Which roof is the right one for your home? You’re ready to upgrade the existing roof. But you’re not sure which type of material or color to choose. This is where a professional comes in. If you’re not sure what to do next, take a look at the questions to ask the roofing contractor right now.
Which Type of Roof Is the Best Roof?
There isn’t just one type of roof. Even though materials are a top priority, you also need to make sure you’ve selected the right or best style roof for your home. If you are re-roofing your roof or don’t want to make significant structural changes, you should continue to use the existing style.
But if you want to completely remodel your home’s exterior, you can select a new or different type of design. The most popular roof styles include:
- The gable roof. This is what many people imagine when they think of a roof. The gabled roof is a pitched triangular shape with two sloping sides.
- The hip roof. This pitched roof has four sloping sides that form either a ridge or a peak.
- The dormer roof. This roof has windows in it. Dormers are windows that extend out from the slanted sides of the roof. There are several subtypes of dormer roofs, including the arched top, eyebrow, flared gable, hipped, and pyramidal styles.
- The gambrel roof. This farmhouse-style roof slopes on the sides, starting with a low angle and moving into a steep slant.
- The flat roof. As the name implies, this roof is flat. While you may not see the roof from below, the flat roof could have a minor or gentle slope to relieve stress from water buildup.
The type of roof that works best for your home depends on the exterior structure, the overall design, and the aesthetics. While you might work with a home décor expert to choose stylistic elements of your home, a roofing contractor is necessary to select the type of roof that makes the most sense structurally and will provide the best protection.
Which Type of Material Is the Best Material for Your Roof?
Like overall types or designs, you won’t find just one roofing material. You could select to replace your existing roof with the same material or you may want to explore other options. Many types of materials, such as asphalt shingles, are available in an array of different color palettes. The top materials for residential roofs include:
- Asphalt shingles. This popular pick is durable and economical. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), architectural asphalt shingles have a 30-year lifespan and three-tab shingles can last for 20 years.
- Clay tiles. Clay has a Mediterranean style and is extremely long-lasting. This type of roofing tile could have a century or more lifespan, according to InterNACHI.
- Slate tile. Slate may last for 60 to 150 years. Even though the material is at the pricier end of the roofing spectrum, it has an elegant aesthetic, and you won’t have to replace it anytime soon.
- EPDM. This rubber roofing membrane is ideal for flat roofs and can last up to 25 years.
Wood shingles and shakes. Wood creates a rustic look for a roof. While this material has an expected 25-year average lifespan, according to InterNACHI, it does require plenty of regular care to maintain.
Along with these materials, metal is growing in popularity as a prime pick for residential roofs. You can use metal on a sloped or flat roof, and it is available in a variety of colors. This high-shine, modern-looking option could last for 80 years.
Do you want to learn more about the roofing options available in your area? Contact Fitz Roofing for more information.
