You can say a lot of things about roofs, and most of them might be true. But one thing that nobody can argue with is that roofs are tops. This statement can be taken in several ways. A roof does for the top of your home. It can also act like a "top" or lid for your home, keeping the rain out. Then, there's the third meaning, which is the one we happen to like the most: roofs are the best. (People say things are "tops" when they really like them.) Since we like roofs so much, we've decided to write about them, and you've discovered the blog where we do that.
Brian Riley
While each type of roof has specific pros and cons that affect its suitability for a particular roofing project, all roofs are primarily designed to protect the interior space of a building against outside elements like rain, ice, snow, hail, wind, direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and many more. Roofs also contribute to the overall appearance of a building, thus defining its architectural style.
As there aren't many roofing materials out there that can meet everyone's roofing requirements, selecting your residential roof will require careful consideration to get right. Here are some critical questions to ask yourself as you explore your residential roofing material options.
Which Roofing Material Fits Your Specific Climate Zone?
When it comes to choosing a roof-covering material for your home, always think about your area-specific climatic conditions. Some roofing materials work better in certain climates than others, so you'll need to understand the characteristics of your local climate in order to make the right choice.
If you live in a hot climate zone, for example, you'll need to build a roof that minimizes solar heat gain. This way, you can keep your home's cooling load and air conditioning bills as low as possible. If you live in a cold climate, choose a roofing material that can absorb the heat of sunshine so you can stay warm when outdoor temperatures start to drop.
When choosing a roof for your climate, also consider the maintenance requirements of the roof and how long it can last when maintained well. Pick a roofing material you can take care of comfortably and will last as long as you want.
Which Look Do You Want for Your Roof?
As the top covering of your home, the roof is going to impact the building's overall shape and appearance. With the many different shapes, colors, profiles, and finishes that today's roofing materials come in, it can be difficult to figure out which look will work best for your home.
If you want to pick a roofing material that will give the look you desire, consider your residential building's architectural design as well as the look of surrounding buildings. Go for a material that complements your home's style while blending nicely with the general look of neighboring properties.
The consequences of choosing the wrong material for your residential roof can be dire. Ineffective roofing material won't be able to keep destructive elements out. This will reduce the life of the roof itself and your entire house, too. If you need expert help with picking the correct material for your roofing project, contact a roofing contractor that serves residents in your area.