It’s often not too difficult to tell when your home needs a new roof. The shingles might look in terrible shape, or you might find pieces of your roof in the gutters where the rain or wind has displaced them. As you begin to explore options for replacing your roof, you’ll likely see that many types of material exist for your roofing project.
Will you choose the traditional and affordable option of asphalt? Will you upgrade to slate or clay? Will you consider wood shingles? Each of these options offers various advantages, and researching each is an important step when choosing a new roof because of the investment required in replacing a roof.
Benefits of Choosing Asphalt Roofing
The classic and sturdy choice of an asphalt roof sometimes gets forgotten with so many excellent choices for modern roofing. When slate is beyond your budget and your home’s architectural style doesn’t lend itself to Mediterranean style shingles, asphalt can prove a long-lasting, safe, and affordable choice.
Some of the benefits of asphalt shingles include:
- Superior Fire Protection – Asphalt shingles help prevent the spread of fire.
- Adaptable to Any Roof – Install asphalt shingles on virtually any size or style of roof.
- Many Styles Available – Today’s asphalt shingles can mimic many styles.
- An Affordable Choice – Asphalt shingles are usually the most affordable option.
If you take care of your roof with regular maintenance and the occasional inspection, your roof can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years. While the longevity of an asphalt roof tends to be less than the number of years a slate, tile, or metal roof might last, they remain the most popular roofing material used on homes today.
Should You Consider a Metal Roof?
You might think of a metal roof as something that a construction crew might place on a commercial building or a factory. On the contrary, metal roofs are available for residential homes, and they come with some interesting advantages as far as roofing is concerned.
For example, a new metal roof can last as long as the house it covers while sealing out invasive rain and weather for decades.
According to Home Tips:
Properly installed, a metal roof should last as long as the house, sealing out water, surviving high winds, and easily shedding snow.
Metal is also resistant to the common issues that impact many roofs like fire, rot, and insect invasions. Keeping mildew at bay is also pretty straightforward with a metal roof. The biggest drawback you might see with a metal roof is the cost of buying and installing it. If you own your home long enough that you would end up replacing a less sturdy roof (like asphalt), the investment in a metal roof could prove to offer a positive return-on-investment.
Ask These Questions When Choosing a New Roof
The cost of your new roof is only a small part of the story when it comes to replacing your roof and enjoying many years under it. In addition to hiring a contractor with experience in roofing, it’s also a good idea to ask yourself these questions before making a final selection:
- Is the roofing material resistant to bad weather like rainstorms and wind?
- Is the weight of the roofing material appropriate for the structure of your home?
- Will the roof last as long as you plan to own your home?
- Is the style and appearance of the roof a match to your home’s architectural style?
- Can you afford the cost of the roof, or does it offer a good return-on-investment?
With the number of roofing materials available today, you may have some research ahead of you as far as deciding on which new roofing material would suit your home best. Speaking with an experienced roofer can help you figure out the best option, and you can usually set up a consultation with a contractor to discuss roofing options before finalizing any plans for a new roof.
Let Gettum Associates Assist with Your New Roof
Whether your roof has holes in it, a few dislodged shingles, or just doesn’t suit your home anymore, we can help. We’re a CertainTeed Master Shingle company and our team of experienced and friendly home renovation experts can help you choose an amazing new roof. Call us at 1-317-888-5681 for more information on our services, as well as to discuss your project and how we can help.
Plus, if you’re ready to get started on a renovation project, you’ll want to download our guide: Seven Questions to Ask When Choosing a Remodeler in the Indianapolis Area.
