Installing a new roof on your house is a big job, and one of the most significant single maintenance investments you will probably ever make in your home. Re-roofing your house can cost thousands of dollars, so it’s important to make sure you’re happy with the final product.
But many homeowners find the process of selecting roofing materials incredibly daunting. With so many brands and styles available, how can you choose the right ones? Here are three tips that can help you get started.
1. Understand What You’re Buying
While it might seem like there are dozens of different roofing options available to you, if you have a pitched roof and you don’t want metal or slate, you are basically looking at these three basic types of shingle.
- Asphalt 3-Tab Shingles: 3-tab shingles are the simplest and most inexpensive type of shingle on the market. Lightweight, easy to install, and good for up to twenty years, these shingles are ideal for shoppers on a budget.
- Laminated Shingles: Also known as Architectural shingles, laminated shingles are thick and sturdy while also being quite lightweight. They have quickly become the dominate type of shingle for houses in temperate parts of North America for their classic look and 30-year lifespan.
- Cedar Shakes: Cedar shakes are long, thin pieces of wood that are laid down in overlapping rows. While they can be more expensive than asphalt shingles, they last significantly longer — up to fifty years, in some cases.
Within these three categories of shingle there is a variety of design options, but picking out the general type of shingle will help you significantly narrow your search.
2. Consult Experts About the Most Appropriate Options
Once you have an idea for what the general options are, you’ll be equipped to talk to experts who can help you refine your search and settle on the best possible version of what you’re looking for.
Getting an opinion from an Ajax roofing contractor with extensive experience working on local houses is a good way to make sure that the style of roof you want is a good fit for your local environment.
3. Don’t Ignore Aesthetics
A good roof doesn’t just keep out the rain: it also impacts your home’s overall curb appeal. Though your first priority when choosing shingles should be quality and effectiveness, that doesn’t mean you should ignore aesthetics altogether.
Having a roof that matches the overall look and feel of your property matters a lot when it comes time to sell, so it can be worth spending a little more in the short term if it means getting a roof that makes the house look even better.
If you’ve never purchased a new roof before, it can be tempting to simply opt for the first reasonable option presented to you. But putting the time into finding the best materials for your home will be worth it in the long run, so make sure to do your research, consult Ajax roofers who understand local conditions, and choose something that will complement your home’s aesthetic.
