Asphalt? Slate? Metal? Clay tiles? Cedar shingles? It can be overwhelming! Your friends at Richmond Exteriors have assembled a handy guide to help you.
A roof is a house’s workhorse but it often doesn’t get the respect it deserves. Usually it’s an afterthought to the beauty of an illuminated kitchen or a luxurious bedroom, shielding those spaces from the outside world. In fact, only when a roof does not function as it is meant to that this vital detail is transformed into a high priority for a homeowner.
A roof is one of the most important investments a homeowner can make — it’s what protects everything and everybody inside a house.
Over the last few years, available roofing materials have expanded so choosing the right one can be tough for people without practical home improvement knowledge.
How to choose the right material for the coating
A well-made roof can help to improve your home’s curb appeal and property value. Most homes have steep roofs and passers-by are more conscious of their presence. Your roof is like window dressing for your home and can make a statement regarding the condition of your house.
Start by taking a stroll around the neighborhood. Observe the different roofing materials that are used on the surrounding properties, note your likes and dislikes and then investigate the different roofing codes dictated by the area. We know that certain regions have construction codes that restrict the types of acceptable materials, and thus how to install your Indianapolis roof.
Here are the top Roofing Materials Sold Today:
Shingles in Cedar Pine
Wood shingles are used as the quintessential roofing material, and they add a traditional look that cannot be replicated. This wood ages naturally over time, with a lovely gray patina. Timber has a high wind strength and it can endure gusts of up to 200 miles an hour and the roofs made from it can last up to 30 years. Shingles also require frequent cleaning, however, and the construction can be costly.
Asphalt Shingle Roofs
For today’s properties, this is by far the most popular choice! Asphalt shingles come in a multitude of styles and colours. Some of these styles mimic the appearance of weathered wooden shingles or even slate roofs and you can even get them in ‘cool colors’ which minimize heat transfer to the building. There are two types of asphalt shingles, architectural and three-tab. These shingles can last up to 50 years!
Metal Roofs
Metal roofing is one of the fastest-growing materials on the market and its cost tends to be greater than asphalt shingles, but still less expensive than clay or wood. They are either large sheets or individual shingles made of aluminium, steel or copper. The most appealing feature of this robust material is that it is nearly maintenance-free and can last for up to 50 years. However, the metal roofs have to be custom-built, so finding a quality installer is critical.
What to Know about Replacing and Installing
Part of the reason why homeowners may find shopping for a roof so daunting is that it appears to only happen once during a standard 30-year mortgage. Additionally, choosing when to initiate this cycle is also unique to the land upon which the home sits.
Although a serious storm may allow the decision to contract for a new roof, small leaks and cracks can be more difficult to find. If you know your roof is old and you are not sure of its overall condition, you should check it before winter and the rainy seasons each year. By peering out windows, looking up from the ground or even using Google Earth for a bird’s eye view, you can do this yourself.
Search for broken shingles or any obvious holes. You also don’t want any algae or mold on the surface of your roof, as these can lead to leaks. That’s why you can employ the trusted Indianapolis roofing company at Richmond Exteriors to do an assessment for you.
Above all, before committing to it, take time to research your preferred roofing material, so that you know how this workhorse is likely to perform. Since you’ll probably only get one chance to replace it, a roof deserves the greatest possible careful consideration.
