The roof style you choose for your home can make or break its aesthetic appeal! Learn about the different roof styles and which is best for your home.
Need a roof repair or remodel?
New roofing is one of the most expensive home improvements that a homeowner will ever face, so you’ll want to choose the right roof style to suit your home and budget.
While opting for the most affordable option may seem like the most obvious choice, it’s important to consider your options.
As with most home improvements, there’s a direct link between quality and costs so choosing the cheapest roofing style is unlikely to be worthwhile in the long run. And in the case of roofing, quality usually equates to longevity.
Ready to choose a roof style for your home? Here are the best options.
Asphalt
Asphalt shingles are the most popular material for roof installation, as they are durable and affordable.
They also come in a wide variety of colors and styles, are easy to install, and are suitable for a wide range of temperatures so they can be custom designed to suit your home. Plus, they’re reliably waterproof.
Asphalt shingle roofs should last approximately 20 years before they need to be repaired. However, if you live in an area with intense sunlight or extreme temperatures, this can reduce the life span.
Likewise, quality varies widely. If you’re willing to pay extra, there is the possibility of purchasing asphalt shingle roofs with a life span of up to 50 years. However, if you grab a cheap deal, your roof may need repairing within 20 years.
It’s important to note that darker asphalt shingles are prone to fading in the sun and tend to show inconsistencies in color. Typically, discoloration is caused by algae, which doesn’t survive well in direct sunlight.
If you do opt for a darker color, however, you can remove discoloration by applying a sodium hypochlorite bleach solution to the roof before rinsing it off with water. You can also look out for an algae-resistant shingle which usually contains copper granules that help prevent new growth of algae.
To maximize the lifespan of your asphalt shingle roof, aim to purchase quality tiles and avoid walking across the roof. Keep them free of moss and never power wash the roof!
Slate
Do you own a modern home? Then a slate roof repair may be the choice for you.
Slate is typically used as a sophisticated roofing material for an upscale home. It looks smart, is fire resistant, is easily maintained, is resistant to rot and fading, and a quality slate roof is expected to last up to a whopping 100 years.
Slate roofing is also available in a variety of colors and styles, so finding a design to suit your home is an easy feat.
As you may have guessed, the disadvantages that come with opting for a slate roof is the high expense. The tiles are also very heavy, and there will need to be a high degree of expertise for installation. Plus, slate tiles can be broken underfoot, which means there needs to be some level of maintenance present.
Depending on where you live, slate roofing tiles may not be suitable for your area, too. Slate tiles are prone to erosion in climates that experience fluctuating weather and while the tiles are durable, they’re also very fragile. So, they aren’t suitable in areas where high winds and hail are common.
To maximize the lifespan of your slate tiles, you should immediately replace any broken tiles that you notice. Ensure that all flashings are correctly installed and working – if your copper flashing has turned black, it’s time for a replacement.
Metal
Metal shingles are becoming more popular as they’re low maintenance, lightweight, and are environmentally friendly. A good quality metal roof can last up to 60 years, too.
However, installation can be complicated, and it requires an experienced contractor to install a metal roof. One plus is that it can easily be installed over existing roofs so if you do find the right contractor for the job, you won’t need to spend extra time and money taking up the previous roof.
A metal roof works well in extreme weather conditions too as it excels at sloughing off heavy snow or rain, won’t burn, and resists heavy winds. It’s important to note that metal roofs can be noisy during rainstorms and may dent from hail so if you’re a light sleeper you may need to rethink your options!
If your metal roof starts to lose its shine, there’s the option of repainting it, as long as the roof materials and structure are in good form. This is usually a wise choice several years down the line, as it usually costs less to repaint a metal roof than to replace it.
Wood
Crafted from naturally renewable resources, wood shake shingles are another environmentally friendly roofing choice. This is especially so if they are manufactured from recycled wood or are harvested in an environmentally sound method.
Wood roofing produces a minimal impact on the quality of water runoff and last for up to 40 years, or even longer with proper maintenance. To maximize the lifespan, you’ll need to remove any fallen debris immediately, eliminate moss, and replace any curled, cupped, or split shakes as soon as possible.
Which Roof Style Suits You?
The best roof style for you depends on your budget, climate, and type of house you own.
Remember, while it’s easy to choose an inexpensive option when faced with the immediate challenge and high costs of financing a new roof, it’s important to take a long-term view. Investing in a more expensive and better-quality roof may be better value in the long run, as you won’t need to repair and replace it as often as you would with a cheaper option.
If you’re living in the Kansas City, Florida, or Colorado areas and are seeking a roof repair or renovation, we can provide you with a quality service to suit your roofing needs. Learn about the roofing services we offer here.