Choosing the Best Roof for Your Home

All kinds of roofs have advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the best roof material for your home is something that should be done carefully and thoughtfully. The average homeowner will spend between one and four percent of a home’s value on maintenance and repairs each year. The percentage, and thus the maintenance cost, will increase consistently as the house grows older. As a general rule, a roof should be inspected at least once a year. However, the frequency of roof inspection and maintenance will depend upon the environment around your home, and the type of roofing material used.

In order to help you determine the best roof material for your home, here are some pros and cons of common roofing materials.

Common Roofing Materials

Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors to choose from, have a relatively low cost, are easy to install, and are durable enough to walk on without causing damage.

Wood shakes
Wood shakes improve attic ventilation, and they’re beautiful and unique looking. However, they can be difficult to install. Plus, mold and insects can be a problem.

Clay tile
Clay tiles have a long life span, won’t burn or rot, and come in a variety of colors to choose from. However, tile can be heavy, requiring extra roof support. Plus, they’re fragile and more expensive.

Slate
Slate roofs can be laid out in a variety of patterns, provide fire protection, and they’re not vulnerable to insects or rotting. At the same time, slate roofs can be expensive, very heavy, and fragile.

Concrete tile
Concrete tiles are durable and have a long lifespan. Plus, they require low maintenance, and can even imitate the look of wood, clay or slate. That being said, the material may change color or curl, and they’re more expensive.

Metal
Metal roofs can imitate the look of clay, shingles, wood, or Victorian metal tiles. They also provide fire protection, have a long lifespan, and require fewer roofing repairs and maintenance. Not to mention the fact that they’re energy efficient, too.

However, metal roofs are expensive and are challenging to install.

Hot asphalt
Asphalt flat roofs are less expensive and durable, but they’re not as attractive as other materials.

Water damage can cost around $2,386 to fix, and wind damage costs an average of $5,757, though it may reach up to $10,000 or more. Fire damage can cost a homeowner around $4,172. In order to avoid these high repair costs, some homeowners are choosing to invest more money upfront on a stronger and more durable roofing material. Still, asphalt shingled roofs are the most common residential roofs in North America.