Maintaining your roof is crucial to your home’s protection from the elements and adds to its beauty. Over time, your roof will need replacement due to wear and tear or storm damage. While it’s a big project with many variables, upgrading your roof will help keep your home protected from water damage and even add value.
Questions and Considerations
Just like many other features in your home, roofing materials also come in a wide variety of styles and options. One of the most obvious considerations is durability. Will the roofing material be able to withstand the weather conditions that are typical in the Midwest? You’ll also want to know more about the lifespan of the product and what kind of warranty it has. Other factors that are integral in this decision have to do with the installation process and existing framework. If your home’s existing framing structure won’t be enough to properly support the material, it will require additional support, and that could weigh heavily on whether or not that particular material is the best option. Additionally, since a home’s roof can greatly impact the exterior’s aesthetics, you’ll want to know if there are different colors and styles from which to choose. Last but not least, there’s cost. Our team of professionals at Dickson Contractors can help you select the best option for your home’s exterior with all factors taken into consideration.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the United States and with good reason. The shingles are constructed with pieces of fiberglass that are sandwiched with asphalt or ceramic granules. They’re very economical and easy to install. Additionally, they are available in a wide variety of colors and work with many architectural styles. The downside is that they don’t last as long as other roofing materials. They can be damaged in inclement weather. They also don’t provide much in terms of insulation. However, with a life span of 20 to 25 years, asphalt shingles remain a strong contender, especially with their typically low price point. Dickson Contractors can help you determine if asphalt shingles are the most viable option.
Metal Roofing
If durability is your biggest concern, especially if you’re in a location that frequently has high winds, metal roofing may be the best choice. Metal roofing is built to withstand harsh, windy weather conditions. It’s constructed from metals such as aluminum, copper, stainless steel and zinc. They have panel and shingle options available. A properly installed metal roof can last up to 75 years. Metal roofing also has a high solar reflectance which could potentially help with your heating and cooling bills. Metal roofing is an excellent choice, but that durability comes with a rather hefty price tag. Discuss costs with our team of roofing contractor to see if metal roofing is the best investment for your home’s roof.
Clay and Concrete Roofing Tiles
Clay and concrete roofing tiles are a beautiful tiling option. Typically, you’ll see this style in the southwestern part of the country. They’re very popular for Mediterranean or Spanish-styled homes. Scalloped clay tiles are very durable when properly installed. An investment in clay/concrete tiles will last around 40 to 50 years. They’re also non-combustible and energy efficient. While the cost isn’t typically as high as metal roofing, it may actually end up being more expensive to install if your home requires additional framing to support the heavy weight of the tiles. However, if beauty and durability are top concerns, we can help tell you what your options are with this material.
Slate Roofing
Another higher-end, prominent roofing option is slate. Slate roofing shingles complement the architecture of many colonial or chateau home styles. Slate come in distinctive shades of gray, red, purple and green making your roof one of a kind. Slate tiles are very durable and fire-resistant. If you invest in slate roofing tiles, your investment could last more than 100 years. However, just as with clay or concrete roofing tiles, slate is also heavy and you’ll have to be certain your home’s framing can handle it. It’s also a more expensive option but one that will last. Dickson Contractors can discuss the details of the expert installation process it will require if slate tiles are your top choice.
Synthetic Roofing
Many synthetic roofing materials have made their way onto the roofing market. They are designed to mimic the look of other traditional materials such as wood or stone, and they’re built to be durable and fire-resistant. These products are less expensive than higher-end materials and they’re not nearly as heavy. This gives them great versatility that will work with a wide variety of home styles. Synthetic roofing materials can also be warrantied for up to 50 years. Newer products haven’t been as time-tested and quality can vary. For this reason, our team of roofing contractor will go over what types of synthetic roofing materials are available and what will be best suited for your home.
Your Roof Has Got You Covered
When your home’s roof needs to be replaced, there are many factors that go into this investment. Sometimes the cheapest option is the most practical. However, if durability is a concern when wild weather strolls through, it may make more sense to consider a higher-end material. Contact Dickson Contractors for expert analysis and an estimate.
