It may seem a little uninteresting to think about, but re-roofing your home can actually be one of the most expensive renovation projects you can do. Your roof is incredibly visible, and it also needs to be able to take a lot of pressure from the elements to perform the crucial task of protecting you and your family.
Pick a durable material
Choosing a durable material is vital, both for your safety and for your wallet (you want to go as long as possible before re-roofing your home). Similarly, energy efficiency is also important, as roofs can be a big player in the heat gains and losses of your home. If you’re paying for heating while having a roof that has little insulation you are indirectly burning money, quite literally.
Resistance to heat gain is important to consider, as it impacts the cost of cooling your home. Many roofing materials are rated by the Energy Star government program, which is a great aide to help you make your decisions relating to energy efficiency. Roofing products certified by the Energy Star program can help reduce demand for air conditioning by 10 to 15 percent. However, the program does not include any specification for roof insulation, and builders or roofing experts may need to be consulted when thinking about insulation. You can easily find roofers in your area online that will help you complete the job and will ensure your roof will last for years.
Consider sustainability
Many people consider sustainability when contemplating their perfect roof. This is a responsible considerationand is getting increasingly popular with a population that is growing more and more environmentally conscious. However, (almost) no roofing is truly sustainable. Raw materials may be, but the manufacturing process almost always is not. Disposal of the roofing material at the end of its life also needs to be considered when gauging sustainability. There may be a trade-off between sustainability and function. For example, metal roofs have highly energy-intensive production processes, but are much more durable than wood and can also reflect some heat, reducing heat gain and saving on air conditioning related costs.
Check out the list of roofing types below when choosing your perfect roof.
Types of Roofing
1. Asphalt Composite Shingles
The most popular roofing material in America, these are fiberglass and asphalt. They’re not very sustainable and have huge variety in their quality. This is reflected in the price, as they cost from around $1.50 to $4 per square foot (including installation). The low-end shingles last about 15 years, whereas the higher quality products last double that.
2. Rolled Roofing
The type of roofing that you see all the time in the city, this is asphalt-based and fast, convenient and cheap. More often than not it is used for commercial buildings, as it is not attractive to look at. It’s one of the only roofing materials that can be applied with relative ease as part of a DIY project, as it can be nailed down. It costs about $2 per square foot and lasts about 10 years before replacement is needed.
3. Membrane Roofing
This is popular for flat roofs, and it can be composed of many different plastics, though the most popular are those made from ethylene propylene diene monomers (EPDM). This roofing material is unsustainable and costs about $3.50 per square foot. Its lifespan is about 30 years, but it needs proper maintenance for this.
4. Standing Seam
This is the most common type of metal roofbut is considered esthetically unpleasing by some. If you’re in regions with heavy snowfall metal roofs might be the way to go, as they won’t suffer from constant exposure to water. They’re also fireproof, so great if wildfires are a concern. These roofs are more expensive (around $10 per square foot) but have been known to last up to 75 years.
5. Clay Tiles
Characteristically a color between red and orange, clay can be glazed or unglazed. It’s a great material for hot climates and can benefit your house if staying cool is your primary concern. However, it can be very expensive – domestic clay tiles cost about $15 per square foot, but imported can be up to $30. Clay is incredibly long-lasting, however, and clay roofing has been known to last centuries.
6. Wood Shingles/Shakes
Often regarded as the more attractive material, wood is quite expensive and not very long-lasting depending on climate. In very dry climates they have been known to last 60 years (but then wildfires may be an issue). In damp climates, they may only last about 20 years. They can be up to $9 per square foot if they’re shingles and $11 if shakes (as they’re thicker). Metal shingles are also possible, and hold the advantages of metal still being a bit nicer to look at. They cost about $10 per square foot and last around 40 years.
There you have it! A complete guide on how to choose your perfect roof. When you are looking for a roof that will last for years to come, take heed of the above information and consider hiring a professional to finish the job for you.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
