There are many things that you have to consider before buying a roof for your house. Many homeowners give a little thought to the quality and maintenance of the roof. However, protecting it is one way to keep your family safe from extreme weather outside.
With a properly maintained roof, you’ll be able to save energy and avoid serious leaks in the future. Whether you want to get a new roof or repair the existing one, it is best to know the latest trends in the market to come up with an informed choice.
Popular Types of Roof Today
Some homeowners would dwell more on the design of color and the roof, but the type of material to be used is an essential factor one shouldn’t miss.
Cool Roof
This is a conventional roof style in which the roof is constructed from a range of materials. Cool roofs have a distinctive light-colored finish that supports the reflection of sunlight. Absolutely, such a roofing device is desirable to homeowners because of its unique features like being energy and cost-efficient.
Rubber Roof
Compared to other popular roofing solutions, rubber roofing has one of the most important advantages. It extends lower purchasing and installation costs. Because the roof materials are lightweight and simple to install, labor and construction costs are also reduced.
Single-layer PVC membranes are used in this one. Rubber roofing is installed in rows, with the seams connected with sealants to prevent leaks. If you want a specific color of rubber, you always have the freedom to choose them.
Plastic Roof
Plastics are commonly thought to be detrimental to the environment, but repurposing them as roofing materials is a perfect way to recycle this durable material. People used to think of plastic as a cheap commodity with little aesthetic appeal, but it can be an excellent roofing material for buildings.
Basically, a plastic roof can shield the structure from heavy snow and strong winds. Since the plastic roofing sheets are recyclable, they are environmentally friendly. Moreover, plastic roofing sheets are suitable for directing water away from the building.
Factors to Consider Before Deciding on the Roofing Material this 2021
The roof is as important as the foundation of a house. The roof serves as protection against rain, snow, hail, extreme heat, and falling debris. Choosing the suitable roofing material will sustain the functions of the roof, as mentioned above.
Of course, you’ll find it hard to pick the right one for you because of the countless options out there. The key factors you should always bear in mind are the material features that support function, protection, and aesthetic purpose.
Energy-Saving
According to a 2020 report by the National Association of Realtors, millennials represent the largest share of homebuyers in the United States. Having the Millennials in the position of holding just 3% of total US wealth, most of them are surely opting for low-cost roofing material.
The energy bill is one of the major expenses to consider for homeowners. Therefore, choose the roof that can help you save electricity bills. Asphalt and metal shingles don’t absorb the heat from the sun to the space below it.
These types of material reflect the sun’s heat off from the attic, meaning both are cool varieties of roofing material. Full operation of the home air conditioning system isn’t necessary if the roofing material is cool enough to keep the temperature inside of the house comfortable.
How to Get the Most Energy-efficient Roof?
Well, there are tips you should remember if you want to cut your electricity expenses at home. Take note of the factors below and save money through them.
⦁ Apply a cool roof coating. It’s the roof’s finishing layer that will reflect the heat. Whether you are opting for a roof replacement or maintaining an existing roof, cool roof coating is a wise choice.
⦁ Picking the color of materials is a crucial decision. Always go for a lighter color because it’ll make a big difference in the amount of heat that the roof will absorb. Light and heat are directly absorbed by dark roofs, keeping the inside of the home even warmer. On the other side, the roof with light colors will reflect the heat and light from the sun, making the temperature inside the house cozy.
⦁ Upgrade the insulation in the attic. More insulation means more heat being barred from your home. Adding enough insulation in the attic can help regulate the temperature in your home, keeping it unaffected by the temperature outside.
Suitable Weight
The weight of the roofing material should also be taken into consideration. The structural integrity of the roof also depends on the weight of the materials.
No specific weight applies to all kinds of roofs. Always go for the materials that will best suit your home’s architectural stability. However, it’s best to choose low-weight material like asphalt since this can reduce the overall pressure on the building, making it last for many years.
Value
Before deciding whether you should buy the material or not, always look at its value. Like any other product in the market, roofing materials come in different brands, quality, and costs. Of course, high-quality and in-demand materials could be expensive, while the asphalt shingles are reasonably affordable.
Materials at low prices can unexpectedly last for a long time. The materials’ prices greatly depend on the brand it carries, so you better be mindful of the reviews from the users of the materials rather than the brand only.
By consulting with a reliable roofing company, you can select the material that will definitely satisfy your needs and resources.
Local Climate
Before purchasing roofing materials, it’s also important to consider the weather conditions in your region. If you live anywhere where it rains a lot, you can use water-resistant materials. Find a slanted roof that can quickly drain water and snow at the same time.
If you are located in a place where there are trees taller than your house, expect algae, mildew, moss, and mold to grow in the roof, affecting its durability.
Mold, mildew, moss, or algae will grow on your roof and affect its efficiency if you have trees higher than your roof. The good thing is, such environmental conditions can be handled through a suitable roofing material. For warmer climates, opt for concrete, slate tiles, or terracotta. On the other side, asphalt shingles, metal, and slate are the most appropriate for colder regions.
Length of Service
Before doing a home renovation or makeover, always assess whether you want to stay in your home for long or not. If you want to live in it, it is best to pick durable materials that could save your time and money in the long run. Materials like metal, slate, and tile are the most desirable. Installing such materials could be expensive, but it’ll definitely be worth it.
These materials are resistant to the scorching heat of the sun, strong winds, and heavy rains. They will last for decades if you get the correct maintenance for them.
Conclusion
To repeat, the roof of your house is just as essential as the foundation. If you’re thinking about re-roofing your house, the roofing materials you will choose have an impact on how long your new roof will last. Don’t just look at the brand of the materials; see to it that these are precisely what your home requires and what your budget can accommodate.