subject: What Is The Importants For Your Roof? [print this page] With so many roof material choices available today, choosing the right one for your home can be quite a challenge. Not only do we want our roof to be functional, but it should also be appealing to the eye. These days there are many non-traditional materials that can offer a more stylish look and longer lasting durability.
Every homeowner is different when it comes to what their priority is for a roof. Are you looking for the most affordable roof material? Do you want the least amount of maintenance? Is durability the most important aspect? or Are you wanting to go with an environmentally friendly product? The answers to these questions can significantly influence which roof material you choose for your home.
Cost
Affordability is usually the main motivating factor for most homeowners, especially when it comes to new roof installation. The average home can cost around $5,000 to re-roof and the prices only increase with more advanced materials. Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular materials used around homes in the United States. Loved for their affordability, these shingles also come in a variety of colors that can match any home's style. However, the cheap nature of asphalt shingles also means that they are less durable and tend to require more maintenance over time. Metal and clay tile roofs are the next step up in price from asphalt shingles, but can offer increased durability.
Maintenance and Durability
Many homeowners pay little attention to their roof until a problem arises, which indicates that maintenance and durability are fairly low on the priority list. However, routine inspection and minor maintenance can drastically increase the life of a roof. That being said, the amount of maintenance required and the overall durability of a material should be important to all homeowners. One of the options that requires the least amount of maintenance is metal roofs. When installed properly, a metal roof can last for 30 or more years only requiring the general cleaning away of debris. Clay or slate tiles are also highly durable, but can require a bit more maintenance when repairs or tile replacement is needed. Asphalt shingles are typically the least durable, which leads to increased maintenance of simple and time consuming repairs.
Green Products
Green roofing is becoming a more popular trend in recent years as more homeowners strive to install environmentally friendly products around their home. While solar panels can help reduce the dependence on traditional energy sources, their initial cost of installation can be pricey. However, homeowners with solar panels find that their household energy consumption drops significantly and they can even maintain power from reserves when traditional energy sources fail. A truly green roof is both cost effective and environmentally friendly. Installing a vegetation based surface on the roof reduces energy costs, keeps internal temperature of the home stable and requires little maintenance. Depending on the type of plant used, a green roof can be very little maintenance while maintaining durability.
tributes to the attractiveness of a building but also adds to its resale price.
