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Which Roofing Product is Best for My Home?

Various roofing materials have come in and out of style over the years, but today, there are more options for your roof than ever before, each with its own assets and deficits.

Scott McIntyre, owner of Total Roofing in Colorado Springs, says the right roof for your home depends on a variety of factors. “Cost, building codes, durability and environmental factors should all play a role in your decision-making,” he says. “Of course, you want it to look attractive as well.”

These are some of the considerations when determining which style of shingle is the best choice for your home.

  1. Upfront cost

Slate shingles can last as long as 100 years, but they can be on the expensive side. If you plan to move in the next 10 years, they generally aren’t a wise investment. Asphalt shingles tend to offer the lowest upfront cost.

  1. Durability

If you plan to keep the dwelling in your family for generations, more durable roofing materials, like slate, concrete tile, clay tile, plastic polymer and metal roofs are all good choices that can last 50 years or more.

  1. Appearance

Wood shakes, slate and clay tiles make for beautiful roofs, but they might clash with your house’s style. For example, clay tiles are designed for Spanish mission, Italian or Southwestern styles, but look odd on your average ranch or A-frame. Metal roofs are often industrial looking, while concrete and plastic can be made to look like other kinds of shingles. Asphalt shingles come in architectural styles that can add a dash of class to the top of your house.

  1. Roof slope

Not all roof types can be installed on all roofs. Slate, for example, cannot be installed on a flat roof. Metal and asphalt are the most versatile with respect to roof slope.

  1. Wind resistance

Clay and concrete are not the best choice for homes in this area because they don’t withstand high winds. Heavier materials like slate and metal provide the best wind resistance. Wood offers good wind resistance but, even when treatethose d with fire retardant, burns easily.

  1. Weight

Not every house can support the weight of slate, clay or concrete, which can weigh four times as much as asphalt shingles. If roofing with lovely clay tiles would require a construction project to add structural support, it’s not a practical option. This may also involve an engineering report at your expense, adding to the cost.

  1. Environmental friendliness

Roughly 80 percent of roofs nationwide are asphalt shingles. These are petroleum-based products, the least environmentally friendly of all the roofing options. Clay, concrete and slate are relatively green in their production; metal roofs are green because of their energy efficiency. Of course, solar shingles are by far the greenest (and usually the lowest cost) roofing material of all.

  1. Installation

No matter what kind of materials you choose, you need an experienced and reputable roofing company that is licensed and bonded to perform the work.

Total Roofing in Colorado Springs is a locally-owned and operated business endorsed by Dave Ramsey that offers a 5-year workmanship warranty.

Visit Total Roofing online or call (719) 591-4947 or 1-800-ROOF-PRO today for help determining which is the best product for your home.