How to Choose a New Roof for Your Home

Which kind of roofing is best for your house?

When it comes time to replace a roof on your home, some important factors include aesthetics and cost. But homeowners shouldn’t forget to consider durability and material weight when picking out a new roof, too. A new roof should protect your home from leaks and other damages, so it’s crucial to invest in roofing materials that will keep your home dry.

Here are some questions to ask yourself and residential roofers near you when determining the best kind of roof for your home.

• How long will the roof last?
• Is it likely to get damaged in the event of a natural disaster?
• Does the existing roof structure and slope support the weight of the new roofing material?
• Is it aesthetically pleasing with the rest of the home and the neighborhood?
• How much does it cost to install?
• Does it increase the home value?

The answers to these questions will help you determine which roofing is best for your home. Not every roofing material is suitable for every home, so it is important to discuss your options with a roofing contractor.

What types of roofing materials are available?

Knowing the pros and cons of roofing materials will help you pick out the best option. Let’s review popular roofing materials and what they are known for.

Asphalt

A large majority of homes use asphalt shingles since they’re the easiest to install and usually the most affordable option. There are different types of asphalt shingles manufactured in a wide range of colors and thicknesses, so you’ll most likely find a style that you like and will match your home. One downside is that flat roofs aren’t the best fit for installation.

Metal

Metal is known as the most durable roofing option, and it has a longer lifespan than asphalt. There are also various options to choose from, including copper, steel, aluminum, and zinc alloy. Regardless of what you choose, metal roofing tends to be more expensive than asphalt shingles.

Clay

Clay tiles are easily recognizable since they have a traditional Spanish or Italian aesthetic. Tiles are incredibly durable, but they are brittle and can break. They are also a heavy material, so you will need a roof that can withstand that weight or build additional structures to support it. Alternatively, you can use concrete tiles, which tend to be a more affordable option.

Slate

Slate is another durable roofing material. Similar to clay, slate is a heavy material that needs a roof structure to support the weight. It’s also an expensive material, and you often need specialized roofing contractors to install it properly. That said, slate roofing can provide a lot of curb appeal to the right home.

Wood

Wood roofing may or may not be allowed in your area, depending on fire codes. It has a natural aesthetic and can be treated with fire-retardant. Wood roofing is usually made from cedar, redwood, or southern pine.

Choose the best residential roofing contractors near Lancaster, PA

Best Contracting is a fully insured contractor that holds several trusted roofing industry certifications. We have installed thousands of residential roofs for homeowners in the Lancaster area, so we’re probably trusted by some of your neighbors, too.

If it’s time to replace your roof, choose a roofing contractor that takes pride in using quality materials and a team of skilled workers. Contact us today at (866) 748-3210 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to speaking with you.