Choosing A New Roof For Your Home: Things To Consider

Whether you’ve contracted a new home to be built from the ground up or you’re simply in the market to hire a roofer near you, there are a wide variety of roofing materials on the market you have to choose from. Style, of course, is the most important factor, but it’s also important to consider the materials and overall costs associated with your new roof. Discover what each factor should mean to you before you choose a new roof for your home.

Overall Cost

The cost of your new roof is determined by the materials used, the condition of your existing roof (if applicable), and the shape of the roof. Certain materials, like wood and metal, cost more than asphalt shingles, tile, or cement. Of course, the amount the materials cost is also determined by how much materials are needed to complete the job. The current status of the roof is also a major factor, as a roof that needs repairs requires more time to strip of old materials. Finally, the layout of the roof also determines the final cost of the new roof. A gable roof with very little damage will cost less than a detailed roof that has turrets, skylights, or other decorative elements, like chimneys.

Types of Materials

The materials needed for your individual roofing project are determined by the type of roof that you have. For example, the structure of your home may not be able to adequately hold a heavy roofing material, like slate or concrete, limiting your options. If you’re having a new home built, you have access to more roofing options, depending on your budget. These are the most common types of roofing materials used on new roofing projects:

• • Asphalt Shingles: This is one of the most common roofing materials because it is the least costly option and is easy to install. Typically, asphalt shingles cost $50 a square (10 ft. x 10 ft. square).

• • Wood: Cedar, Redwood, and Southern Pine are the most common types of wood roofing. This type of roofing lasts a lot longer, but costs twice as much as asphalt shingles.

• • Metal: Aluminum, steel, copper, and lead are all excellent metal roofing materials that are sturdy, but expensive. They are manufactured for seamed roofs, starting at $250 per square.

• • Tile/Cement: If you live in or are building a Spanish Colonial or Mission style home, tile/cement roofing is your best option. They are a durable option that can cost a lot, but will stand the test of time.

• Slate: This is one of the most expensive roofing materials on the market. Slate is harvested from quarries or recycled from prior structures. It can cost upwards of $800 per square, but it is a durable option for commercial structures.

Making the Decision

If you’re making changes to an existing structure, the current style of your home will determine the type of materials your roofing material should be, based on weight, texture, durability, and of course, your personal budget.

For more guidance on choosing the roof that’s right for you or to learn more about the roofing options available to you, give us a call today!