How to Choose a Roof for Your Home?

Each year, millions of people have a new roof installed on their homes. Not only is this a great decision for the safety and aesthetic appeal of your house, but it can also help to increase the value of your home by a significant amount. Before you move forward with your roofing project, it is important to consider a few factors to ensure that you are making the right choice in materials, roofing contractors, design, etc. Also, setting a realistic budget can help to alleviate unnecessary headaches during construction. The roofing material that you choose has the largest impact on how much money you spend. However, if you choose the right material, it can generate a positive return on investment. It can help to offset some of the cost and in rare instances, all of the costs. It is recommended that you conduct your own independent research. However, nothing can replace the expertise of a reputable and qualified roofing contractor.

Things to Consider Before You Buy Your Roof

When choosing the type of roof that you will adorn your house with, there are a few things that should be considered before you move forward. Remember, your roof will be tasked with protecting your home and everything on the inside of it for quite some time. Thus, it is recommended that you consider the following factors carefully:

• Requirements of your HOA and/or building codes of your municipality
• Weight of the materials
• Design that compliments the rest of your house
• Potential of a positive return on investment (ROI)
• Ability to withstand inclement weather including natural disasters
• Cost of the roof and how well it fits into your budget

Setting Your Budget

When speaking to roofing contractors, the first question that many homeowners have is “How much does it cost?” This is certainly an important aspect of your overall choice in roofing materials. However, it’s best to have an intimate knowledge of your exact budget and expectations before you make a determination on your needs. Your budget should include the costs of materials, labor, and potential repairs. All too often homeowners are shocked when a roofer uncovers areas of your roof that must be repaired before construction of their new roof can begin. This is precisely why your budget should always be equipped to handle additional costs and potential setbacks. Furthermore, the amount of money that you spend on your roof should not be considered a debt. It should be seen as an investment that can potentially help to increase the value of your home.

Choosing Your Materials

The type of roofing material that you choose will have a major impact on your budget, how long it will last, and how durable it will be. Some of the more common types of roofing materials include asphalt shingles, metal, slate and rubber. Each material has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Depending on which material you choose, your roof can last anywhere from 15 to more than 100 years. This is why it is important to work with a knowledgeable and trustworthy contractor that can steer you in the right direction. Additionally, some roofing materials are markedly more environmentally friendly than others. If you are interested in roofing materials that create the smallest ecological footprint, there are plenty of options.