How to Select a New Roof

Category: Roofing • March 30, 2021

Whether you’re choosing a roof for your newly built home or replacing one on your existing home, you know that while aesthetics are important, so are cost, materials, and durability. After all, a roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements.

The challenge is this – here in Connecticut, we face all kinds of weather elements. Which means that keeping rain out is one issue, withstanding snow and ice is another, withstanding the relentless rays of the sun yet another, and so on. All of that requires you to pay extra attention during the selection process.

In the meantime, here are some things to consider.

Choosing a Roofing Material

The slope and pitch of a roof coupled with the home’s structure play a large role in the type of roofing material that can and should be used. For example, a roof with little-to-no pitch might require a PVC membrane, rubber membrane, modified bitumen, or tar and gravel. Tile and slate are quite heavy, so the home needs the proper structural support to carry the load. Consult a roofing specialist to discuss your options and the home’s limitations.

Asphalt. The most common of materials, asphalt is the lease expensive and most straight-forward to install. It is made of a fiberglass medium saturated and coated with asphalt, then surfaced with sand-like granules. The three most common types of asphalt shingles are:

  • Three-tab shingles which come in a minimum selection of styles and don’t last as long as the two options below.
  • Dimensional or architectural shingles that are extremely durable, available in a wide range of colors, and can last 30 years or more.
  • Luxury shingles that have a multi-dimensional appearance, offer maximum durability, and are considerably less expensive than slate or cedar.

Slate. Slate is one of the most durable roofing materials and can last upwards of 100 years. In fact, older slate is often recycled and can last another 50 years or more. But the beauty and durability of slate comes with a steep price tag – starting at $800 a square. Slate is also very heavy and may not be the ideal roofing material for every home.

Wood. Wood has been a roofing option for centuries. Shingles are typically made of cedar, southern pine, or redwood and have an average 25-year life expectancy. It costs about double the price of asphalt and yet may be prohibited in your town due to local fire codes.

Metal. Metal roofs are very durable, beautiful, and yet expensive. Certain varieties, like copper/asphalt, are most often installed as shingles, but other metals can be manufactured in vertical lengths that are joined together with solder.

Tile and Cement. Common on Spanish and Mission style homes, tile roofing is very durable, heavy, and on the pricey side of the equation.

So, what’s it going to be for you? Contact Zaman Roofing today and we’ll help you choose the right style and type of roof for your home – the one that meets all your objectives.