Roofs are an essential part of your home. They protect you from the weather and help keep you warm while providing a unique aesthetic. Unfortunately, roofs need consistent maintenance and repair, which takes time, effort, and money. If your roof falls into disrepair, you may need to replace it, which can be a complicated and expensive home project. An essential step in replacing your roof is deciding on the best roofing material for your home.
When choosing roofing materials, it’s important to consider both quality and expense. The team at Peak Builders & Roofers of San Diego knows this to be true. Some materials are cheaper but don’t last as long, while others are expensive but can last for the lifetime of your home. A higher upfront cost usually leads to a longer lifespan. We’ve reached out to experts from Boston, MA, to Miami, FL, to help you uncover the best roofing materials for your home.
Slate roofs are a beautiful, durable option
Known for its beauty and durability, slate has long been used in roof construction, adorning some of the world’s most breathtaking historical structures. Notable examples include the Walt Disney Residence, Rockefeller Mansion, and Oriel College at Oxford University.
You often find slate roofing on older historic and institutional buildings where longevity is essential. That’s because slate roofs are longer lasting than other materials, with a soft slate roof lasting 50 to 125 years and a hard slate roof lasting between 75 and 200 years. – Huber & Associates
Read more about roofing materials and restoration on their blog post.
Before deciding on materials, understand your local climate
Searching for the best roofing materials online can be a bit of a challenge, especially for inexperienced contractors or homeowners. The best roofing companies in the United States are not just shopping based on price. It’s important to understand that there isn’t a one-size fits all solution for sourcing materials. For example, geographic location and climate play a huge role in deciding on the best roofing material. While shingle roofs may be a good option for homes in New Jersey, they are a risky investment for homes in Florida where high winds and precipitation can significantly impact longevity. – Attics and More
Tile roofing is a durable, long-lasting option
Tile roofing has been popular for centuries for its durability and aesthetics. They come in a wide range of materials such as clay, concrete, metal, and slate. Each material offers unique advantages that make it suitable for specific roofing needs.
Clay roof tiles, for instance, are renowned for their ability to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide excellent insulation. Concrete roof tiles, on the other hand, are a cost-effective alternative to clay tiles, offering similar durability and insulation benefits. If you have the option, consider installing tile roofing. – GG Roofers of South Florida
Use premium shingles in variable temperatures
In Boston, we generally use the CertainTeed Landmark shingles. These premium asphalt shingles are easy to install, low maintenance, and durable. Durability is important in the hot New England summers and cold New England winters. While shingles can be an expensive option, paying more upfront saves money down the line. – RWB Roofing
Take the color of your shingles into account
Quality is crucial if you’re using shingles. Think about the color of the shingles as well; darker colors absorb more heat than lighter ones. If you do use shingles, consider the weather. What we see on an everyday basis is significant damage from wind or hail. Homeowners need to stay informed by doing roof inspections more frequently after a storm hits their area. – R & R Roofing
Architectural shingles are popular
While there are a variety of roofing materials available, architectural or composite shingle roofs are the most popular choice. They’re affordable, stylish, colorful, and can last for decades. When it’s time for you to install a new roof, don’t be afraid to ask for samples of roofing materials. Looking at different samples will give you a good idea of what material will suit your home. – Superior Roofing
If you’re cleaning your roof, consider soft washing
Soft washing uses special low-pressure nozzles to apply detergent and other cleaning solutions to many surfaces, including roofs. As an alternative to pressure-washing, this gentle approach can clean dirt, grime, mildew, algae, moss, and more without damaging or scratching surfaces. – The team at Patriot Softwash
Make sure to inspect your roof during sunny weather
You know how much the heat wears you out, imagine what the sun beating down on your roof day after day does to its integrity! The sun and extreme temperatures of the South can cause excessive wear and tear on your shingles leading to cracks and breaking. Without the proper maintenance, it can also start to affect the underlayment underneath the shingles and lead to significant and costly damage. – Powell Roofing Contractors
Metal roofing can be a great long-term option
For quick and cheap roofing, use architectural shingles. They last about five years longer than 3-slab roofing and only cost $0.25 per SF more. For long-term, more expensive roofing, go with metal roofing. Correctly installed, metal roofs never leak, they sometimes may not need guttering, and they can last 35-50 years.. Ensure you’re using the correct type of metal depending on your proximity to saltwater. If you’re within 1,500 feet of saltwater, use aluminum or stainless steel panels. – Perkins Roofing
If you live near the coast, use metal roofing
Homeowners in South Florida and coastal cities across the US often opt for a modern metal roof. It may be a higher investment upfront, but metal needs little to no maintenance, especially compared to shingles or tiles. Modern metal roofs also serve as excellent protection against inclement weather, with no need for constant sealing, spraying, or reinforcing. This is crucial during the heavy winds and rain of the hurricane season we experience from June through November. Also, metal roofing is often a recyclable and more eco-friendly option compared to other materials. – My Miami Roofing
Install downspouts for better drainage
An advantage of having downspouts connected to your gutter system is that they help improve drainage throughout your home, including your yard and landscaping. Downspouts allow you to direct water runoff from your roof to a specific area away from the house, eliminating erosion and other harmful forms of water buildup. – The team at Gutter Boyz
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