Homeowners consider the cost of a new roof and want to ensure they make the right choice regarding the material used for this job. They debate the benefits and drawbacks of metal, asphalt, and tile roofs but may still struggle to decide. The goal is to ensure the durability and weather resistance of the roof while guaranteeing that it adds to the home’s visual appeal. Budget also plays a role in this decision.
Knowing the benefits and drawbacks of each option is essential. People often decide based on price only to be disappointed over time. By considering all factors, they can make the right choice and have a roof they love for decades.
Setting a Budget
The first step is to set a budget for the project. The homeowner can share this budget when talking with local roofing companies. If their budget won’t allow for the desired roofing material, the contractors can recommend other roofing materials with similar characteristics.
The homeowner must consider the installation and long-term maintenance costs when discussing the price. Thanks to their affordability, lightweight nature, and standard sizing, asphalt shingles remain America’s most common roofing material. If this option is selected, homeowners must replace their roof every 15 to 30 years. Asphalt shingles also require more maintenance than many roofing materials. Homeowners must monitor the roof and clean debris regularly. They must also replace damaged shingles immediately to prevent damage to the home.
Tile roofs cost more at installation, but they also last significantly longer. Men and women who choose this option shouldn’t need to replace their roof for at least 25 years. Some tile options last 50 to 100 years, so the homeowner may never need to replace their roof again. A tile roof requires little maintenance, but homeowners must understand that the weight of the tiles can require modifications to the home before installation. These modifications increase the overall cost of the project.
Many homeowners today choose metal for their roofs. The roofing materials must be professionally installed, which people worry will lead to higher installation costs. However, a metal roof is easy to install for those with the knowledge and specialized tools to complete this work. When selecting this option, a homeowner pays lower labor costs, so the price of a metal roof may be less than they imagined. Metal roofs also require less maintenance than their asphalt peers. They must be cleaned and inspected regularly, but that is all most homeowners need to do to keep the roof in excellent shape.
Aesthetic Considerations
Another element to consider when choosing a roof for a home in Texas is its aesthetic appeal. A visually pleasing roof increases the home’s value and marketability. What should a person know when comparing different roofing materials?
Today, asphalt shingles come in many varieties. The homeowner can choose the color, texture, and style that best complements the home. Homeowners should buy extra boxes of shingles and store them so that damaged shingles can be replaced easily and match the existing ones, particularly if decorative shingles are selected.
Metal roofs also come in many styles. A homeowner may choose tiles, standing seam, and roof shingles, which may mimic other roof materials like wood or slate. A metal roof may last 70 years, so homeowners need to select a style they will love for years to come.
Homeowners may choose from multiple tile roofing options. Each offers unique characteristics, so all should be explored. Clay tiles are durable, beautiful, and can last 100 years or more. Concrete tiles are versatile and affordable. Homeowners love that concrete tiles often resemble wood shakes, slate, or other materials but lack the drawbacks that come with these materials. Slate tiles are a premium option and make a home look more elegant. This roofing material may last 100 years or more, as with clay tiles.
Durability
Texas homeowners know the weather can change in a moment. Their roof must withstand heat, high winds, severe storms, and other forces of nature. When comparing roofing materials, what should they consider?
Metal roofs are highly durable and less susceptible to damage during extreme weather events. Hail, 140-mile-per-hour wind gusts, and fire won’t harm a metal roof. The roof reflects solar radiant heat, keeping the home cool, and repairs are rarely needed. How long does a metal roof last in Texas under these conditions? At a minimum, homeowners can expect a metal roof to last 40 years, although some last a century or more.
Asphalt shingles are easily damaged by wind, hail, and fire. Manufacturers offer hail-resistant shingles, but they increase the cost of an asphalt roof and cannot provide the same level of durability as metal roofs.
Environmental Factors
People often express concern over their carbon footprint. When choosing a roof, they may look for sustainable materials. Metal roofs win in this situation, as the materials can be recycled, and they reflect solar heat to reduce energy consumption and high energy bills. A homeowner might find that the metal roof can be installed over their existing roofing materials, decreasing waste and the homeowner’s environmental impact.
When removed, asphalt shingles must go to the landfill. Furthermore, they often contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment. When the shingles sit in a landfill, these chemicals enter the soil. Fortunately, asphalt manufacturers recognize this, and some now design sustainable shingles that won’t harm the planet.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Each Material
Each roofing material has benefits and drawbacks. When homeowners consider these, they can narrow their choices and find the right material for their homes.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles offer design versatility and are easy to install. They don’t weigh much, so homeowners typically don’t have to modify the home. Nevertheless, asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan than most roofing materials and are susceptible to weather damage. They don’t perform well in hot climates, as they will become brittle and crack. Extreme weather may also harm the shingles.
Tile roofs resist fire, rot, and insects. Owners love that the tiles naturally ventilate the property to keep it cool, which is helpful in Texas. They save money on their energy bills each month. However, many homes must be structurally modified to support the weight of the tiles, adding to the installation cost. A professional must install the tile, as the process is complex, and the tiles are fragile. The homeowner must have a professional handle maintenance tasks to avoid damage to the roof.
Metal roofs are extremely energy efficient in hot climates and last an extended time. Some people love the sound of rain on a metal roof, while others despise the noise. Those in the second category may request additional insulation during installation to absorb and dampen the sound. Metal roofs may dent during storms. A homeowner can opt for thicker gauge metal, which increases the project cost.
Energy Efficiency
Energy costs have risen in recent years, leading homeowners to search for ways to reduce costs. Texas homeowners may want to upgrade to a metal roof because it will reflect the sun, leading to a cooler interior and less wear and tear on the HVAC system. In contrast, asphalt shingles absorb the sun’s heat, leading to higher energy bills. Tile roofs are designed to keep the home’s interior cool, so this option should not be overlooked.
Home Resale Value
A new roof improves a property’s curb appeal and may also increase its resale value. Homebuyers consider a metal roof a premium feature and will pay more for its energy efficiency and durability. The return on investment of a metal roof is estimated to be 65 percent. A tile roof also enhances a property’s appeal and value, particularly in certain parts of the country, and a well-maintained asphalt roof will offer a decent return on investment.
Making the Right Choice
When homeowners have ample information, choosing the right roof isn’t challenging. They must consider the factors outlined above and a few others. As mentioned, budget is often the top priority, but that doesn’t mean a person should choose based on price. They need to talk with the roofing contractor to find the best roof for the home at a price they can afford.
Durability and longevity must be considered, and weather resistance and energy efficiency are critical in Texas, which is known for extreme temperatures and severe weather. However, many homeowners want an eco-friendly roof to do their part in protecting the planet. The right roof will ensure they don’t have to sacrifice in one area. They can find the right balance between these features and others.
Curb appeal and maintenance are other factors to consider, and a homeowner should learn more about the installation process. The material’s weight can increase the project’s cost, particularly when the home must be fortified before installing the roof. Finally, sound insulation should be considered, especially if the house is in an urban area. People cannot enjoy their homes if they hear every noise from outdoors.
Choosing the wrong roofing material can lead to higher energy costs and the need for frequent replacements. Most homeowners choose roofing materials based on price at purchase and spend more in the lon g run. Avoid this by considering all factors when choosing a roof and working with a reputable contractor to protect the home, its contents, and the residents.
