight, highly resistant to natural elements, can last for 80+ years, and are very low maintenance.
Cons of metal roofs are that they are susceptible to warping if installed incorrectly, can be expensive (depending upon exact material), and may need additional soundproofing as they are naturally loud when rain or hails falls on them.
Slate
Slate roofing is a great alternative to metal roofing, as it’s not as noisy and doesn’t have that modern & industrial look that metal roofs tend to have. Slate roofing is essentially made out of homogeneous metamorphic rock as it is created from clay or volcanic ash. Just make sure that you don’t put anything on your slate roofs, like paint or sealant, as it can age your roof prematurely.
Pros of slate roofing are that they are highly durable, low maintenance, and can have a long lifespan of anywhere between 50-200 years!
Cons are that they are very expensive, they typically require specialized works to install, and are very heavy & require reinforced structural support.
Rolled Roofing
Rolled roofing is one of the most affordable styles of roof you can get, as well as one of the fastest roofs that can be installed. These roofs are great for homes that have a shallow slope to them, however, homes with flat roofs should avoid rolled roofing as the hammering process to install them can cause leaks.
Pros of rolled roofing are that it is inexpensive, quick to install, and is a great option for those with roofs that have a slight incline.
Cons of rolled roofing are they may not have as high of quality as other styles on our list. Rolled roofs are also not designed to last long, as they’re average lifespan is between 5-10 years.
Wood
Wood roofs make a great option for many homeowners that are looking for a specific type of look. This charming and cozy style of roof pairs well with homes that are of a Cape Cod, Craftsman, and Tudor-style of homes. They can come in a variety of species, the most popular include cedar and pine as they are prone to repel insects.
Pros of wood roofs are that they look quite nice when paired with a particular style of home, they are eco-friendly, and can last for up to 50 years when cared for correctly.
Cons are that they can be expensive, are prone to fires, and require a high level of maintenance as they must be repeatedly treated.
Green Roofing
This is a great option for those who want to make their roof more than just a roof. These types of roofs not only provide added insulation, reduced run-off, and extended roof life but also can add extra living space to your home!
Pros of green roofs are that they are highly durable, can make a garden on your roof, are inexpensive, and can provide extra living space.
Cons of green roofs are that they require extra maintenance as they will need to be watered and landscaped regularly. They also require special roof and gardening know-how for installation as special structural supports for the weight of water and soil will be needed.
Need a roofing contractor to install a new roof on your home? Here are 6 tips for picking the right roofing contractor.
Finals Thoughts On How To Choose A New Roof For Your Home
There are many reasons why one might need to get a new roof, and there are an equally large amount of materials that you can use to make that new roof. Check out what types of roofing services we offer.
If you, your friends, or your family are in need or want a new roof, don’t hesitate to contact us to have one of our roofing contractors come by your home to give you an estimate for a new roof.
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