There are many factors that are considered before purchasing any roofing material for home. These are, price of materials, cost for installation, the finished look that you want, your home’s own style and size, as well as how complicated the design of the roof is. These days a variety of roofing material is available for you choose from.
Asphalt shingles are the most common ones for residential buildings. They are available in many different colors and styles. These are maintenance free roofing shingles that can last for almost 20 to 25 years. Also, they are available at affordable prices.
The wood or cedar shingled roofs looks really beautiful. But, this roofing material is not suitable for areas those are more prone to fires. They are easy to install and can last a long time.
Metal roofs are very strong and becoming popular these days. These may include: Copper roofing, corrugated-aluminum and stainless steel. Though, these are expensive and the installation cost is also high, but can easily last for 40 to 50 years.
Slate is a distinguished, traditional roofing material that can outlast most others. The installed cost can be between $1,000 and $1,500 per square. A slate roof should not be walked on as this could cause damage to the tiles.
Another type is clay roof tiles and concrete tiles which are available in wide range of colors and styles. Concrete tiles are about half the price of clay tiles. These are not suitable for cold climate areas. Both tile options are heavy and extra framing will be required to support the weight.
It is always advisable to hire professional roofers to install your roofs. These roofing professionals install materials according to the manufacturers specification so as not to void the warranty.
Roofs demand regular inspections. It is generally not a good idea to get up on your roof to inspect it as roofs are dangerous because they are high, steep and you could slip and fall. Also, walking on the roofs can damage them. So, to inspect your roof you can either look at it through binoculars from the ground, or use a ladder for an up close look. From inside your attic you can also look for water stains that would indicate that your roof is leaking. Getting a professional opinion is a good idea as well.