The best residential roofing material for your home will be
one that is cost-efficient over the life of home ownership, and not just the
cheapest material you can find and have installed! A high-quality residential
roofing material should offer strong insulating properties and also enhance the
look of your home as well.
Metal is an excellent
residential roofing material, as it’s very durable and resists damage caused by
hail and strong storms. Metal roofing costs are often higher for installation
but metal outlasts many other residential roofing materials, making it
cost-effective over the years.
While metal is fast becoming a favorite residential roofing
material for homeowners, there are other options from which you might choose
including traditional asphalt shingles. Knowing your options for residential
roof replacement and needed repairs ensures that you’re making the right
decision for your home, so note some vital differences in various roofing materials.
You can then also discuss your choices with a residential roofing company near
you.
What Is the Best
Residential Roofing Material?
Every residential roofing material has its pros and cons,
including price, durability, and appearance. Obviously the more durable a
roofing material the higher its cost, but remember that a new roof is an
investment in your home! Check out these vital differences between residential
roofing materials so you can choose the right one for your house.
Traditional asphalt shingles are affordable and easy to work with and install. A new roof installation with asphalt shingles is a cheap way to dress up a home before putting it on the real estate market, and for those on a limited budget who absolutely need a new residential roof. Asphalt shingle replacement is also typically quite affordable and manageable by homeowners themselves.
Wood shingles offer a traditional look that enhances cottage-style and Victorian homes, while cedar and other species have natural oils that make them resistant to insects and moisture damage. Wood shingles are also fully recyclable, but note that wood shingles might not even be allowed in areas that are at high risk for brushfires, lightning strikes, and the like.
Clay and concrete tiles are extremely fire resistant and also a poor host to insects and other pests. Clay and concrete tiles also offer a wide range of colors and appearances and are fully recyclable. However, these tiles are typically heavier than other options and might require added support to a home’s framework before installation, which then also adds to their overall cost.
Genuine slate tiles are extremely durable and require little to no maintenance. Slate also offers a unique, timeless look that enhances a home’s curb appeal in an instant. Slate is heavier than other roofing materials and often requires added bracing of a home’s framework, and these tiles are also typically one of the most expensive options you might have for your home’s roof.
Metal roofing is also somewhat more expensive than your average residential roofing costs, but metal is quite durable and often outlasts asphalt and wood shingles by many years. Metal also needs little to no maintenance, is easy to clean, and is also fire resistant. Metal roofs are also easy to recycle and are typically manufactured with recycled and reclaimed materials, making metal a very eco-friendly residential roofing material.
When choosing between these residential roofing materials,
remember to consider the long-term costs of replacement and repairs and
especially if you plan on staying in your current home for many decades to
come! If you know you might put your home on the real estate market sometime in
the near future, consult with a real estate agent about the roofing materials
that attract the most homebuyers. A sturdy and durable metal roof might be very
desirable to potential buyers, making it a great choice for as long as you own
your home and for when you’re ready to sell it as well.
How Not to Hire a
Roofing Contractor Near You!
When shopping for a residential roofing contractor near you,
it’s vital that you choose a company with experience and expertise and not one
that simply offers the cheapest price! Note a few tips on what to look for and
what to avoid when searching for a residential roofing company near you:
You might know to look for a company that is
licensed, but you should ask to see their license rather than just looking for
the phrase “fully licensed” on their website! A reputable roofing company near
you will be happy to include a copy of their license with any quote or estimate
so you can rest assured that they are authorized to do business in your area.
A roofing company near you might have insurance
but it’s also good to ask about their coverage amounts and limitations. If
their insurance coverage is limited to just a thousand dollars or so, this
might not be sufficient to reimburse you in case of damages to your home. Check
their insurance binder and stick with a residential roofing company that has
several thousand dollars worth of insurance coverage.
A reputable residential roofing contractor will
have certified roofing inspectors who evaluate your home’s roof for needed
repairs. A certified roofing inspector should also have a verifiable license so
you know their work is thorough and efficient and that no detail will be
overlooked when it comes to residential roof repairs you need to have done.
A reputable residential roofing company near you
will have an on-time completion guarantee so that you know your repairs won’t
drag on indefinitely and that the company won’t overextend themselves with
contracts and jobs they can’t finish as promised!
Be wary of a residential roofing company near
you that asks for payment upfront. While a deposit might be required so that
the company knows they will get paid and to ensure they can purchase needed
residential roofing materials, you never want to pay a roofing company their
entire quote until the job is completed to your satisfaction.
Avoid a residential roofing contractor who
rushes through an inspection and the quote process, without answering your
questions or explaining in detail the repairs needed for your home’s roof. This
might indicate that they don’t want to answer those questions or don’t want you
double-checking their claims of needed repairs!
It’s also good to avoid a residential roofing
company near you that doesn’t offer a few choices for asphalt shingle
replacement, metal roofing, and other such residential roofing materials. An
expert roofing repair company will have experience in installing a variety of
roofing materials and will also know that their customers might prefer one
material over another, and they should be able to offer a variety of options
for your needed roof repairs and replacement.
A reliable roofing company near you should also
be honest about the durability of certain residential roofing materials,
repairs you might expect over the years, and the expected lifespan of asphalt,
metal, or other such roofing options. Compare the information they offer with
what you find online so you know you’re hiring a reputable company and not one
who is just telling you what you want to hear!
Does Your Home Need
Emergency Roof Repairs?
If you suspect your home needs emergency roof repairs, it’s vital that you call a residential roofing contractor near you right away. He or she can inspect your home and note if damage is serious and needs immediate attention or if you might put off residential roof repairs until a later time.
However, if your home has interior water leaks or you can
see holes in the attic or crawlspace ceiling, you need emergency roof repairs
right away! If you stand across the street and notice that your home’s roof is
sagging in any area or there are areas of missing shingles, it’s also good to
arrange emergency roof repairs as quickly as possible.
Severely damaged shingles that curl and bow or that are
buckled and jutting up from the roof also need replacing and repairs as soon as
possible. While patches of algae growing under shingles is not necessarily an
emergency, it’s vital that you have it removed soon so that it doesn’t dislodge
shingles and cause other damage.
Related Questions
Can You Get a Tax
Credit for Replacing Your Roof?
Only an accountant can note if any changes or improvements
made to your home qualify for tax credits, but in some cases you might be
eligible for a credit if you choose residential roofing materials that increase
your home’s energy efficiency.
What is a standing
seam metal roof?
A standing seam metal roof has raised seams along the edges
of roofing panels. These raised seams allow for less standing water on the
roof, resulting in less risk of rust and corrosion along the metal and less
risk of water damage inside the home.
What color roof is
best?
One reason that metal is the best residential roofing material is that it’s available in such a wide variety of colors! Choose a shade that complements your home but opt for lighter colors in warm areas and darker colors in cooler areas, to ensure maximum energy efficiency inside the home.
