Choosing The Right Roofing Materials

There are many options for roofing when building your own home, and there are three main questions you have to answer before you can choose the one that’s right for you. The first is based on the location of your home – what types of roofing material best suit your climate.  The second question has to do with cost – which of these appropriate materials is within your price range.  The third question, and the one that most home builders enjoy answering the most, is: What style of roofing looks the best?

The first question you ask yourself is, what roofing material is appropriate?  Areas with heavy precipitation in the form of either rain or snow need different kinds of roofing materials and a different grade of  roof line.  For instance, clay tiles characteristic of Southwest architecture should be avoided in areas with extremely cold temperatures or heavy snowfall, as they can be damaged by the weight of the snow or the drastically changing temperature.  Similarly, heavy rainfall necessitates particular materials designed to clear the rain quickly from the roof.  Generally, concrete tiles or composite shingles work well for this. Bottom line, ask a regional builder which roof will work best for that climate.

A regional builder or building contractor will also know the most cost-effective roofing options, as well as which roofing materials are in accord with zoning laws in the area you’re building in.  Generally, composition tiles are the best value and the main reason they are the most commonly used material.  However, if you’re in a unique climate that requires another kind of roofing, you should ask a local expert for their advice. A good rule in roofing is, “you get what you pay for”.

The last thing to factor into your decision is your personal taste.  After determining which types of roofing will meet your climate and cost needs, simply choose the roof you think looks best (so long as it doesn’t violate any local housing covenants or zoning laws).  Corrugated sheet roofing consists of sheets of fiber coated with asphalt and comes in many colors but is noisy in the rain.  Wood roofing is available either in shingles or shakes which are basically irregularly shaped, rough shingles.  Tile and slate roofs are older styles and are so heavy that they require additional architecture to support them.  This makes them more expensive, though they do offer a very unique appearance.  Choose your roofing to compliment the overall style and color of the rest of your home.