What Type of Roof is Best for My Home?

Whether you’re building from the ground up or just looking for a new roofing system for your home, the wide range of material options available to you can quickly feel confusing, making it hard to know which is right for you and your home. Composite shingles, wood, and asphalt, and also slate, concrete, as well clay tiles are all available on the market, and ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which one works best for your needs and personal style.

At 1st Out Roofing, our team has worked with homeowners throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX area on all kinds of concerns ranging from home renovations to total roof replacement and installations. As one of the most trust names in Roofing in the DFW Metroplex, we thought spending a little time exploring some of the most popular roofing options for homes would help people feel more confident in making a decision that’s right for them.

Features and Materials Influence Cost

There are a few things that can have an impact on the cost of a new roof. The basic quality of each material is typically the starting point for this. Another important thing to consider is the current condition of your existing roof (if you are replacing a roofing system). Any materials that need to be removed or repairs that need to handled will inevitably lead to higher overall costs in the end. Another basic factor is the overall shape of your roof. A gable roof with very few breaks such as chimneys or vent pipes will be a straight forward job for an experienced roofing company. If your roof has multiple chimneys, turrets, skylights, or other unique features, then the cost of your new roof will increase accordingly.

Deciding on Roofing Materials

Many people may not realize that not all roofing materials are available for their specific home, and that different features of their structure can dictate which roofing material can (or should) be used for their needs. Slate and tile roofs can create a very heavy load, so the overall construction of your home will need to be reinforced adequately to carry the overall weight these types of materials would create. 

Some common roofing material choices include:

• Asphalt – This type of material is one of the most commonly used materials in the industry due to the low cost and ease of installation. There are two basic configurations available typically known as standard and laminated products. Laminated materials typically cost more, but are also more durable and longer-lasting.
• Wood – As the roofing material of choice for quite a few centuries, wood roofing systems are still a dependable option for some situations. Typically made from redwood, cedar, or southern pines, these types of roofing systems can last for around 25 years on average.
• Metal – As a more durable, but more expensive option for roofing, metal roofs can provide increased protection and resistance to elements for homes. At the same time, these benefits come with at a much higher price than existing alternatives such as asphalt.
• Tile and Cement – Classic half-cylinder solutions are a common feature of many Spanish or Colonial style construction projects. While these roofing systems are known for their durability and quality, they are also extremely heavy. Overall, the application of a roofing system using this type of material is typically prohibited by the capability of a structure to support the weight, as well as the high cost of the material itself.
• Slate – As one of the most durable of all materials on the market today, slate has a life expectancy than can easily span 100 years or more. The problem though is that it is also considered the heaviest option for a roofing system, and the structure beneath will need to be specifically designed to support this amount of weight, in addition to being extremely expensive.

Choosing the Right Material

If you’re looking for a new roofing system for your existing home, then the chances are high that you’ll be limited to an option similar to what has already been installed. If you’re determined to choose a new material though, then it is important to think about overall cost, weight, and even the color options of any other options you’re interested in. 

If you’re feeling lost while trying to choose a roofing option, then your best way forward will typically be to work with an experienced roofing contractor, like our team at 1st Out Roofing, so we can give you a professional opinion on what will work best for you and your home.