How to Choose the Right Roofing Materials for your Job

/ / roof, Roof Maintenance, Uncategorized

The roof of your home is one of its most important components. However, it’s also the most overlooked and underappreciated. Roofs are expected to withstand constant exposure to sunlight, heat, cold, rain, sleet, snow and heavy winds, all while protecting the interior of your home from those threats. The type of roofing material you choose is a very serious consideration – your choice will determine just how much protection you enjoy, as well as how long your roof lasts. How do you choose the right material?

Pitch

The pitch of your roof is one of the most important considerations when choosing roofing material. Some materials cannot be used with certain pitch ranges (the pitch is the angle of your roof’s slope). For instance, if you have a steep roof pitch, you’ll find that asphalt shingles, tile or slate can work well. However, for mild pitches, a rolled roofing material might be the better option.

Frame Strength

Another consideration here is the strength of the structure supporting the roof. If your frame cannot support heavy materials, then you’re best off avoiding roofing materials like slate or tile, which are very heavy. Metal roofing or asphalt shingles are better choices for homes without robust frame construction (metal roofing is ideal for roofs that cannot bear extreme weight).

Moisture

Moisture is the bane of all roofing materials. For those who live in areas with significant rainfall and high humidity levels (like New Orleans), some roofing materials should be avoided at all costs. Wooden shakes, for instance, are very prone to moisture damage, mold and rot in these environments.

Heat

For those who live in warm areas (again, like New Orleans), the choice of roofing material gives you the ability to add reflective qualities to your home. This can help reduce the amount of heat that makes it inside the home, and therefore cut down on your electricity use in cooling. Metal roofs are ideal solutions for this scenario, and you’ll find a variety of metal coatings and colors that can help you reflect light and heat, and keep your home much cooler than would otherwise be possible.

These are some of the most important considerations when choosing roofing materials for your home. Speak with a quality roofing company  to determine exactly what option will be best for your needs. A wise decision will give you a roof that lasts for decades.