Can’t you just picture it? The white picket fence, beautiful landscaping, and big front porch complete with a swing — it’s everything you wanted in your dream home! You know exactly what color you want to paint the walls, already have your backsplash picked out, but hold on a minute. Have you thought about what type of roof your new house should have?
It might not be the most glamorous or exciting part of designing a new house, but the roof you choose is important, and we’re not talking about just aesthetics. You need a roof that works as good as it looks, which is why you need to consider the following things when deciding which roof is best for your new home.
There are three main types of shingles used on new house roofs in this area: asphalt, wood shakes, and metal. As with any decision, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option. Here’s what you need to know before you choose:
The most common and cost-effective, asphalt shingles offer protection from water, fire, and moderate winds, work well on most any style of home, and last around 15 – 25 years. The two types typically chosen are called 3-Tab and Architectural.
If you want a more natural appearance, wood shakes or shingles are typically made of cedar, redwood or southern pine, though they require regular maintenance to keep their appearance from fading. They can be sawn or split and have a lifespan of around 30 years. While they have a natural resistance to water and insects, and are also resistant to damaging winds, they do need to be treated to offer appropriate fire protection.
Metal
Metal roofs are the longest lasting, with a life expectancy set at a minimum of 50 years! They’re also more expensive than other options, though a worthy investment over time. Not only do they offer longevity, but they are also lightweight, resistant to water, fire and wind, and are quite energy-efficient.
You can choose shingles or standing seam metal sheets, but keep in mind that repairs to these types of roofs can be more costly than those made of other materials, and metal roofs need to be installed over attic space or a closed frame to ensure noisy rain storms don’t keep you awake!
Probably one of the biggest factors that feed into which type of roof you choose is how much you can spend, right? You want to make sure your choice provides the best value, which means you want a quality roof with great curb appeal, but it has to be at a price that makes sense for you. Well, to find that balance, you need to weigh more than up-front expenses vs. long run. You need to consider more than just the cost of materials. You also need to think about the style, structure, and location of your new home and how these can affect your budget.
A new house is definitely exciting, but it comes with a lot of decisions to make, not the least of which is what type of roof to put on it! If you’re ready to decide on a new roof for your new home, reach out to Werner Roofing. We offer the most reliable product lines installed by expert roofing crews and can help make your decision a whole lot easier. Give us a call today at 616-844-5382 and we’ll help you choose a roof that fits both your vision and your budget, and will protect your new home for years to come.
How do you know when it’s time for a new roof? The only way to be sure of your residential roof’s current condition is to have a licensed professional personally inspect it. Werner Roofing is proud to offer free roof inspections for every client, so you can be sure of your roof’s condition. Every Werner Roofing inspection comes complete with our promise: “We won’t recommend or sell a roof replacement unless it’s necessary.”
A Complete Guide to Seasonal Gutter Maintenance Gutters, often referred to as the unsung heroes…
Gutters play a crucial role in your roof's overall health and longevity. Efficient gutter systems…
Getting a new roof is a significant undertaking. Whether you're facing a necessary upgrade to…
Whether you’re thinking of listing your home soon or in the future, the overall value…
When it comes to making our homes more eco-friendly, we often think about solar panels,…