HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST ROOF TYPE FOR YOUR BUILDING
The roof is one of the most essential and critical parts of a building. Hence, if you are embarking on a roofing project, whether it’s for a new building or an existing one, you might want to take some time to think about what’s best based on several factors. Here are some things to consider when choosing the type of roof for your building.
KNOW YOUR OPTIONS
As far as choices go, knowing the different options available to you is always the best way to go. There is a plethora of roof types out there to choose from depending on your location, some are quite common, others not so much. Here’s a list of some of the most popular roof types, based on the type of material they’re made of, in the United States.
- Asphalt Shingles
- Metal roof
- Wood shingles and
- Wood Shakes
- Clay roof
- Tiles roof
- Slate roof
- Green roof
- Solar Shingles
- Rolled Roofing
In reality, the list is inexhaustive.
CONSIDER THE BUILDING DESIGN
The architectural and aesthetic design of your building plays a large role in determining the kind of roof to choose. If your building is in the antique style, then Tiles roof could be just the thing for you. Buildings painted with primary colors such as red and yellow typically appear better with dark-colored roofs. Brown roofs are ideal for buildings with colors such as cream or brown. And if you are in the business of contrasting colors, then you could throw in a black roof on a white-colored building. Whatever you do, make sure the color of your roof compliments your building’s architectural design and color scheme.
THINK ABOUT DURABILITY
Roofing is no small project. It requires a considerably large sum of money to undertake. The time and planning needed to make the project successful are also a lot. It is certainly not something you want to do often. Therefore, you might want to carefully think about the durability of your roofing material. Metal and Tile roofs are known for their long lifespan, with the latter lasting up to 80 years. Roof materials made of slate can last anything between 50 and 200 years. They are however expensive to install.
THE PREVAILING CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Climatic conditions in your locale can affect the longevity of your roof and also reduce its ability to provide the needed protection from the elements. Hence, careful consideration must be given to the type and style of roof to adopt relative to prevailing climatic conditions. For instance, if your region experiences heavy rainfalls over long periods, it would be unwise to use wooden roofs, such as Wood Shingles or Wood Shakes, since they can accumulate moss and rot over time. They are also not ideal for very hot weather as they are flammable and can crack and split under such conditions. Slate and metal roofs are better alternatives and should be built in sloppy styles as in Gable, Hip, or any other style of roof that allows water to run off easily. On the other hand, Concrete and Terracotta roofs are good for hot climates while Asphalt Shingles and Metal roofs are great for cold climates because of their ability to trap heat.
COUNT THE COST
As much as you want materials that are durable, can withstand harsh weather conditions, and fit your building’s design, you must also consider the cost. Is your budget large enough to cover the cost of this type of roof material? For instance, slate roofs are quite expensive to buy and install. Most Shingles, however, are more affordable. Keep in mind that ‘expensive’ doesn’t always mean better. It helps to consult with reliable experts in the industry to help you find good materials that meet all your criteria but can fit your budget as well.
ENERGY CONSIDERATIONS
Your energy bills can either increase or decrease depending on the type of roof you choose. Consider Metal and Tile roofs for example. They are highly reflective, which is why they get so hot. They even get better with special coatings. Hence, they come highly recommended in hot climates as this can reduce the amount of money spent on air conditioners and the like. Asphalt Shingles, on the other hand, are highly heat absorbent. Thus, they are not ideal for hot regions. They are great for colder climates as they can reduce money spent on heating systems. You may also want to consider Solar Shingles. Although, expensive to install and require expert hands, they can save you a lot more money on electricity bills.
MAINTENANCE
Some materials require more maintenance than others. Wood Shingles and Green roofs generally require more maintenance than Clay, Metal, and Slate roofs. You may also want to consider the type of maintenance required. How frequent is it? Will it require professional intervention? If yes, how much will that cost? It is often best to go for those that require minimal maintenance and only require professional intervention every once in a long while.
Roofs offer us protection and comfort. They bring beauty to our buildings and increase the aesthetic value of our environment. Considering the important role roofs play in our lives, the least you can do is ensure you make the right choice by carefully weighing all the aforementioned factors.