If you are in the process of trying to figure out the type of roof you want on your home, then you'll need to learn at least the basics of some different types that are often chosen for residential properties. Whether you end up with a roof that's going to be high maintenance, or you end up with one that you don't like the look of, you will only have yourself to blame if you didn't take your research seriously. Here is a short guide to common residential roofing choices and their benefits.
1. Asphalt Shingles
Many residential homes have asphalt shingles. They generally catch homeowner's attention because they help make most homes fit in with the other homes in the neighborhood. Some benefits that come with them include:
- A budget-friendly price
- Many color options that help the roof to match the home's exterior
- The ability to work with homes of many styles
- A new roof may be able to be laid over the current one in the future with no need for a tear-off
- Accommodating for things like skylight or solar panel installation
2. Synthetic Roof
Synthetic roofing materials are some of the newest additions in the roofing material industry. This type of roof is made with materials that can include rubber, polymer, and other materials. They can be extremely versatile and look great on all styles of homes. Five benefits you would likely appreciate include:
- Synthetic roofs can mimic the appearance of other material types, such as slate
- The roofing materials are designed to look great, but also be very durable and long-lasting
- A synthetic roof can give you that slate look for a much more affordable price
- A synthetic roof offers easy installation, so the job will be completed quickly
- Repairs are often minor and easy to complete
3. Slate
Slate roofs are often installed by the types of homeowners who put a lot of energy into making sure their home's exterior and the landscape look fabulous. Slate roofs offer an elegant and beautiful looking roof that shows true pride of ownership. Here are some benefits that slate roofing can provide:
- A fireproof roof
- Stunning color options including an earthy green, black, purple, and more
- Slate is durable and will do well in all types of weather
- Slate can be a fantastic way to finish off a Colonial or chateau-style home
- A slate roof can last for more than 100 years
Know your budget and the maximum price you can put toward the roof. Also, consider other important things, such as the warranties, how the roofing materials stand up to the types of weather you experience in your region, and which roof you find the most appealing. Another thing you might want to consider is whether you plan on having solar panels installed, or whether you will eventually want skylights installed. This can help you determine which roof would be more accommodating to those changes.
