Best 3 Residential Roofing Types
Your roof is a crucial part of your home. While it protects your home’s structure, it also protects you and your family from the elements.
Your roof is also a great asset to your home. The type of roof you choose can influence its value, especially when you put it up for sale. Hence, it is important to choose the right roof type for your residential building.
However, choosing the right roof for your North Carolina home can be an uphill battle if you don’t know what to look for.
1. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingle roofs are one of the most popular roof types in modern homes. Their popularity is linked to the ease of installation and repair, and affordability. Also, asphalt shingles are available in a range of versions, including 3-tab and architectural, so you can easily find one that meets your style and pocket at the same time.
Since most roofers are experienced in installing asphalt shingles, expect to save money on your roof installation and repairs that may come in the future.
More to the beauty of shingle roofing, it takes less time to install. The roofer only has to roll the shingles out and nail them down to the roofing frame. Also, while asphalt shingles are not the most durable on the list of residential roofing materials, they still offer an impressive lifespan of up to 30 years.
However, it is worth noting that once the granules on the roof are gone, replacing the whole roof is the only way to rescue your roof. Plus, asphalt shingles are limited in the variety of design options. They are mostly available in black color.
2. Metal Roofing
Metal roofing has been around for some time and remains one of the best options for North Carolina homes. The roof has gained the hearts of homeowners with its loads of advantages over its competitors.
One noticeable advantage of investing in a metal roof is the high capacity to keep moisture away and protect your home and family against UV rays.
Additionally, metal roofs are available in a wide range of forms, including metal stone, coated steel, and standing seam. With this, the price of a metal roof can vary, and choosing one depends on your budget.
It would be unfair to acknowledge the high impact resistance of metal roofs to natural elements. The roof can withstand hail and water and stand strong in the face of fire accidents. These elements can only take away the beauty of your roof but will not result in a complete breakdown.
However, metal roofs come with stylistic challenges. The roof’s surface is smooth and might not give the right design you desire for your home.
3. Slate
Slate roof has a big fan base in the residential roofing space. They are popular for their outstanding beauty, durability, and low maintenance requirements. They are also one of the most beautiful roofing options for U.S. homes and can last for a very long time.
Slate roofs’ durability is rooted in their resistance to natural elements like water, insects and fire.
However, the roof comes with a few limitations, including high costs and requirements for roofers’ expertise.
Slate roofs are more expensive than most other roofing options and require an expert roofing contractor with special roofing experience in slate roofing, as the installation procedures involved are complex.
The high cost of slate is associated with how the materials are produced. Slate is mined from natural quarries and then processed and shaped into roofing materials.
More to the downside of slate roofs is the heavy weight of the materials. Slates are heavy, and since not all home structures have the strength to carry a heavy roof, choosing a slate roof should come with the recommendation of an expert roof. The heavy weight of slate roofs is also another justification for the high cost of the roof due to the high cost of transportation.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Roof for Your Home
Now that you know the best roofing type to consider for your home, it will also be helpful to know the factors to consider to make a more informed decision. Here are key factors to consider when picking a roof type:
Budget
The best place to start narrowing down your choice of roofing type is to consider your budget. How much did you plan on covering your home? Roof materials are available at different prices. You may also come across materials with varieties at varying prices.
However, while you might be tempted to pick the least expensive on the list, you want to factor in durability. While a durable roof can be expensive upfront, it helps save money on repairs and hence becomes cheaper in the long run. Also, roofs with enhanced insulation and reflective properties are better for saving money on energy bills.
Durability
One of the most important factors to consider when picking the right roof for your home is durability. Since roof types are made from different materials, they offer different lifespans. For example, while asphalt shingles can only last for 15-30 years, metal roofs can serve you for more than 50 years.
Appearance
Let’s face it: appearance plays a huge role in the value of your home, and the roof is a good place to start. This is why you want to select a roofing material with a color and texture that complements the architectural style of your home.
