Choosing a new roof for your home can be a daunting task. So many questions need answers, and so many choices need deciding. Let’s alleviate some of the load and look at seven tips for choosing your next roof.
Tip #1 – Consider your local, normal weather patterns.
Colorado has a little of everything when it comes to weather, so consider what the normal, baseline weather conditions are in your area. There are pros and cons to each roofing material, so getting a good handle on this early in the process will help you make a final decision.
Tip #2 – Does your area experience natural disasters?
May it be wind, hail, wildfire, or earthquakes, natural disasters are something to take into account when choosing a new roof style. Taking a solid look at your area’s history of natural disasters helps steer you in a specific way as you compile more information.
Tip #3 – Roofing Materials
There are many different types of roofing materials, all of which have different pros and cons. Take a look at what ELK Roofing • Solar • Exteriors offers:
Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Pros- most inexpensive option for roofing, easiest to install and replace. You can also find a color and style to fit every preference.
Cons- easiest to get damaged and has the shortest lifespan at 15-20 years on average. This is also not the roof that will stick out as a eye-catching design feature on your block.
Metal Roofs
Pros- metal roofs have a longer lifespan (40-70 years,) are stronger than asphalt, energy-efficient, and have a more stand-out design.
Cons- much higher installation cost, can have storm noise, and much less DIY-friendly.
Tile Roofs
Pros- beautiful and has a highly stylized design, environmentally friendly, and long-lasting. They are also low maintenance and durable.
Cons- one of the highest installation costs and difficult installation process (no DIY!) These roofs are also very heavy, which could need extra construction support. Tile roofing also has one of the highest material costs of all roofing materials.
Slate Roofs
Pros- incredibly long lifespan (100+ years,) fire-resistant, environmentally friendly, and will be a head-turning design feature in your neighborhood.
Cons- one of the highest costing roofing materials, difficult to install and repair.
Cedar Roofs
Pros- exceptionally beautiful and rare, energy efficient, and durable.
Cons- one of the highest-cost roofing materials and installation, regular maintenance required.
Tip #4- Type of Roof Maintenance Needed
Many don’t think about the general wear-and-tear your roof goes through daily, but it is something to consider when you are thinking about a new roof. What fits into your lifestyle more? Are you willing to sacrifice your time doing regular maintenance, or will you be contacting a company to do it for you? What is your budget for that? And, speaking of…
Tip #5- Budget
With the amount of information you have accrued about roofing materials and what you may need, you can begin to make an educated decision on your budget for this project. The roof is the first line of defense of the home, so it is a worthy investment, whatever your dollar amount ends up being.
Tip # 6- Neighborhood and Design Choice
Are you putting a luxury roof on what would be considered a starter home in your area? Are you choosing the cheapest option in a more upscale neighborhood? Take time to drive around and look to see what would be comparable for your area before locking into either the higher- or lower-end of your roofing options.
Final Tip – Call ELK Roofing • Solar • Exteriors Today!
You can make all the right choices, and still end up with a leaky roof. Installation is key to creating a roof that will withstand the test of time. Call ELK Roofing • Solar • Exteriors today so they can start turning your dream roof into a reality.
