Your roof isn’t just the most important part of your house’s interior design, it’s also an extremely vital part in determining the appeal of the exterior. A well-maintained roof will provide you with the protection you need. It works as a barrier against bad weather and other damaging elements; from snow, rain, branches, to debris, and more. Leaving your roof unattended will only lead to an endless cycle of issues. Even small problems like a small leak could develop into mold and bigger serious issues.
However, before making sure that you apply an effective maintenance routine to your roof, you need to choose the right roofing material that will provide you with protection, as well as increase your curb appeal and house resale value.
Cedar Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are considered to be the quintessential roofing material that gives classic attraction to a house. However, they can be quite expensive with several limitations. That’s why this roofing material option is only common for luxury homes where practicality isn’t a priority. They look luxurious and attractive. In dry climates, wood shingles and shakes can last up to 60 years. However, wood shingles are a poor choice for damp conditions. They require constant attention and regular maintenance routine.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are considered to be the perfect choice for areas with windy weather. However, they need to be installed by professionals and well-maintained with a specific and regular maintenance routine. The advantages of this roofing material option have endless offerings. Clay is a highly durable material that can withstand harsh weather conditions like strong winds. Relatively, this is also the best fire-resistant roofing option among all the other available materials.
Clay tiles are also energy efficient. However, there are some drawbacks such as the required regular maintenance routine to ensure a roof’s longevity. Also, people who are redoing their roofs will need to change the roof’s support system if they are switching to clay tiles due to their heavy-weight. While clay tiles are a great choice to increase your curb appeal, with time, they don’t age well as clay tiles tend to crack.
Concrete Tiles
This roofing material is considered to be a cheaper alternative material to clay tiles, but with the same installation process and techniques. Concrete has also high durability which makes this material perfect for many harsh weather conditions with high resistance against wildfires. The making process depends on molding the tiles from standard sand-mix which can result in a number of different colors and hues as desired. The material itself is extremely heavy and requires a special roof support system just as clay tiles, except that sometimes there is another decorative coating layer added which makes it even heavier.
Asphalt Shingles
If you appreciate practicality over looks, then this is the right choice to go for. There are two types of asphalt shingles; architectural and three-tab. Both options may vary in their lifespans, however, you can be sure to get 40+ without any problems. In Boise, for example, this is the most common roofing material option for the various advantages it offers. The main reason why this material is the roofing Boise locals opt to, then you will need to consider the weather conditions and other factors that go into play.
Professionals would strongly advise that you consider these factors before making any decision. Asphalt has been trending in many areas due to its variety of styles and cool colors it comes in.
Metal Roofing
This material might not be as popular as the other previously listed roofing materials; however, it’s becoming more and more popular every day. Metal costs are considered to be average as they are cheaper than wood shingles or clay tiles, yet, metal roofing is more expensive than asphalt shingles. The strongest appeal that this roofing material has going for it, is its durability.
You can rest assured that even with little to no maintenance routine, your metal roof can last up to 50 years due to their resistance to water, ice, and other unpleasant weather conditions. That’s why this is one of the fittest choices for colder and wetter climates. Metal roofing is considered
to be a good environmentally-friendly option for people who don’t mind hiring a specialist for installation as they are custom-built.
Slate Shingles
Slate shingles are one of the most, if not the most, expensive roofing materials you can choose for your home. This option is reserved for people who only accept the best quality and finest style for their houses. There are some slate roofs out there that are more than a hundred years old, and yet, they are still functioning with little to no maintenance.
The authentic thin sheets of real stones require high skills from specialized qualified installers, who are very hard to find, as the installation process can be harder than other roofing materials. While prices can reach up to $75 per square foot for installation, the expected lifespan of these roofs usually falls from 75 years and up to more than 200 years.
Eco-friendly Green Roofs
As we are getting more conscious about the environment, many people have prioritized environmentally-friendly choices more than style, comfort, or practicality. Eco-friendly roofs are usually made from moss and other living plant materials that can recycle oxygen, provide thermal insulation for your house, and absorb rain. While this option might seem a bit unorthodox for many, yet, it’s an extremely attractive choice that won’t only provide you with the protection and style you need but it will also be a great choice for you and the environment.
Investing in a high-quality roof is considered to be one of the most important investments any homeowner could make. Not only because luxurious roofs will increase a house resale value, but the roof could easily be used to make a statement. However, it’s extremely vital that every homeowner ensures that this statement is solid, both on the visual and the structural aspects.
There are different roofing materials you should consider that will provide you with protection, style, and peace of mind. However, if you find this task to be overwhelming, you can take a look around the surrounding properties of your house to understand what you need and want to be able to make a well-thought decision.
