A roof is what’s over your head, but what an intricate piece of engineering it can be. Your roof is there to protect you through storms and give you shade during the summer months. It’s also an important part of the overall exterior infrastructure of your home. With the right roofing system and the right exterior structures to support it, you can successfully maintain your home over many years.

Different Types of Roofing 

There are many different types of roofing to place on your roof. How can you choose between them? Get to know the properties of each one and talk with a roofing expert, and you’ll be more likely to make the right choice for your home. A roof isn’t just protection for your home: according to HGTV, adding a new roof is “An opportunity to upgrade your home in terms of look, style and color.” 

Asphalt shingles: These are the most popular roofing choice by far. They are made out of a paper mat or fiberglass with asphalt and minerals. Choosing fiberglass makes this choice more fire-proof, and you can add algae-resistant shingles in a wet climate as well. It’s made out of petroleum, so it has a relatively high environmental impact. These shingles have a moderate weight, can be used on roofs with a wide variety of slopes, and are less expensive than many other roofing options. They do not last as long as other roofing, but according to Angie’s List, they “Should last about 20 years on average, depending on whether you live in an area with intense sunlight or temperature extremes, which can reduce life span.”

Metal Roofing: A metal roof lasts for a long time and is quite wind-resistant. It’s available in sheets or shingles, and it can be installed on roofs with a low to steep slope. It’s surprisingly lightweight, and it’s also recyclable. You can choose different types of metal with different price ranges. For example, copper roofs are more expensive than stainless steel. 

Concrete: Like plastic, these roofs can easily look like something else: clay, slate, or wood. A concrete roof sounds heavy, and it is. These roofs last for a long time and require little maintenance, but they can break on impact. They can be used on moderate to steep roofs and are somewhat expensive to install.

Clay Tiles: Clay tiles give your home a Mediterranean look. It is heavy and long-lasting, but they can break if impacted by something like a tree branch. They are most suited to moderate to steep-sloped roofs, and while they are very resistant to fire, they do not have great wind resistance. They are expensive to install. 

Plastic Roofing: Plastic roofs can look like wood or slate. They last for a long time, and they can be recycled. They are light to medium weight and cost more than asphalt shingles, but not as much as clay tile. This roofing can be installed on roofs with a wide variety of slopes. They are moderately expensive to install.

Choosing a Roofing System for Your Home 

When you’re looking for new roofing, how do you decide what kind to choose? You should examine many different factors, including: 

• Accessibility. Is it easy to find the materials and find a local installer for your new roof?
• Durability. How long does this particular roofing system last? Are you willing to work within that time frame? 
• Repairs. How often does this type of roofing typically need repairs? Is it easy to replace part of the roof, or will it be hard to manage the repair or find the materials? 
• Storm tolerance. If you live in an area where hurricanes or large winds and rain are common, how will the roof hold up to a typical storm?
• Fire. How fireproof is your roof? If you live in a wildfire-prone area, this is a serious consideration. It’s also good to consider this for general safety purposes.
• Looks. How does your roofing choice blend in with the style of your home? Do others in the neighborhood have a similar roofing style? 
• Weight. How heavy is the type of roofing that you have chosen? Will the house be able to manage the load? 
• Roof slope. Does this type of roofing fit your home’s roof slope?  
• Local regulations. How does this roof fit into the overall planning for the community – and local safety regulations as well? 
• Cost. This is often the deciding factor when you’re taking the final leap into a roofing solution. Will this roof fit your budget?

Supporting Your Roof: Choosing the Right Infrastructure 

How can you make sure that your roof stays intact throughout the rainy and cold seasons of the year? When you’re choosing roofing for your home, remember that it’s not just the roofing that matters: it’s also the infrastructure around it. For example, you need high-quality gutters that are the right size for your home. Make sure that you understand how much water pours off your roof when it rains. 

Your gutters also need protection. If you want to avoid gutter clogs and backups that can move up onto your roof, look at the possibility of adding a gutter guard system when you add your new roof. This system will also protect your roof from damage during the winter months, because it will help prevent water from backing up into the roof, turning into an ice dam, and damaging the roof as it moving under the roofing and freezes.

Finding the Right Installer 

You could choose the right roof, but if you choose the wrong people to install it, then it may not be as durable as you’d hoped. Part of finding the right roof is working with a company with many years of experience with that particular type of roofing. The right roofing company can help you make an educated decision about what product suits your aesthetics, roof slope, budget, and more. They can then install your roof, and they should have a strong warranty that allows you to feel secure in the knowledge that any problems will be well-managed.

Are you ready to choose a new roof for your home? There’s a lot to think about. At Harry Helmet, we’re dedicated to the wellbeing of your home. We want to work with you to make sure that your home is safe and working well. Are you curious about our roofing and gutter guard products? Learn more about roofing: schedule a free estimate today.

Written by Del Thebaud