How many important decisions does the average homeowner face every year, regarding the upkeep and long-term value of their property? Obviously, the answer depends on the age and quality of the home, the location, the surrounding environment, and so many other factors.
But there is one element of the home that generates a lot of confusion: The roof. It’s a vital aspect of every home, and getting it right is important to the long-term value and health of every home.
That said, people often have questions about what kind of maintenance is necessary for the average roof – and what kind of roofing material is the best investment in case the roof has to be installed or replaced.
If you look at the various roofing options available, you’ll see some familiar ones, such as asphalt shingles, metal roofing, clay and concrete, and rubber slate. Some of these roofing methods have been around for ages, and are still widely in use today. Others have evolved and changed over time, and there are even some completely new roofing methods and materials.
Solar tiles are a great example. They can be installed and integrated directly into the shingles you already have on your roof, and they can significantly offset your home’s energy footprint.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves – most people are just trying to choose between the more traditional roofing options.
The reality is that finding the right type of roofing for your home depends on a small number of very important factors. Functionality should always be the first consideration, since there are unique weather characteristics that make different types of roofing more suitable to different places. For instance, slate roofing lasts a long time, is resistant to mold, and is waterproof. It also looks good on certain houses – but if you live in an area that tends to get hail storms, or if there are a lot of branches overhead that could fall down on the roof, slate is probably not the best choice as the tiles can break easily under that type of stress.
Asphalt shingles are great performers overall, and they’re the most common type of roofing for good reason – but they aren’t a great fit for every home. This brings us to the next important consideration: Style. Your home’s roof has a significant impact on its overall style and appearance, and this is worth keeping in mind as you think about functionality, efficiency, long-term investment, and other considerations.
Getting reliable information on roofing
There are a lot of different types of roofing out there, and there is a whole spectrum of quality in terms of the materials. The same thing goes for the skilled labor involved in repairing and installing a roof. Some contractors give more reliable information than others, and some contractors do better work than others. Make sure you contact a reputable and reliable roofing specialist with years of experience and a history of positive feedback in the community. That’s how you know your roof is getting the best treatment.