Building your own house from scratch is truly exciting. Together with your contractors, you get to decide the size, style, and even the materials used on your future home. The roof is arguably the most important part of the house, and since it is the home’s first line of defense from the harsh elements of nature, it needs to be resistant to corrosion.
If you are a first-time home builder, you may get overwhelmed by the sheer number and variety of roofing materials available. We make choosing easier for you by presenting three of the most dependable roofing materials in use today.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt roofing material is easily the most common in Washington and the rest of the United States because it is quite affordable. It is also so easy to install that some homeowners go DIY with asphalt shingles. What makes this roofing material even more attractive is the flexibility of its aesthetics. It can match a wide variety of architectural styles, from modern to classic suburban looks.
If maintained well, asphalt shingles can last for 20 to 25 years. This is quite long, but this pales in comparison to the longevity of the other materials featured below.
Slate
If you want a touch of elegance, then using slate on your roof is a good move for you. This material comes in a variety of colors, and is distinctive and sophisticated enough to fit the usually ornate European and colonial architectural styles. Slate is also a good material if you desire longevity. This material is estimated to last for at least 50 to 100 years!
However, the factor that will make you think twice about this product is its price. Slate is offered at around $600 dollar a square, which is around five to six times the price of asphalt shingles. They are also quite heavy and require extra framing. Hence, they should be installed by professionals such as those from ACME Roofing.
Metal
Metal roofs are usually made of aluminum, zinc, copper, or stainless steel. They are usually installed on one-storey houses, cottages, cabins, and even some modern homes. Aside from being generally lightweight, metal is also very resistant to extreme weather. Hence, metal roofs can be expected to last at least 40 to 75 years. In addition to this, metal roofs are also beneficial to those who want to do rainwater harvesting.
Like slate, however, metal is really expensive. This roofing material also costs around $600 a square. Some styles and colors can even go as high as $800.
Roofs are more than just aesthetics. Other factors such as price and durability and longevity should also be considered when investing in materials. If doing independent research is too cumbersome, you can directly consult some roofing contractors. They might even be kind enough to give you quotes to assist with your decision-making. Take these factors into consideration when deciding on the right roofing material for your home.
