The Ideal Roof – Part 1: The Essentials -Appearance, Durability and Cost

There are many factors to consider when selecting a roof, such as fire resistance, eco-friendliness, structure, slope, and weight. But whether you’re looking for a new roof or planning a roof replacement, it’s the appearance, durability, and overall cost of a roofing system that are generally at the forefront of your priorities.

Appearance and Aesthetics

What is the aesthetic appeal of the roofing material? Will it complement the style of the rest of the house? The roof is one of the major elements that make up your exterior design. Fortunately, roofing materials today offer a wide array of choices in terms of color, shape, and design. You just have to make sure that you choose roofing materials based on what will complement your home’s existing color scheme and design.

Slate tiles, for example, are often the staple choice for historic homes. And while clay tiles is a popular roofing material for mission and Spanish-style homes, with their natural red color and curved shape, the glazing colors and flat designs available now make it an option for other home styles as well. There are also even more versatile materials, like fiberglass and concrete, that come in many colors and can mimic the look of wood and clay. Go over as many options as you can and choose a roofing material that will give you the appearance you’re going for.

Durability

More than how long it will last — as every roofing system has its lifespan — durability is a question of how well your roof performs against aging and the natural elements. Depending on the climate in your area, there’s an ideal balance of strength and structural design in the roofing for your home. For instance, asphalt shingles typically offer moderate to fair levels of durability, but the availability of algae-resistant options makes it a great choice for warm and humid climates.

Cost

Labor and material costs vary for each region and individual project. But more than just choosing what will offer you the most savings, consider instead going for what will offer you the best value for your money, factoring in how much you’ll be spending (upfront and on maintenance throughout the years) and the service life a roofing option is rated with.

Whether it’s appearance, durability, or cost, you cannot have one without considering the others. In Part 2, learn more about the factory tests that help ensure roofing materials live up to their claims.