As a homeowner, undertaking a big renovation project such as re-roofing your home can be a bit of a financial challenge, but it’s one that shouldn’t be taken lightly since roofing is a long-term investment. The quality of your roofing material is directly correlated with the overall longevity of your roof. So, while a cheap roof might seem tempting because it’s more affordable, it’s not a sustainable investment in the long run.
If you pay less at the start, you’ll be sure to pay more over time. Not only can choosing the wrong roof cost you more, but it’s also inconvenient. You don’t want to call in for home roof repair service every few months.
When it’s time for you to get a new roof, these are the most important things you need to consider when choosing a roofing material for your home. In addition, we’ve added our recommendations for roofing materials that will stand the test of time.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Roofing Material
There are a couple of things you need to ask yourself before you go ahead and choose a roofing material.
To start, think about the overall color and style of your home. You don’t want to end up with a color or style that doesn’t go well with the rest of your home.
You should also be sure to take your location and weather into account. Do you live in an area that experiences extreme weather like frequent rainfalls and thunderstorms?
Lastly, you want to choose a roofing material that fits the fire codes in your area. Other factors you should take into account include cost, lifespan, and any other special installation requirements or issues (your roofer can determine these).
After you have the answers to these questions, you’ll find it easier to narrow down your options and pick a material for your new roof that works well on all accounts.
Top 5 Roofing Materials & Their Longevity
Depending on where you live, you may regularly see one type of roofing material more often than others. For example, in South Florida, Spanish style homes are common, and those homes are usually built with clay and cement tiled roofs. At the end of the day, though, the roofing material you pick depends on what you want, what you need, and what you want to spend.
Here’s a quick overview of the top five roofing materials.
Asphalt Shingles
Seen on many houses across the country, asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials because they’re economical and pretty easy to install. They come in a variety of colors and styles that make it easier to adjust for varying home designs. The average life-span of asphalt shingles is approximately 20-25 years. However, with proper maintenance, the material can last up to 50 years.
Wood Shingles
Made from natural wood, including cedar and yellow pine, wood shingles are another highly attractive roofing material. Most homeowners adore this material because wood shingles provide a nice brown-grey texture that’s hard to achieve with other materials. If you live in a fire-prone area and are interested in wood shingles, you should be sure to opt for wood shingles that have fire-resistant coating. As beautiful as wood shingles are, they do require more frequent roof maintenance and roof repair service. This is because they’re prone to mold and rot, especially in wet climates or areas that receive a lot of heavy rainfall. Even so, wood shingles have an average life-span of around 20 years.
Metal Roofing
If you love the sound of rain on the roof, then you’ll love metal roofing! Metal roofing is a remarkable roofing material that comes at a high cost. The results, however, are worth every penny. Metal roofing is a long-lasting and highly durable option that’s resistant to extreme weather conditions, which is great for areas like ours that see a lot of heat and rain. There are many different metal roofing materials to choose from, too, including zinc, stainless steel, aluminium, and copper. Once installed, metal roofing can last up to 75 years.
Clay & Cement Tiles
Clay and cement tiles have a certain charm to them that can’t be denied, and they have an incredible strength to them as well, making them a durable roofing material that’s ideal for anyone who wants a long-lasting roof. In fact, according to NAHB, the life expectancy of clay and cement tiled roofing is as long as 100 years. Keep in mind that this roofing material can be a little expensive and may require additional framing during installation, though the longevity of the roof makes the original cost and installment well-worth it.
Slate
If properly maintained, this material can last decades. Slate is a slightly different version of a stone roof in the sense that it actually features stones and rocks mined from quarries. Slate is also fire-resistant and highly sustainable, making it perfect for areas that are prone to fires and harsh weathers. Similar to a clay roof, the life expectancy of this material is a good 100 years, so once you’ve had it put on, you can trust that it will last a lifetime.
Get Your New Roof in Northeast Florida
A new roof is a big investment, so it’s understandable that you may want to complete research and consider all your options before deciding on your new roof. The task of choosing your ideal roofing material is much less stressful when you can consult with roofing professionals who can guide you in the right direction. At HW Roofing, we’d be happy to help you pick your perfect new roof! We offer services for roof repair and a new roof to those in St. Augustine, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville, and the surrounding communities in Northeast FL. Ready to get started with roofing for your home or business? Request a free inspection!