5 Things to Consider Before Choosing Your Roofing Material

Whether you’re planning on re-roofing or building a new roof from scratch, choosing the material involves more than just going with what looks good on the brochure or the website. Remember your roofing choices will stay up there for the rest of its lifespan, so before you make your choice, make sure you have considered the following factors:

Roof slope

Unless replacing your roof deck is part of the plan, your existing roof’s slope dictates your roofing options. Homes designed after traditional architecture have roofs with varying roof pitches, with corresponding materials: for instance, an asphalt shingle roof are typically medium- or high-pitched; wood shake and slate have to be installed on high-pitched roofs only; while standing seam metal roofs can be installed on low-pitched roofs. Our expert consultants can help you narrow down which roofing material is best for your home.

Curb appeal

Residential roofs are generally seen from the ground level, making curb appeal a significant factor when choosing your roofing material. Consider how the roof will look with your other exterior elements, such as siding and trim.

Weight

Before switching to a different roofing material, the new roofing material’s weight is a factor, as your roof deck may have to be reinforced or replaced to accommodate it. During our first consultations with our clients, we let them know of any consequential modifications and offer them alternatives, like switching to a metal roof instead.

Architectural style

Certain architectural styles call for specific roofing materials, or it would just look wrong. Mediterranean or Spanish architecture only looks authentic with clay tile roofing. Today’s roofing materials like concrete tiles and GAF asphalt shingles can mimic other architecturally-appropriate materials, offering more flexibility.

Longevity

Roofs are a long-term investment, so put the roofing material’s lifespan into consideration before you make a choice. Asphalt shingles strike a good balance between cost and longevity, with a 25-year average lifespan. However, materials like metal, tile, and slate have much longer lifespans. The upfront costs may be relatively higher, but consider weighing this in with the overall cost—the investment may be worth it.

To know more about our wide selection of roofing materials, including tile roofing, call Dynamic Roofing Concepts Inc. today at (813) 257-9355 or fill out our contact form to schedule a professional inspection of your roof. We serve Tampa, FL and nearby areas.