Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Roofing Material

Your roof structure is an integral part of your property. It provides you the first layer of defense against the elements, and it also contributes to the curbside appeal of your property. Your roof’s profile and the material will greatly affect the house’s appearance and, possibly, its resale value should you think of unloading it in the market.  

If you're having a hard time deciding which roofing material to use for your housing property, you can consult with the best roof contractors in Rockford IL, as they can help you choose the best one that will suit your needs.

However, a homeowner must not choose a roofing material just because it will make their house look appealing. They have to consider other factors to ensure that they will have optimum protection. This article will discuss several factors that homeowners must incorporate into their decision.

Home style

The architectural design of your property will play an integral part in your decision. Although most roofing materials are versatile and long-lasting, they may not look right depending on the design you have in mind. As a homeowner, you want to exude an element of design unity, and you would have to factor this in so your house would have excellent curbside appeal aside from top-notch protection.

Energy efficiency 

One of the most overlooked factors is energy efficiency. The most suitable roof will help you save on your utilities. For instance, metal roofs, shingles, and green roofs will help regulate the inner temperature of your house as they would reflect the sun's energy. They also don't store heat much, which would make your home more comfortable at night. In this case, you won't have to rely too much on your AC unit, which would help lower your bill.

Climate

The locale’s climate will also play an important role in choosing your roofing material. If you live in the warmer climes, you should gravitate towards materials that reflect sunlight, such as terracotta, clay, and slate tiles. If you’re in the cooler climes, you can look towards roofing materials that would be resistant to molds, mildew, and moss but would help trap heat, such as shingles, slate, and metal.

Weight 

Another structural consideration is the roof's weight when it's fully installed. Clay, terracotta, and slate tiles need strong support structures because they're relatively heavy. The same consideration applies to green roofs. On the other hand, metal roofs are lightweight and can withstand the elements for a long time.

Maintenance

Once you install your roofing material, you would need to check on them periodically to determine their structural stability and integrity. Exposure to rain, snow, hail and sunlight will affect your roofing material in various ways. Some materials may crack, warp or bend, which can cause structural damage. Metal sheets can rust and fade. At the same time, green roofs also need regular maintenance checkups to prevent overgrowth and damage to the underlying structure.

Budget

One of the primary considerations is your budget. Some roofing materials need specialized labor to install, which would drive up the cost. You can ask the expert roof contractors in Rockford IL to help you choose the most cost-efficient option that will suit your home style.

Final takeaway

Homeowners shouldn’t choose their roofing material blindly. Instead, they have to consider several factors to ensure they choose the most suitable one for their particular purposes.