Choosing the Right Roofing Material for Your Home for Cost-Effective Functionality
Building a house from scratch or rejuvenating an older property in something you might consider home is something that is not easy by any means. Owning a particular property is only the first step towards making it entirely your own, and the rest of the process involves putting your own stamp on things, making your presence felt and making the property look, feel and function like the way you want. However, each of these parameters deserves equal importance. It is too easy to get carried away be elaborate decor choices and expensive appliances for home comfort, but you should reserve equal attention for the basic, functional side of things. One of the things that can sometimes get neglected is the choice of roofing material and the quality of roofing work. This can be a cardinal mistake and one that can put you in all kinds of trouble in no time. Therefore, it is extremely important to get your decisions right when it comes to roofing.
The roof is one of the most important parts of your house. It does not just cover the top portion of your house and provide you with a ceiling, but also takes the brunt of the elements and protects you from them. The roof is also an essential part of the overall climate control in your home interior, and can also be put to good use in other ways which improve its functionality. For starters, if you are getting your home built from scratch or redesigning an older property, the one thing that you need to have on point is the choice of roofing material. Roofs can be built using a number of different materials, and that choice is crucial not just from a decor perspective, but also from a functional perspective.
When it comes to laying out new roofing, there are quite a few choices. The material choice is something that you have to finalize before starting the project, as the material has to be sourced first and the process discussed in detail with the company fitting your roof. Roofing companies also carry out other important tasks like gutter installation and gutter cleaning and periodical roof cleaning, so you should not have a problem getting access to the right professionals for the job. Let us now take a look at a few material choices and their characteristics —
Shingles – Shingles have been the go-to choice for roofing material for quite some time now, and for good reason. These are typically easy to install and economical to purchase, making them one of the most popular choices over the years. For most people, the clear choice is between the two most popular types of shingles — wood and asphalt. Wooden shingles offer a classy, vintage look and are made from natural materials, and you can even opt for fire-proof wood to get further protection from accidental fires. Asphalt shingles are cheap, work with different styles of architecture and come in many colors, making them a versatile design choice as well. However, they are known to be weak when it comes to insulation and durability.
Tiles – Another popular option, tiles can be made out of either clay or concrete. Typically extremely durable, either or these two materials will last you for decades and provide much better protection against house fires. Concrete tiles are also good at providing insulation and increase the energy efficiency of your home. These are expensive alternatives, though, and might need additional setting or framing according to the needs of your home.
Other Materials – Metal and slate are the other popular roofing material choices, offering different pros and cons for you to think about. A number of synthetic materials have also surfaced in the market, and might have a little more to offer in terms of durability and insulation. Unconventional options, however, might be more expensive.
Keeping these points in mind and choosing the right roofing will enable you to enjoy a protected, insulated home environment for many years. With the right material choice and regular maintenance, your roof can give you an extended period of faithful service, offering great protection against the elements.