Installing a roof is a major expense that is why picking the right roofing materials is important. The goal should be to choose a roof that is long lasting and that still provides an esthetic value. The longer your roof lasts before replacement is necessary, the more value you get out of it. In this blog, we discuss how to choose the right roofing materials. 

Start with Climate

Most materials will stand up to cold and snow, but metal roofs tend to last longer and with proper insulation, they remain a top choice for energy efficiency. If you are looking for something that is  more economical, then asphalt shingles are not only less expensive they are less expensive to care for. One key differnce between metal and asphalt roofs is that snow and ice can stick to asphalt better than it can to metal roofing. 

The best materials for cold winters are those that are heavy such as slate tiles. The drawback to using slate or terra cotta tiles is that they require extra securing to make them durable during high winds. That extra work can drive up the price of a roof made from those materials. 

Winter is only one of the seasons that homes here experience. The summer’s heat can be a hassle too. Smart roofs absorb heat in winter and reflect incoming solar radiation away during summer. Tiles are a good option because they can be painted or coated to help keep a roof cool. Metal roofs also make a great choice as they can be treated to reflect heat too.  Additionally, metal roofs have come a long way from the corrugated, wavy, shed look — you can now get styles that look like wood, stone, and clay.  The introduction of metal roofing in shingle, shake, slate and tile styles has reinvigorated the metal roofing industry (article from Bob Vila).

 Mixed Media Roofing

There is no reason not to consider mixing roofing materials. Your main roof can be of one material and your covered porches of another. If you like the idea of the sound of rain on a metal roof, then use metal roofing for your porches. If you like the energy efficiency of slate, asphalt, or tile, then use those as the main material for your home. 

Mixing roofing materials can add value and charm to a home’s design. Consider the aged look of copper or the resilience of aluminum. Both metals work well as trim and the design can help tie together the overall look of the home. 

Experts at Your Service

At Design Custom Homes, we work with clients to produce the best results. Our homes are built to be energy efficient, stylish, and to hold creature comforts that make our buildings your dream home. If you have questions about how to choose the best roofing material, talk to our design team. Our experts are happy to answer your questions and present information that is customized to your design ideas. We provide solutions that improve the quality of home living.