Did you ever look at a house and notice something was not quite right? Check beyond the walls, the windows, the doors? Yes, there it is: the roof. A roof is not only a crucial part of a home that protects your whole property, but also a unique, exclusive and very visible area of your home. Once you have made your choice it can add beauty and value to your property, or in the other hand, if it is not the right one decrease significantly its value and curve appeal.
There are so many options for roofing materials in the market right now that it is hard sometimes to decide what is the perfect option for you. First of all, check the style of your home; imagine how you would like it to be. Then, consult with a professional (roofing contractor, general contractor, designer or architect) to see what roofing materials are suitable for your home’s structure and climate area. After that, you will have narrowed a good amount of product options and you are ready to make a decision!
From the popular shingles, to the metal roof, going through roof tiles in concrete or clay, creating your roof is a matter of budget, taste and investment opportunity. How would your roof look in the next 30, 50 years? What kind of roofing solution does your property need?
Prices are usually a determinant factor, but it is wise to think in the long-term costs. Asphalt shingles for example need to be replaced sooner than roofing tiles. They tend to develop mold or mildew (black stains) and do not provide insulation to the home. They absorb a lot of the sun energy, making a home very hot in summer time (which means more energy consumption – more dollars in electrical bills!). But also have a nice variety of colors, some people are used to them, are easy to install and do not require a strong structure to be installed.
Roofing tiles are (depending on the style) a little more up in the price level, but they have many advantages: they provide natural insulation (specially the high profiles like barrel or Spanish S) to your roof. Most of the manufacturers offer at least 50 year warranties, and the finish on the roof can be exquisite. Clay roof tiles for example have the ability to maintain its color over time. Clay is a natural element that is very well known to endure the test of time (just take a look at historic buildings and architecture in Europe). Some manufacturers offer wide variety of colors, and also energy efficient roof tiles. Besides this, roof tiles protect the underlayment prolonging even more the life of your roof. You can do blends, create your unique design and add a significant value to your property.
The decision is always yours. My suggestion is that you go for the style that best suites your dreamed home or your financial goals. Your roof job should not be a deliberated decision, because usually what it seems cheap in the beginning will cost you more in the long term.
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