Don’t Neglect Style When Making This Investment on Your Home
Replacing the roof on your home is no small expense. Even on the lower-priced end, you’re still making an investment. Of course, if your roof is dire need of replacement, you don’t have much choice, but the good news is you won’t need to replace it very often. Once you’ve decided it’s time to install new roofing, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is what type of roofing material to use.
Budget Vs. High-End
On the lower end of the spectrum is asphalt shingles. There is nothing inherently wrong with this material and a good portion of American homes have it. It’s durable and inexpensive. In fact, it’s probably the least expensive roofing material available. However, because of it’s commonality it is a bit dull. If you want to improve the appearance of your home and install a quality roof that will last for years, consider these other alternatives.
Slate Roofing
Slate is a popular material that is attractive, durable and stands the test of time. Visually, it’s an appealing material that makes a statement and adds style. Pure slate can be quite heavy and costs more than asphalt shingles.
The trick is to use an alternative that is much more lightweight, called synthetic slate. This is a newer material, but shows a lot of promise. It’s also more expensive than asphalt, but cheaper than real slate. Synthetic slate also offers more variety, since it can come in a wide range of colors. This alone makes it desirable for those looking to upgrade the appearance of their home.
Cedar Shingles
This is a common roofing material in certain parts of the United States that is quite beautiful and durable. Compared to the look of an asphalt roof, it’s easy to see that cedar shingles are a superior style choice. Again, this is a more expensive material, and not recommended for areas with high fire risk. The material is durable, however, and will last for years.
Metal Roofing
Often overlooked by residential customers, metal roofing is durable, weather-resistant, and fire-resistant. It’s also stylish. It comes in a variety of textures and materials. Yes, you are looking at spending at least two or three times the cost of an asphalt roof, but again, you are also increasing the value of your home, and your home’s curb appeal.
If your mindset is like most Americans, your roof is something that you don’t usually think of until it needs replacing or repairs. Many underestimate the visual impact of a roof. It usually isn’t until you replace it with something more attractive that you realize how much difference materials make. If you are anticipating a roof replacement, consider making the investment in a more stylish material to increase the potential return on your expense.
If you need help deciding on which material is best for you, we can certainly help you come to the right decision. Get in touch with us here!