No matter when your house was built, if you live in it for any length of time at all, you’re going to have to replace the roof at some point. This can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve never had to do it before. Fortunately, however, guides like this one are here to help you. You can also rely on your roofing installer to answer any questions you may have about your project as things get rolling.
In this particular article, you’ll learn about a variety of popular roofing materials and why homeowners decide to use them. Hopefully, by the time you reach the end, you’ll have a good idea of what style of roof you want on your home. It’s important to remember that you can change roofing materials down the road, but many products are engineered to last for decades, so it is important to make sure you’re happy with the choice you make now.
Asphalt shingles – Not quite ¾ of all single-family dwellings in the United States are roofed with asphalt shingles. These are the most popular option among homeowners for several reasons. First, they are cost effective. Asphalt shingles cost less than almost any other roofing option. Also, they are very good at stopping rain and other unpleasant weather elements from getting inside your house. Finally, shingles are extremely versatile. No matter what kind of house you live in, this roofing option is likely to be aesthetically pleasing; this is due, in part, to the fact that modern manufacturers are producing both fiberglass shingles and organic asphalt shingles in a wide range of hues and textures to fit consumers’ varying tastes.
It does bear noting that, over the course of the life of a roof, asphalt shingles tend to be more expensive than some of their counterparts. This is because they have to be replaced with greater frequency. They can also crack and split in scorching weather. If therefore, you live in a part of the Carolinas where the weather rarely, if ever, cools off, asphalt shingles might only last a little over a decade on your house.
Metal roofs – Although metal roofing has long been used on commercial and agricultural buildings, it has gained popularity as a residential option over the past decade or so. Today’s eco-friendly metal roof options run the gamut, from pieces that mimic shingles, to those that look like tiles, to styles that appear to be slate slabs. Different options cost different amounts of money, but metal roofing can last several decades, so you won’t have to worry about not getting a return on your investment!
One of the primary drawbacks to metal roofing is its initial cost. Although it has a long life, it is out of some homeowners’ budgets upfront; talk to your contractor about financing options before you completely discount this type of roofing, though. Another complaint that people sometimes have is that metal roofs can be very loud when it rains, although some soundproofing options can be implemented for an additional cost. This is definitely something the homeowners we serve in the Carolinas need to consider!
Slate tiles – Slate tiles are extremely beautiful and extremely expensive. They tend to look particularly great on historic homes and are often the preferred choice for homeowners who are trying to preserve older houses. Slate tiles will last over a century, which makes them one of the most durable roofing materials on the market.
There are two main potential issues with choosing a slate roof for your house. The first, as you might have guessed, is the price. The other is that slate is not the easiest material to work with, so not all contractors will install it. The same goes for repairs down the road.
Whatever type of roofing you’re thinking about for your North Carolina or South Carolina home, the Hatch Homes team looks forward to installing it for you. We have years of experience with a wide variety of roofing materials, and you can trust us to put your roof on right the first time. To schedule a consultation, contact our office today!