Choosing a new roof for your home? It’s more complicated than just picking something out of a catalog. You’re going to want to factor in various considerations in order to make an informed decision. Climate and weather conditions native to your area (and those yearly natural disasters so common in places like Florida). How long you’d like your roof to last vs how much you’re willing to spend. How much roofing material is going to cost, and how that particular material is going to look on your roof.
With so much on your plate, it can be easy to feel completely overwhelmed. Not to worry, though: here are some choice material tips to help you along your way to roofing greatness.
Metal
If you’re looking for durable roofing, metal is probably the best option going for sheer longevity. It is especially strong, refusing to degrade when in full exposure to the elements, from sunlight to heavy rain. Panels are typically completely coated with zinc or aluminum, or galvalume in the case of galvanized steel. This makes them extremely strong, as well.
Metal also has, by far, the highest wind rating of all common roofing materials. It reflects heat more effectively than its competitors, leaving your home warm in the winter and cool in summer.
It’s also better in a lightning storm than you might expect. When a lightning bolt makes contact with a steel roof shingle, the current is easily spread over the surface of the roof without ever entering the house itself.
Metal is also non-flammable, leaving much less risk of extensive damage during a fire.
Asphalt
This is easily one of the more common and most popular options for roofing materials. Asphalt shingles are built for rugged performance, from felt saturated in asphalt, and coated from top to bottom with a weathering layer.
The top is coated with a layer of mineral granules, which help to shield the roof from elements. These shingles are extremely versatile, suiting almost any style of home or roof. They can also be ordered in a variety of styles, from slate grey to simulated wood.
Perhaps one of the main reasons they’re so popular is their low price point. Asphalt shingles are extremely inexpensive, requiring less work and investment to install and repair, over time. The trade in, however, is that they do have a relatively short service life. They’re also not as environmentally friendly, degrading into fine granules over time.
Tiles
Tile roofing is much more durable than building with shingles. Obviously, this depends heavily on the quality and type of material you choose, but concrete and clay tiles are are extremely durable, as well as being fire-resistant. They’re also available in a huge array of colors and styles, making them extremely versatile.
Tiles are difficult to install, and should only be handled by experts. This is a heavy material to use, so it most commonly features in new buildings with very specific weight restrictions.
No matter your target budget is, ideal style, or the climate you live in, the perfect roof system exists for you. Your roof isn’t just some decorative element to try and get past as quickly and expensively as possible. It’s as important to your house’s functionality as the foundation and support columns. Choosing the right material will provide you with better insulation, protection from heat, and less frequent materials. Going the wrong way…well, that can be costly.
Looking for the right materials, installed by some of the leading roofing professionals in Central Florida? Get in touch with Florida’s Best Roofing Inc., today, at (386 )263-7906!
