You may be able to find a handful of roofing contractors if you have a home roofing or industrial project in hand. There are expert providers with a significant level of experience, admirable craftsmanship, and good customer service to assist you. However, each roofing projecting is different from one another, and each will have personal preferences also while planning for roofing.
Choosing roofing material
The first question you may come across while thinking of a roofing project may be which material to use. There are various choices evolving day by day in terms of roofing materials. However, before choosing anything in random as you like, here are a few primary things to consider to decide over which roofing material may be ideal for your purpose.
- Energy efficiency – You need to consider your energy efficiency goals before choosing roofing materials. Certain materials like asphalt, some metals, and tiled roofs, etc. can contribute towards overall energy efficiency of your home. Roofing has an impact on the sun’s heat falling on your attic. If you can keep your attic cool, that can save a lot in terms of air conditioning and cut down your energy bills.
- Matching to home architecture – As you can image, the roof is the largest visible part of the home exteriors. So, you need to consider its aesthetics also while considering the roof material. The design of your roofing should complement the overall architectural style of your house to give it a perfect finish. For example, the traditional style homes may look good with classic style slate roofs. For modern houses, while metal can be given a shiny finish.
- Your plans to stay at home – Your length of stay in the house is another important consideration while planning to roof. You need to ensure durability if you are planning to stay there for long. It is a fact that no roofs will last forever, so it is important to consider if you may need to undertake a roof replacement project very soon. Some of the roofs may be a lifetime investment while some others may need replacement in five or 10 years.
- The health of inmates – As we have seen at the first point, different roofing materials have different capabilities in terms of conduction of heat, protection from other natural disasters, etc. Efficiency or roofing can have a direct impact on the health of the inmates also, so it is essential to consider the health conditions of the children and elderly at home also before making the material choices.
Further, we will discuss a few major roofing materials commonly used and the details of each.
Various roofing materials
Until a few years back, only slate, asphalt shingles, clay tiles, and concrete tiles were some of the few options available in terms of roofing materials. However, now there is a huge range of unprecedented alternatives in roofing materials, which not only varies in terms of materials, but also in terms of colors, designs, size, and style. Here, we will discuss some top materials preferred by the roofing contractors like https://klausroofingcolorado.com for home roofing.
Solar Tiles
The latest in the line of roofing tiles are advanced solar tiles. These tiles consist of solar panels integrated to the shingles and can produce energy. There are solar roofs which can generate up to 1 kilowatt of electricity from about 100 square feet area. This can be a great option to try at sunny locations where it will offer both a guard from sun’s heat as well as electricity. When compared to the traditional solar energy generation options, these solar roofs can be more cost effective too.
Asphalt
Asphalt is now one of the most popular roofing options as they are apt for any environmental conditions. Asphalt shingles are available in a variety of models lately, which you can choose based on your needs. There are various standards and qualities in terms of asphalt shingles. You can check for some quality specifications like passing the wind tests ASTM D3161, Class F, ASTM D7158, Class H or durability test AC438, etc. on Considering Asphalt, the initial cost is low, but you may have to expect a replacement after 15 to 20 years. There are impact resistant asphalt shingles to be considered if your home at a hail prone region, with a rating of UL 2218 Class 4.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs come in various forms as vertical panels, shingles, slates, tile, etc. Compared to other types of roofing materials, metal roofing is expected to have a larger life span. A quality metal roof may be able to last up to 60 years. Metal has a large capacity to slough off rain or heavy snowfall. It also won’t burn at high heats or caught by winds. Metal roofing is now lightweight and can be easily installed over the existing roof too. However, one drawback noted is that metal roofs may be noisy during the time of rainstorms and also may dent from hail. Metal is cost effective also, ranging between $5 to $15 per square feet based on the type of metal, which is lesser than the rate of concrete tiles.
Stone-coated steel
These roofs feature interlock panels, which is more like slate or shingles but are capable of resisting heavy rains and winds. These can resist hail, uplifting, and also the cycles of freeze-thaw. They are very economical to install at wet and windy locations. Some good quality stone-coated steel roofs have a lifetime warranty also.
Slate
Slate roofing is one of the longest lasting roofing materials, which may stay strong up to 100 years if maintained well. It is waterproof and also won’t burn. Slate can also resist fungi and molds. Slate is largely effective in wet climates, but compared to many other roofing materials it is a bit expensive and heavy.
Along with the above, some other best choice to make is rubber slate, concrete tiles, clay tiles, etc. Green roofs are another latest concept, where instead of materials, roofs are covered with various plants which can help improve the air quality and also reduce water runoffs. Green roofs can also insulate homes at the high heat areas. Regardless of what sort of roof you plan to go with, there are chances that your foot may get damaged if not properly cared for.
