When it comes to re-roofing your house, there have never been more options for materials than there are today.
Whether you have a flat roof or a pitched roof, a century-old home or a recent build in a new subdivision, there are dozens of materials and styles to explore, from the classic 3-Tab shingle to high-end metal roofing tiles and cutting-edge membranes.
Figuring out which materials are best for you is a multi-step process, and you can spend weeks or even months just figuring out what the modern roofing landscape looks like. To save you time, here is a short guide to figuring out what material is best for your needs.
1. Determine Your Budget
These days, the sky is the limit when it comes to luxury materials. Wood shakes for a rustic look? Classic slates for an Oxbridge feel? Ceramic tile for a touch of Mediterranean elegance? Metal roofing for modernist flair? All are available — if you can pay for them.
For most of us, the biggest factor determining what we build with is simply the price tag. In many places, you can get a roof that will last 15-20 years for under $7,000. This can, however, balloon to $20,000 or more if you want higher quality shingles. Settling on a budget before you start looking is a great way to narrow your focus.
2. Define Your Priorities
A roof serves many different purposes. In addition to keeping the rain out, it also insulates your living space, channels water away from your home, and enhances curb appeal. If you simply go for the cheapest roof possible, it may detract from your overall aesthetic, or lead to ice damming problems, so it’s worth balancing different requirements.
If you plan on living in your home for the long term, it makes sense to spend a little more on a roof you won’t have to replace for decades. If you’re planning on selling in the near future, though, shelling out on a roof that will be good for fifty years may not be a wise investment.
Either way, defining your priorities and deciding what the most important features are can help you figure out how best to spend your money.
3. Consult with Your Contractor
Once you’ve determined your budget and set out your priorities, the next step is booking a consultation with your contractor. Hiring an experienced contractor like Professional Roofers to look over your property and offer suggestions about how to proceed is a great way to catch problems early on.
For example, Toronto roofers who have worked on houses like yours before have seen what works and what doesn’t, and may be able to steer you toward materials that are better suited for your kind of property. No matter how much research you do, a professional with real-world experience can see issues you may be blind to.
Replacing an old roof is an ideal time to consider upgrades that can seriously enhance the overall value of your property, so it’s important to make sure you’ve looked at all the options. Starting with a realistic budget, prioritizing what matters, and working with professionals to find the best way forward will ensure that you’ll be happy with the decision you make for years to come.