There are many things to take into consideration when choosing a new roof. Natural materials that are available today, like slate and wood to man-made products such as asphalt, sheet metal, and plastic polymers present a wider array of choices to homeowners than in years past. Each material has it’s advantages and disadvantages and all can add a distinctive design element to your home. But what is best for you?
Here are 5 things to consider when choosing a roof:
1) How long will it last and what kind of warranty does it have?
This is where the cheapest isn’t the best. With roofing materials you get what you pay for and putting the extra money into quality materials now could save you from having to replace your roof again in 10 years. Look at all your options and carefully decide on what’s best for you.
2) How will it hold up during extreme weather such as hail storms and tornadoes?
Here in the South we are subject to extreme variations in weather. It could be clear and warm one day and stormy and cold the next. If there is one thing you can count on is you are going to be hit by a storm sooner or later. The question is, how well will your roof fare? If you hired a good roof contractor contractor and didn’t go the cheap route, you’re probably ok, if not, well. The point is, since you’re looking for a new roof anyhow, take into consideration the beating it will take over the next 5- 10 years. Get the best you can buy, hire a local contractor with an established reputation and you won’t have to worry.
3) Does the roof have enough slope?
Slopes help route water away from your roof averting damage and other problems, it also matters how much slope your roof has to determine walkability and how proportional it is to the rest of your home. Calculating slopes is best done by a professional, if your slope is in question ask your contractor.
4) How will the roof complement the rest of the house, is it too heavy, too sloped?
Your roof isn’t just for protection. These days with the number of materials, styles, and colors you can make your roof just as beautiful as the rest of your home. When choosing a new roof, check out the rest of your home and see how the materials and color mesh with the existing architecture and be sure you are clear on how the final product will look to be sure you get what you want.
5) How much does it cost?
The question on everyone’s mind when replacing or buying a new roof. It’s not gonna be cheap. As with many things, roofing is very much a “you get what you pay for” type of investment. While skimping on materials and hiring someone less than professional may seem great when your saving thousands today, often these types of roofs end up costing much more over the years in maintenance, repairs, and even replacement costs. Even a roof with top quality materials can be undermined by shoddy workmanship. That roof that should’ve lasted 30 years but only lasted 10 and the warranty is void because the contractor took shortcuts is a story told too many times by homeowners. Don’t be that person, hire a professional, and buy the quality materials and get what you pay for.
Answering these questions and consulting with a professional roofer or roofing company (such as Atlanta Roofing Specialists 🙂 ), will help you determine what the best material and design is for your specific project and will get the ball rolling towards that new roof you always wanted. If you need help with these questions or are ready to get your new roof, call us today at 770-419-2222!