The roof of your home plays a key role in protecting the structural integrity of your house, not to mention the safety of you and your family members. That’s why when it’s time to replace your roof and consider using a new material, you’ll need to weigh your options carefully.
Learn what you should consider to ensure you select the best roofing material for your unique needs!
1. What Roofing Materials Are in Your Budget?
If you don’t have unlimited funds to spend on your roof replacement, materials cost will play a central role in determining the type of roofing you can put in your house. In many cases, the more expensive roofing materials are well worth their additional cost since their lifespans are typically far longer than those of less costly roofing.
Generally, you’ll want to err toward asphalt shingles if you have a relatively small budget since this roofing can cost as little as a dollar per square foot. If you have more wiggle room, you may opt for longer-lasting roofing materials like metal, slate, or tile.
2. What Home Design Do You Have?
The roof of your home is (obviously) highly visible to the outside world, so you must ensure it either matches or complements the design of your house! These days, most roofing materials are available in a dizzying variety of colors and shapes and can work with almost any architectural style.
If you’re unsure what goes best with your home’s design, you can always consult an experienced roofing contractor for recommendations.
3. How Much Do You Care About Energy Efficiency?
Are you trying to cut down your energy costs or environmental footprint? If so, you’ll want to select roofing materials that are eco-friendly. Since asphalt shingles are byproducts of the petroleum manufacturing process, you may want to avoid them.
Metal, slate, or tile shingles, on the other hand, are very environmentally friendly and offer superior insulation, which can help reduce indoor-outdoor heat transfer and lower your energy bills.
4. What Climate Conditions Will Test Your Roof?
In Minnesota, we’re prone to high winds during summer storm season, so this should be a major consideration when you’re weighing your roofing materials options. Since we also get a lot of snow throughout winter, you’ll also need to consider which materials are best for roof drainage and long-term water resistance.
An experienced roofing contractor can point you in the right direction since contractors routinely perform roofing repairs and have a deep understanding of which materials tend to perform better than others.
While working with a professional can help you choose the best materials, regular maintenance after the installation is the best way to keep your roof functioning optimally! A few springtime expert tips include:
● Cleaning out your downspouts and gutters.
● Scheduling for a professional roofing inspection.
● Check the drip edges, soffits, and fascia.
● Inspect the attic space for water damage or stains.
● Check windows and vents for holes, tears, and any other damages.
5. What Maintenance Requirements Can You Accept?
Are you okay with performing frequent roof maintenance in the winter? Or would you prefer a roofing material that lasts a long time without the need for constant upkeep? Materials like metal, slate, and tile can last several decades with very little maintenance, so if you’re seeking durability and longevity, you’ll want to err toward those.
If you need help deciding, a reputable roofing contractor is your best source of information on maintenance requirements for various roofing materials.
6. The Type of Roof
The fact is, not every type of material is going to work with your roof. Some options, like metal, will work better with sloped designs, and flat roofs may need a more heavy-duty choice, like tile or concrete, for the highest level of protection against weather and moisture.
7. Durability
A new roof is a long-term investment and can help keep your home protected from damage created by debris, weather, and animals. You want to consider the material's lifespan and choose something that can hold up through the years.
Traditional asphalt shingles will last between 15 and 25 years. Metal roofing systems can last upwards of 50 years or longer, saving you time, money, and less on replacements moving forward.
8. ROI and Warranties
If you plan on selling your home soon, choose a material to get the highest return on investment. The higher the quality and the newer the roofing system, the more attractive that can be to potential buyers.
Each material will also come with different warranties, and while some manufacturers have limited options, others have lifetime coverage, so consider this to make an informed choice.
Is Your Home Due for Roof Replacement?
While there may be signs your roof needs replacing, it might not always be obvious. A few key indicators are:
● Your roof is way past its lifespan.
● You're spending more on repairs than a replacement.
● You're finding shingle granules in your gutters and yard.
● Water spots or stains are showing up on your ceiling and walls.
● The roof flashing has been damaged.
● The roof is drooping or sagging in sections.
● The installation was not done correctly.
● You're seeing black algae or patches of moss growing on the system.
Need a Roofing Contractor Near Elk River, MN? Contact Kiser!
Whether you need a complete roof replacement or just a few roof repairs, let our team at Kiser Construction show you what quality workmanship looks like! We specialize in full-service roof installation and repairs and have proudly served homeowners throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro for nearly 20 years. Check out our reviews to see what people are saying!
To get an estimate or learn more about our services, give us a call today at 763-633-2010 or connect with us online, and we’ll be in touch!