What’s on Top of Your Roof Matters

            Are you considering building a home, buying a home, or selling the one you’re in?  If you are, then the question of the roof is sure to come up.  No one wants to purchase a home knowing that they’ll immediately have to repair or replace the roof.  Likewise, if you’re selling, you’ll have to fix that old or damaged roof before you’ll be able to secure a buyer.  The three key issues to consider when choosing a roof are the expense, maintenance required, and durability of the material you choose.  There are many options to consider today when you’re selecting a roof.

            Most homeowners choose asphalt or fiberglass shingles because they are inexpensive, look good on most homes, generally last 10-15 years, and are one of the easiest to install.  They don’t require any maintenance unless you experience severe wind, and there’s a large selection of colors.  However, they aren’t very eco-friendly because they must be sent to a landfill when they’re removed.

            Some people prefer the charm of wooden shakes on their homes.  I’m sure most buyers are aware of the danger of fire unless you select pressure treated, fire-retardant shakes.  They do help insulate your attic and allow the roof to breathe.  If you choose wood, you should also be sure to watch for mold, rot, and possible insect problems.  Each wood roof has its own particular look, so choose a qualified, experienced installer.

            If you want something with a different look, you may want to choose clay or slate tiles.  They can give your home an old-world charm and they won’t burn, rot, or attract insects.  In fact, there’s hardly any maintenance at all unless you try to walk on them.  They are expensive, however, and are so heavy that they may require that your roof be given extra reinforcement.  These could last longer than your home though, so if you’re looking for durability this is a great place to start.

            A popular style today that actually began back in the 1700’s is the metal roof.  It’s lightweight, energy efficient, durable, and fire retardant.  There’s a variety of colors and patterns available, but you might want to consider whether you’ll enjoy hearing the sound of rain or hail hitting this metal topper.

            Technology today has produced synthetic and concrete tile roofing as yet another option available to consumers.  Both the synthetic tiles and concrete tiles come in a variety of styles and colors, are light and durable, reasonably priced, and environmentally friendly.  They are produced to resemble other types of shingles, and the ones offered recently are also lighter.  No matter what style of roof you choose, be sure to consider the three key issues:  cost, maintenance, and durability. After you have chosen the style, finding the right installer is just as important. Hiring a roofer that does not know what they are doing will likely result in the hiring of a roof repair company as your next step!