Choosing the right roofing type for your home can be a daunting and challenging process. There are many factors to consider, such as durability, cost, upkeep, and solar exposure. If you want help choosing the best roofing option for your property needs, we have created this handy guide with all of the information you need!
1. Determine the cost of your roofing needs by budgeting for materials and installation
The first step in choosing the right roofing type for your home is determining how much you can afford to spend on materials and installation. Homeowners should budget anywhere from RM5,000 -RM 30,000, depending on the size of their property.
Before deciding what material to use, it’s essential that homeowners know precisely why they need a new roof before purchasing. Ask yourself:
- What does my current roofing system look like?
- How old is the roofing material on my home?
- Do I want to change materials or just repair what’s there now?
- What colour would I prefer for my new roofing material (this can affect how much it costs)?
- Can the homeowner install the new type of roof themselves, or will they need a professional roofing contractor?
Tip! Homeowners should prioritize their time and budget by considering these questions before purchasing any materials. Doing so will ensure that homeowners are getting exactly what they need with minimal fuss and expense. It also guarantees that no money goes towards things you don’t need.
2. Consider the climate in your area when choosing a roof type.
There are four popular types of roofs: asphalt shingle, metal roof, slate or clay tile, and concrete tile. Knowing your climate can help you to decide if a particular type is more ideal for your needs.
Asphalt shingles will be the cheapest option, but they also have a shorter lifespan than other materials because of their exposure to UV rays and weather conditions in general.
Metal roofs typically last much longer than asphalt as long as it does not rust (check with manufacturer warranties). They do cost significantly more, so most people choose them only when necessary – this could include areas that receive heavy snowfall each year or need protection from harsh winds due to open spaces like atriums.
Slate tiles are excellent choices for warmer climates. They are expensive, but they will last for a long time and come with warranties that protect against wind damage.
Concrete tiles are also an option if you live in warmer climates or have atriums where snowfall is expected to be heavy each year.
3. Take into account durability and longevity, as well as maintenance costs.
The type of roofing you choose will also depend on the amount and type of maintenance it may require. For instance, asphalt shingle roofs have to be replaced every ten years or so, costing RM15,000-RM40,000 depending on your location.
Metal roofs last much longer than either asphalt shingles or concrete tiles, but they are expensive and can only be made out of certain metals that resist rust (think copper). Slate and clay tile roofs typically don’t need to be refinished for 50-100 years if installed correctly with a high-quality underlayment! They take more time during installation, though – usually around two days than one day for an average metal roof.
4. Determine what style you want to go with based on aesthetics or other factors such as the age of the home.
There are five major styles of roofs: hipped, gable, gambrel, mansard, and saltbox. If you want to be traditional or match an existing structure with the same style of roofing material, then a hipped roof will work well for you. A gable is also popular because it provides ventilation on both sides and has space between the rafters, allowing water vapours to escape more quickly than other types of roofs (a requirement in some places).
A gambrel roof will provide maximum living area without adding much height, so this might be ideal if your lot size is limited but still needs good insulation from heat or cold. The last two options that we’ll mention here – mansard and saltbox- are typically used for residential buildings with low-pitched roofs.
5. Evaluate whether you need an asphalt sealant coating or not – this will help protect against water damage from storms and windstorms.
Certain roofing options will come with an already installed sealant coating, which can significantly reduce the risk of water damage. If your home is in an area that experiences heavy rainfall or windstorms, it could be a good idea to invest in one of these coatings for better protection.
Asphalt shingle roofs are often sold as “coated” even if they do not have any kind of protective layer included because asphalt has its own natural resistance against weather conditions such as UV rays (but other materials may require additional coatings). Metal roofs typically include some form of sealant, but you should always check before purchasing so you know what type and how much coverage you get out of it. Slate tiles generally don’t need added protection from rain or wind because they are already waterproof. Concrete tiles generally come with a sealant coating and are ideal for warmer climates that experience heavy rainfall.
6. Choose a colour that matches your house’s exterior design, so it blends in seamlessly
We recommend choosing a roofing colour that matches your home’s exterior design for the best results. Roofs are typically one of the most visible features on any property, so choosing colours and textures that will blend in seamlessly with your house is important.
If you have black shutters or windows frames, we would suggest going with charcoal gray asphalt shingles because they come close enough to blend in without adversely affecting curb appeal. If you live near a body of water like Puget Sound, blue metal panels can be really effective at reflecting light as well as protecting against corrosive salt air. Finally, slate tiles look great when used alongside brick buildings but may not be suitable if no natural stone is present.
Conclusion
The above information should help you determine the right roofing type for your home. If you are still uncertain about which roofing is best suited to your needs, please don’t hesitate to contact a roofing company that will be able to assist you with choosing the correct type of roofing for your specific needs and property.
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