subject: Improve Your Home With Roofing [print this page] The right roofing material can do more than just cover your home and protect you from the elements. If you choose carefully, you will be able to find the type of roofing that will be durable, attractive, efficient, and reasonably priced. If you are looking to replace your roof, you will find that there are many types of roofing materials available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
You should make sure that you take your time and research each type and find out what the pros and cons are for each one before you make your decision. The most common types of roofing materials are: composition shingles, wood shakes, clay tiles, concrete tiles, slate, and metal. The most common metal to be used as roofing is steel, but you can also get copper and aluminum.
Steel Roofing, or the Others?
Steel roofing has many advantages over the other types. It is resistant to fires, shrinking, erosion, and cracks and it requires little to no maintenance. It can withstand extreme weather and high winds and often come with generous warranties that last up to the lifetime of the roof. Steel roofing is attractive and available in a wide variety of colors, textures, and styles.
This allows it to be very design-friendly, regardless of the style of your home. It can also help you save money on energy costs and add value to your home. Steel roofing may also qualify you to receive additional savings on your homeowner's insurance due to its durability. On the other hand, steel roofing is more costly to install than the other roofing materials. However, as new manufacturing methods are developed, the gap between the initial cost of a steel roof and other roofing materials is narrowing quickly.
Beauty Begins on the Outside
The various types of roofing allow you to change the look of your home from the outside. If your current roof is made of composition shingles, you can create a different look by installing new shingles that are of a different color or texture. If you want a more dimensional look, you can opt to install tiles or wood shakes. Wood shakes are natural products, which mean that no two shakes will look exactly alike. This effect can give your home a unique and customized look.
Clay tiles and concrete tiles can give your home warmth and depth, but these materials are quite heavy, so you must be certain that your home can withstand the extra weight that these materials will add. If you want a metal roof for a more contemporary look, you can choose from a wide array of colors, textures, and styles. Some of these styles can resemble wood shakes, clay tiles, or composition shingles. Your local home contractors will be able to help you determine which roofing material would be best for you.
Saving Money with the Right Roofing
Choosing the right roofing will also help you save money in the long run. Metal roofing and roofing that is light in color will reflect more heat, making your heating and cooling bill more manageable for you. Roofing that is fire resistant or coated with a flame-retardant coating will help you save money on your homeowner's insurance. Choosing a more durable material will make your roof last longer, saving you money in maintenance and repairs. Be sure that you get several quotes from your local home contractors and ask questions when you need more information.
