It’s never easy deciding on the roofing material to go with when you’re building a new home or renovating your current property. There are just so many options to choose from! It’s no surprise that many homeowners find themselves spending far too much time on the process of settling for a new roof.
What is the best roofing material? Which one will work best for your property? The most trusted roof repair company in Tucson, AZ, covers all the details you need to know in this post.
Unfortunately, there’s no “best” roofing material. What qualifies as the best roofing material for one property owner may be the worst possible option for another. To find the best roofing material for your property, you have to carefully evaluate your personal situation.
The top factors to consider when choosing a roofing material include the following.
Some roof materials work better in certain climates than other materials. Installing a roof that absorbs heat in a hot and humid climate can make your indoor space less comfortable.
On the other hand, installing organic roof material in a high humidity environment may leave you worrying about a replacement a lot sooner than normal.
You can quickly cut down the list of roofing materials you can use by simply determining how high you’re willing to go in terms of installation costs. When setting your budget, it’s important to be realistic. However, it’s important to note that high prices or low prices do not make a roof material the best choice.
Your home’s architectural style will influence the type of roof materials you can or can’t use. For example, concrete tiles or slate roofing will look out of place on contemporary designs. On the other hand, a metal roof will look out of place on a rustic or Mediterranean-style property.
It’s also important to only focus on materials that will work best for your roof pitch.
If you’re bound by HOA building rules or other such codes, you need to find out the materials you’re allowed to use to avoid incurring heavy fines and taking losses when you have to repeat the job.
Most roofs will last decades on average, which means you have to maintain them from time to time. You have to ensure your choice of roofing is one that won’t require too much maintenance work. Otherwise, it may end up becoming too costly over time.
Installing a new roof is a home improvement project that will yield a decent return when it’s time to sell.
If you intend to put your property on the market down the line, you have to prioritize choosing a roof option that will appeal to potential buyers in your local market the most while still remaining cost-effective for you.
The lifespan of a roof will depend on the type of material. If you don’t want to worry about roof replacement any time soon, you should choose options that tick all the right boxes and also have a good lifespan.
If you’re still wondering, “What is the best roofing material?” here are a few options you can choose from.
Asphalt shingles are the preferred roof material for many property owners. They are one of the most affordable roofing materials you can choose from. They are available in a wide range of styles and colors, so it’s easy to find designs that match your property’s architectural style.
Installing asphalt shingles is also a straightforward job. Therefore, labor costs are more manageable compared to other options. Properly installed asphalt shingle roofing can last up to 30 years.
However, asphalt shingles don’t hold up well in extreme weather conditions like heavy winds and hail. You should also think carefully before installing it on property shaded by trees because it supports algae growth.
Metal roofs are a top choice if you want a roof that will last a lifetime. Most metal roofs can last up to 70 years or more with some maintenance. They are also low-maintenance options that age gracefully.
However, you should keep in mind that metal roofing will cost more to install than other materials. The low-maintenance nature balances out the higher upfront costs, but it's still something to consider.
Additionally, metal roofs are noisy during rain or hailstorms. You’ll need to install more insulation to keep out the noise.
Concrete and clay tiles can transform the curb appeal of any property. They deliver that distinctive Mediterranean-style appearance that’s hard to mimic with other roofing materials. In terms of durability, you can expect your clay or concrete tile to last up to 100 years.
They are fire-resistant and rank highly on the energy-efficiency scale. A clay or concrete tile roof will keep your home cool in Arizona’s hot summer months.
On the flip side, clay and concrete tiles are heavy and will require you to reinforce your roof structure to support the weight. The tiles will also crack under impact from heavy objects.
Slate roofing is one of the longest-lasting roofing materials. Some types of slate roofing can last up to 200 years. It’s another low-maintenance and fire-resistant option you can consider. However, they are also as heavy as clay and concrete tiles.
Labor costs are also a lot higher compared to other options because it can take up to 300 hours to install a slate roof on an average-sized property.
What is the best roofing material for your property? The answer will vary from one homeowner to another. Before you commit to a specific option, you’re better off seeking guidance from an experienced roof installation company like the team at West Coast Roofing.
Contact the licensed and certified team in Tucson, AZ, today to get personalized guidance and a professional recommendation.
For further reading, check out our blog on things to know before hiring a roofing contractor.
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