How to Choose the Best Roofing Material for Your Home
Choosing the best roofing material for your home is an important decision for any homeowner. Whether you plan to replace an old roof or have a new home in the works, the roofing material will make a big difference in your home's look on the outside and how it feels on the inside.
Some roofs are naturally better insulated, some are more durable, some let you hear the pitter-patter of rain, and some will last a lifetime.
The question of the best roofing material depends on many factors, including your preference. That's why the Zups team has put together this informative guide to help you choose the suitable roofing material for your unique roofing needs.
6 Tips for Choosing the Best Roofing Material
1. Check the Material and Style of Your Neighborhood
Most homeowners go with the flow: they choose a roofing option that matches the rest of the neighborhood. If you're choosing this route, you will most likely want an asphalt roof, as most neighborhoods in the US have asphalt composite shingles. Asphalt has many colors, including rust red, forest green, and dark teal.
However, some regions favor clay roofs, and historic homes may have wood shingles. When matching neighborhood roofs, be sure to choose the best roofing material option within that range. For example, asphalt architectural shingles have extra thickness and more tabs to make them more durable during heavy storms.
2. Know Your Region's Local Weather Patterns
Weather plays a significant role in the best roofing material for your home. If you live in a region with many high-intensity storms, you will want a more durable roof that is resistant to wind damage - and less devastating if a tree branch falls.
Metal roofs are great because there are no shingles to peel away, but they are also more audible. Architectural asphalt shingles were built for rough weather, while slate tile or wood shake hold up better by the seaside, where salty air is a unique challenge to your building materials.
3. Consider Heat and Insulation
Consider whether you need an extremely well-insulated roof for snowy climates or a cool roof that doesn't trap heat for hot weather climates. Heat and insulation play a significant role in choosing the best roofing material for your home.
Asphalt shingles and slate tile are practical options for cold weather, particularly when paired with ample insulation and ventilation in the attic. However, clay and concrete roofs are more suitable for hot summers and mild winters.
Flat roofs are also popular in hot climates, especially in regions with low precipitation. For flat roofs, you can choose a single membrane, double membrane, or built-up roof for your building materials.
4. Energy Efficiency
An energy-efficient roof typically means that it can reflect heat in the summer while retaining heat in the winter. In summer, the issue is not allowing heat to build up in the attic, while in the winter, the problem is it keeps the warm air in. This will enable you to save on the thermostat and HVAC costs year-round.
Metal roofs are considered very energy-efficient, as are tile roofs. Asphalt was once inefficient, but modern upgrades to the composite shingle design have made some asphalt roofs an energy-efficient choice that can match the rest of your neighborhood.
5. Cell Signal Strength
Did you know that your roof can influence your cell and hotspot signal strength? If you get wireless services to the house, the material and thickness of your roof can affect the strength of your signal.
All building materials provide some level of signal interference, but metal is the most disruptive to wireless transmission of any sort. Metal roofs are very good at slowing down cell signal, while wood shingles or asphalt composite are typically the best at letting signal through.
6. Your Practical Roofing Budget
Finally, remember to consider your budget—some types of roofing cost significantly more or significantly less. The price is almost always weighed with an ample supply of pros (and a few cons) for each building material, so selecting the right one is vital to the future efficiency and enjoyment of the house in the long term. Your roofing budget may be tied to a line of credit, your savings, or - often - an insurance award in the works.
Discover the Best Roofing Materials for Your Home
Be sure to consult with a local roofing expert like Zups to help you to determine the best roofing materials for your home's unique needs and design influences. We understand the full range of roofing materials and can help you design a comfortable, energy-efficient home from the roof down and the foundation up.
Contact us today for a roofing consultation on how we can design and build the best possible roof for your home. Zups Construction is here to help you enjoy your home thoroughly, from the hottest summer day to the snowiest winter and every season in between.