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A Good Roof Goes Unnoticed

Average Houston homeowners don’t generally give their roof much thought unless there are problems, like storm damage or leaking; however, a sound, attractive roof is essential to the value of any property. A roof in good repair keeps out water and protects our belongings, but roofing also adds to the aesthetic appeal of a house or building.

There’s a Broad Range of Roofing Materials

Today’s market offers more roofing material selections than ever. Traditional asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors, textures, and shapes. Wood shingles and shakes and clay tiles provide a unique or regional look in the United States. The newest products, a rubber product that looks like slate, and metal roofing, offer high-tech engineering with energy-saving benefits.

Fireproof Roofing

Some of the newer options for roofing materials from Houston roofing contractors offer to fireproof and increase longevity, but the standard three-tab asphalt shingle still covers the vast majority of American homes because it is one of the least expensive most easily installed alternatives. Shingles come in several colors and generally have a guarantee between 20-30 years unless damaged by severe weather.

Architectural Shingles

For the homeowner who wants a little more bang for his or her buck thicker shingles called architectural shingles can give an added dimension or geometric pattern. They last about thirty years.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are perennial favorites for those ready to spend a little more. Over time some varieties of wood weather to a grey, or soft silver finish that compliments a rural or rustic landscape. Red, yellow, and white cedar, are excellent choices. These smooth-surfaced shingles are cut to a uniform thickness but vary in width. Since wood shakes are split rather than sawed, they are thicker and rougher than shingles. It is vital to lay wood roofing over a substrate that allows air to circulate. The sheathing required for other types of roofs is counterproductive. Although very attractive, wood shakes and shingles require a more significant initial investment and higher cost maintenance. Mildew, mold, and moss must be removed and the roofing material oiled with a clear wood finishing product. With proper maintenance, a correctly installed wood roof could and should potentially last 30 to 50 years. New fire codes in some localities now require roofing materials to be fireproof, so very convincing fakes are being produced. In addition to being fireproof, these alternatives require little or no maintenance.

Type of Roof Determines Available Roofing Options

When it’s time to install a new roof on your house, and with it, the question of which of the many roofing options you want to use, most of the decisions will be made by the pitch of your roof. The rest will be based on the condition of the roof as well as how much your budget can afford. Another value in the equation is how long you expect a new roof to last and the potential to increase or decrease the resale value of the house with your choice of roofing options.

Check The Framing

Asphalt shingles are the most widely used in today’s market with about 90 percent of the houses wearing asphalt. When considering roofing options be sure to have the framing of the roof checked to make sure it can support the type of roofing materials you want to choose. It is best to test it before deciding on the material than to find out later you need to reinforce the roof trusses to support the new roofing materials.

Lighter Options are Available

Asphalt shingles will weigh between 240 and 400 pounds per hundred square feet, which is one of the reasons why removing the old roof is always recommended. Lighter roofing options include metal roofing at between 40 and 60 pounds per 100 square feet for aluminum and steel will average between 80 and 150 pounds per 100 square feet.

Initial Cost vs. Long Service Life

When examining the cost of roofing options, the initial expense should only be a starting point. Most asphalt shingles will last about 20 years and will cost between $50 and $150 per square, which is 100 square feet. Better brands may be available at a higher cost as well. Installing a slate roof may cost up to $1,000 per square, considering the price of materials and the skill needed for installation. However, it should last about 100 years or longer.

Consider The Length of Future Ownership

Depending on how long you plan to own the house or keep it in the family, as well as how much you have to budget for a new roof will help decide on roofing options more realistic. Additionally, slate tile is considerably heavier than asphalt and could weigh up to 700 to 800 pounds per square, depending on thickness, and additional strengthening of the trusses may push the cost even higher.

Examine All Options

When planning to install a new roof it is advisable to scrutinize all the roofing options available, and all the information about your house. Weather conditions could also help with the decision about finding the best materials for the roof of your house, but the return on available investment should be the deciding factor.