As a homeowner, the odds are good that you’re going to have to invest in a new roof for your home at some point in time. Whether your house sustains damage in a storm, you get tired of the look of old roofing, or your roof begins to stop functioning properly, shopping for roofing materials is just part of having a house. There are numerous things you should take into consideration prior to purchasing a brand new roof. This is a major investment, so doing the proper amount of research is key. As you read this article, you will discover a selection of factors you ought to evaluate.
Weather resistance
Depending upon where in the Carolinas you live, certain types of roofing materials might do a better job of resisting inclement weather than others. If, for example, you live in a coastal region, such as Charleton, SC, that sometimes deals with hurricane-force winds and rain, you’ll want to make sure to select something extremely durable. If, on the other hand, your home is in a mountainous region, choosing a roofing material that will not be easily destroyed by insects or vermin is key.
Aesthetics
Although you might not realize it right now, especially if you’ve had the same roof for a long time, the roofing material you choose can have a major impact on the overall appearance of your home. If, for example, you reside in a historic house, ultra-modern metal roofing might not be the best choice. Or, if you live in a Mediterranean-style abode, choosing traditional tiles over asphalt shingles would be an excellent decision. It is crucial to consider the overall look of your residence before committing to a specific roofing material.
Expense
Different roofing materials, as you undoubtedly expected, cost more than others. It is important to know what your budget is before you seriously begin shopping. Slate tiles and copper panels, for example, can cost over $1,000 per 100 square feet of roof area. For perspective, asphalt shingles generally cost in the range of $100 to $150 per 100 square feet. Figuring out how much you can afford to pay for your entire roof ahead of time will save you lots of frustration later.
Lifespan
In many cases, the cost of roofing materials is directly related to how long they are expected to last. This can depending on your budget, make it worth the extra money to pay for a roof that should last for the remainder of the time you live in your house. Slate tiles, for instance, typically have a lifespan of over a century! Even if you don’t have the money to spend on costly roofing at this time, modern asphalt shingles are usually still rated for at least 20 years’ time.
Fire retardancy
Roofing materials all have fire resistance ratings from Class A to Class C. Class A materials can generally withstand intense flames, Class B materials can hold-up against moderate fires, and Class C materials can really only be slightly exposed to flames without burning. Untreated wood roofing is so vulnerable to fire that it doesn’t qualify for a rating. This is definitely something to think about when choosing your next roofing material.
The team at Hatch Homes has long been installing roofs for clients throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. If you are thinking about having a new roof put on your home in the near future, give our team a call to get a quote and discuss material options. We look forward to working with you throughout the process!